Sample design and research design are two closely related concepts in research methodology, and the two are often interdependent.
Research design refers to the overall plan or strategy for conducting research, including the selection of research methods, data collection procedures, and data analysis techniques. The research design is typically determined by the research question and the purpose of the study.
Sample design, on the other hand, refers to the process of selecting a sample from a larger population for research or data analysis. The sample is a subset of the population that is selected to represent the population's characteristics accurately. The sample design is determined by the research question, the research design, and the population's characteristics.
The relationship between sample design and research design is that the sample design is a critical component of the research design. The research design determines the overall approach to the study, while the sample design determines the specific subset of the population that will be studied.
The research design guides the selection of research methods, data collection procedures, and data analysis techniques, while the sample design determines the size of the sample, the sampling method, and the criteria for inclusion in the sample. The sample design must be aligned with the research design to ensure that the sample represents the population's characteristics accurately and that the results are valid and reliable.
Therefore, sample design and research design are interdependent and must be carefully considered when conducting research to ensure that the results are meaningful and accurate.
