What are research designs primarily focused on?

Research designs are fundamentally focused on planning to find answers to research questions. This entails establishing a structured framework that dictates how a study is to be conducted, including the identification of the type of data needed, the methods of data collection, and the analysis techniques to be employed. A well-defined research design helps ensure that the methodology aligns with the objectives of the study, allowing researchers to systematically address the queries posed.

By effectively formulating the research design, social workers can generate credible and reliable findings that contribute to the field's body of knowledge. The overall goal is to facilitate inquiry that leads to meaningful insights and conclusions, which can ultimately guide practice or policy discussions. While aspects such as cost-effectiveness, hypothesis generation, and sample size are relevant to research, they are components that may fall under the broader umbrella of the research design rather than the primary focus itself. Hence, planning to successfully find answers remains the central purpose of research designs.