These are the basic steps to performing research, based on the principles of the Scientific Method. Notice how research design does not even come into play until one has studied whatever has been already done to address the problem a researcher is interested in.

If you think of “research design” as a tool, you can see why you need different tools, depending on the job that needs to be done. For example, a hammer is a useful tool for putting a nail into a wall, but may not be so useful for fixing a leaky faucet.

Thus, versatile researchers have a “toolbox” of research designs to address whatever questions come up. However, it is more likely that career researchers limit their research interests to those that can be best addressed by tools they are most comfortable working with.