Diagnostic research design is a type of research focused on evaluating the cause of a specific problem or phenomenon.
Understanding Diagnostic Research
Based on the provided reference, diagnostic research design is employed when a researcher is trying to pinpoint why something is happening. The primary goal is to evaluate the cause of a specific problem or phenomenon.
This approach goes beyond simply describing a situation; it delves into the underlying reasons. As the reference states, this research design is used to understand more in detail the factors that are creating problems in the company or other contexts. It's about diagnosing the root causes behind observed issues or trends.
Key Purpose
The core purpose of this design is to:
- Identify Causes: Determine the reasons or factors contributing to a particular problem.
- Gain Detail: Understand these causal factors in depth.
Practical Application
Imagine a company experiencing a sudden drop in sales. A diagnostic research design would not just report that sales are down (descriptive research) or try to predict future sales (predictive research). Instead, it would investigate why sales are falling. This could involve analyzing customer feedback, evaluating marketing campaign effectiveness, studying competitor actions, or examining internal operational issues to understand more in detail the factors that are creating the sales problem.
This type of design is crucial for problem-solving, allowing organizations or researchers to address the root causes rather than just the symptoms.
