RSE4801
Assignment 4
Unique No: 705098
DUE 25 September 2024
, Research Design and Methodology
Introduction
The research design and methodology chapter is integral to any scientific study as it
outlines how the research will be conducted and the rationales behind chosen methods.
This chapter provides a structured framework that guides the research process,
detailing the research paradigm, approach, methodology, methods, sampling
techniques, data analysis, ethical considerations, and quality assurance. This design is
informed by the previous assignment (Assignment 3), focusing on the principles of
physics and their application in real-world scenarios, particularly the dynamics of motion,
energy conservation, and the interactions between moving objects.
Research Design
The research design is critical in establishing the blueprints for the research project. It
specifies the structure of the research and the various strategies employed to address
the research questions. Given the nature of the inquiry, which seeks to explore the
principles of physics through practical applications, a mixed-methods design will be
employed, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches.
Research Paradigm
The research paradigm is the set of beliefs that guide the researcher in the process of
understanding the phenomena of interest. In this study, the predominantly positivist
paradigm will be adopted. Positivism emphasizes the importance of observable and
measurable facts, advocating for the use of quantitative data analysis to test established
theories. This paradigm is suitable because it allows for the examination of the laws of
physics through empirical evidence, such as measurements of energy loss, force, and
motion.
Research Approach
This study will utilize a deductive approach, which involves testing existing theories
through the exploration of specific hypotheses derived from those theories. The
deductive approach is suitable because it permits the verification of the physical laws of
motion and energy conservation through experimental design, enabling researchers to
draw definitive conclusions based on collected data. Specific hypotheses from the
principles of physics, formed during the inquiry into th e problems presented in
Assignment 3, will guide the methodology and analysis.