C1 Expression Formal 2 min de lectura

The research design was

Research methodology and reporting expression

Use this phrase to introduce the structured strategy you used to gather and analyze information.

En 15 segundos

  • Introduces the logical framework of a study or investigation.
  • Essential for academic papers, lab reports, and professional analysis.
  • Signals that your findings are based on a structured plan.

Significado

This phrase is the 'game plan' for a study or project. It tells your audience exactly how you organized your investigation to find the answers you needed.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Writing a university thesis

The research design was a longitudinal study spanning five years.

The research design was a longitudinal study spanning five years.

💼
2

Presenting market data to a boss

The research design was focused on consumer behavior in urban areas.

The research design was focused on consumer behavior in urban areas.

💼
3

Explaining a simple observation to a colleague

The research design was basically me watching people at the park for an hour.

The research design was basically me watching people at the park for an hour.

🤝
🌍

Contexto cultural

This phrase is a cornerstone of Western academic writing, rooted in the Enlightenment's focus on empirical evidence. In English-speaking universities, 'Research Design' is often a standalone course, emphasizing its importance in the hierarchy of knowledge. It signals that the speaker is part of a professional or scholarly community.

💡

Be Specific

Don't just stop at 'The research design was good.' Always follow it with a technical term like 'exploratory' or 'experimental' to sound truly professional.

⚠️

Watch the Tense

Use `was` if the study is finished. Use `is` only if you are describing the permanent logic of the plan itself, but `was` is safer for reports.

En 15 segundos

  • Introduces the logical framework of a study or investigation.
  • Essential for academic papers, lab reports, and professional analysis.
  • Signals that your findings are based on a structured plan.

What It Means

Think of The research design was as the blueprint for a house. Before you start building, you need a plan. In the world of science and business, this phrase introduces that plan. It explains the logic behind your work. It tells people if you used numbers, interviews, or experiments. It is the 'how' behind your 'what.'

How To Use It

You usually follow this phrase with a specific type of study. You might say The research design was qualitative if you did interviews. If you used a survey, you'd say The research design was descriptive. It acts like a bridge. It connects your big question to your actual actions. It’s very common in university papers or professional reports.

When To Use It

Use this when you need to sound like an expert. It belongs in the 'Methodology' section of a report. You can use it in a business meeting to justify your findings. It shows you didn't just guess; you had a system. If someone asks, 'How did you get these results?' this is your opening line.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use this in casual conversation. If you say this at a party, people might think you're still at the office. Avoid it when talking about simple daily choices. You wouldn't say, 'The research design was thorough' when choosing a movie. It’s too heavy for light topics. Keep it for serious analysis.

Cultural Background

In English-speaking academic culture, the 'how' is everything. We value transparency and logic. If people can't see your design, they won't trust your results. This phrase reflects the Western 'Scientific Method.' It’s about being objective and organized. It’s a verbal signal that you are playing by the rules of logic.

Common Variations

You might hear The study was designed to... or Our methodological approach was... Sometimes people just say The design was... if the context is clear. In tech, you might hear The experimental setup was... instead. They all aim for the same goal: explaining the strategy.

Notas de uso

This phrase is strictly formal and academic. It is almost exclusively used in written reports, presentations, or serious professional discussions regarding data and evidence.

💡

Be Specific

Don't just stop at 'The research design was good.' Always follow it with a technical term like 'exploratory' or 'experimental' to sound truly professional.

⚠️

Watch the Tense

Use `was` if the study is finished. Use `is` only if you are describing the permanent logic of the plan itself, but `was` is safer for reports.

💬

The 'Design' Secret

In English, 'design' isn't just about art. In science, it's about logic. Using this word shows you understand that research is a structured craft.

Ejemplos

6
#1 Writing a university thesis
💼

The research design was a longitudinal study spanning five years.

The research design was a longitudinal study spanning five years.

Used to define the specific timeframe and type of study.

#2 Presenting market data to a boss
💼

The research design was focused on consumer behavior in urban areas.

The research design was focused on consumer behavior in urban areas.

Explains the scope of the business investigation.

#3 Explaining a simple observation to a colleague
🤝

The research design was basically me watching people at the park for an hour.

The research design was basically me watching people at the park for an hour.

A slightly more relaxed way to describe a simple method.

#4 A student joking about their messy project
😄

The research design was essentially 'guess and check' until something worked.

The research design was essentially 'guess and check' until something worked.

Humorous use to admit a lack of real structure.

#5 Texting a classmate about a group project
😊

Remember, the research design was supposed to be qualitative, not quantitative!

Remember, the research design was supposed to be qualitative, not quantitative!

Clarifying the project requirements in a quick message.

#6 Defending a controversial study
💭

The research design was carefully vetted to ensure ethical standards were met.

The research design was carefully vetted to ensure ethical standards were met.

Used to emphasize the integrity and seriousness of the work.

Ponte a prueba

Complete the sentence for a formal lab report.

The research ___ was a double-blind experiment to minimize bias.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: design

`Design` is the standard term used in research contexts to describe the structure of a study.

Choose the correct verb tense for a completed study.

The research design ___ a comparative analysis of two different school systems.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: was

When reporting on a study you have already finished, use the past tense `was`.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of 'The research design was'

Casual

Talking to a friend about a hobby.

I just looked it up online.

Neutral

Explaining a work task to a peer.

My plan for the project was...

Formal

Writing an academic paper or official report.

The research design was...

When to use 'The research design was'

The research design was
🎓

University Thesis

Explaining your methodology.

📊

Market Research

Presenting data to stakeholders.

🔬

Scientific Journal

Describing an experiment.

💰

Grant Proposal

Outlining future work.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, it's perfect for any project where you had to gather information. It makes your school work sound much more professional.

Yes, that is also correct, but The research design was is more concise and common in academic writing.

Usually an adjective or a noun phrase like qualitative, a case study, or experimental. It defines the category of your work.

Absolutely. Market researchers use it constantly to explain how they surveyed customers or analyzed competitors.

You use is when you are proposing a plan that hasn't happened yet. Use was when you are reporting on what you already did.

No, in this context, design means the structural plan or methodology of the study, not a visual drawing.

It depends on the email. If you are emailing a professor or a client about a study, it's perfect. If you're emailing a friend, it's too stiff.

A common mistake is being too vague. Don't say The research design was interesting. Say what kind of design it actually was.

In casual settings, you can say I did it by... or My method was... but The research design was is the gold standard for formal work.

Not directly. It refers to the *plan*. The people are usually called the sample or participants within that design.

Frases relacionadas

Methodological framework

The set of rules and procedures used in a study.

Data collection procedure

The specific way information was gathered.

Experimental setup

The physical or logical arrangement of an experiment.

Sampling strategy

The method used to choose participants for a study.

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