Research Design, Method & Design Method 2
There are different approaches in conducting research approaches, however, the three
research designs are fixed, flexible and mixed (Abutabenjeh & Jaradat, 2018; Battista & Torre,
2023). Each design has its own characteristics and is appropriate to use in specific situations.
Fixed research design follows a pre-determined plan and does not permit any deviation from the
original protocol and involves a clear set of research questions, objectives, and methods that are
carefully defined before the study begins (Charli et al., 2022). Fixed research designs are most
commonly used in quantitative research, where hypothesis testing and control over variables are
crucial and when a research study requires a high level of control, precision, and replication.
Unlike the fixed design, flexible research design allows for modifications during the research
process based on emerging insights or findings and often involves an iterative approach, where
adjustments to the research questions, methods, or sampling techniques are made as the study
progresses (Eisenmann, 2021). Flexible research designs are recommended in exploratory
research or when the research topic is relatively new and lacks prior knowledge or established
frameworks. This design encourages creativity, adaptation, and the ability to address unexpected
findings or phenomena. The mixed design combines elements of both fixed and flexible designs
and it involves using both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather data and answer
research questions. Mixed research designs are appropriate when a comprehensive understanding
of the research problem is desired, as they allow for the integration of various perspectives and
data sources and are often used when researchers want to complement statistical analysis with in-
depth exploration or when there is a need to triangulate findings (Siponen, 2021).
Despite differences in the various designs, all three designs aim to gather data, answer
research questions, and contribute to knowledge in their respective fields requiring careful
planning, data collection, analysis, and interpretation while adhering to ethical considerations
Research Design, Method & Design Method 3
and rigor in research practices (Abutabenjeh & Jaradat, 2018; Siponen et al., 2021). On the other
hand, fixed designs are more rigid and structured, while flexible designs allow for adaptation and
change during the research process. In addition, fixed designs are more common in quantitative
research, while flexible designs are suitable for exploratory or qualitative research, however,
mixed designs involve using both quantitative and qualitative methods, while fixed and flexible
designs primarily focus on one approach (Battista, & Torre, 2023; Charli et al., 2022). Mixed
designs are more comprehensive in their approach, aiming to provide a holistic understanding of
the research problem, while fixed and flexible designs focus on specific aspects of the problem.
According to Abutabenjeh and Jaradat (2018), fixed research designs are commonly
associated with quantitative research methods. This includes the collection, analysis, and
interpretation of numerical data using statistical techniques. Examples of quantitative methods
include surveys, experiments, and statistical modeling. Whereas, flexible research designs are
often linked with qualitative research methods and qualitative methods involve in-depth
exploration and understanding of complex phenomena, often through interviews, observations,
focus groups, or content analysis. They aim to capture rich, descriptive data and uncover
underlying meanings and experiences. As the name suggests, mixed research designs typically
involve a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Mixed methods research
incorporates both numerical data and narrative data to provide a more comprehensive
understanding of a research problem. This can involve collecting quantitative data through
surveys or experiments, as well as gathering qualitative data through interviews or observations.
The distinction between the research designs (fixed, flexible, and mixed) and the research
methods (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) is not always rigid. The choice of research
method within each design can depend on various factors, including the research questions,
Research Design, Method & Design Method 4
objectives, resources, and the nature of the research problem being investigated. Researchers can
adapt and tailor their approach based on the specific needs and goals of their study.
In investigating the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the detection, prevention, and
deterrence of fraud, the most appropriate combination of design, method, and method design
would be a mixed research design, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods, with a
particular focus on case study research. Mixed research design would be suitable because it
allows for a comprehensive understanding of the research topic by combining quantitative data
on the effectiveness and efficiency of AI in fraud detection and prevention, along with
qualitative data that explores the experiences and perceptions of stakeholders involved. Both
qualitative and quantitative methods should be employed to capture various aspects of the
research problem. Qualitative methods would involve in-depth interviews with fraud
investigators, AI developers, and individuals impacted by fraud. This would provide insights into
the challenges, successes, and ethical considerations associated with using AI in fraud detection.
Quantitative methods, on the other hand, can include analyzing large datasets to assess the
accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and scalability of AI fraud detection systems. The use of a case
study design within the mixed research approach would be appropriate. A case study would
enable a detailed exploration of specific organizations or institutions that have implemented AI
for fraud detection and prevention. This would allow for a deep understanding of the context,
intricacies, and complexities involved. The case study design can provide rich, qualitative data
on implementation strategies, organizational impact, stakeholder perspectives, and challenges
faced in deploying AI systems, complemented by quantitative data on fraud detection rates, false
positive rates, and cost savings.
Research Design, Method & Design Method 5
The rationale for choosing this approach is that fraud detection and prevention are
multidimensional issues that require an understanding not only of quantitative measures but also
of the contextual factors, human experiences, and ethical considerations associated with AI
implementation. A mixed research design with a case study approach allows for the integration
of various perspectives and data sources, providing a holistic view of the role of AI in fraud
detection. It can uncover both the benefits and limitations of AI technology in addressing fraud
and help inform future implementation strategies.
Research Design, Method & Design Method 6
References
Abutabenjeh, S., & Jaradat, R. (2018). Clarification of research design, research methods, and
research methodology: A guide for public administration researchers and practitioners.
Teaching Public Administration, 36(3), 237-258.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0144739418775787
Battista, A., & Torre, D. (2023). Mixed methods research designs. Medical Teacher, 45(6), 585-
587. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159X.2023.2200118
Charli, M. S., Eshete, S. K., & Debela, K. L. (2022). Learning how research design methods
work: A review of creswell’s research design: qualitative, quantitative and mixed
methods approaches. Qualitative Report, 27(12), 2956-2960.
https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2022.5901
Eisenmann, M., Grauberger, P., Üreten, S., Krause, D., & Matthiesen, S. (2021). Design method
validation - an investigation of the current practice in design research. Journal of
Engineering Design, 32(11), 621-645. https://doi.org/10.1080/09544828.2021.1950655
Siponen, M., Soliman, W., Holtkamp, P., University of Vaasa, Vaasa, Finland, & University of
Jyväskylä, Faculty of Information Technology, Finland. (2021). Research perspectives:
Reconsidering the role of research method guidelines for interpretive, mixed methods,
