According to Robson, after we have decided on the focus of our research and developed the research questions, then the next thing is for us to consider the research strategy, the subject of Part II. He distinguishes between the strategy and the tactics we adopt when carrying out a research.

• Strategy refers to the general broad orientation taken in addressing the research questions, that is, am I going to use a flexible or fixed design. Here, design is the approach used in turning research questions into projects.
• Tactics are specific methods of investigation, for example surveys, questionnaires, interviews, tests and observation techniques.

The general principle in choosing a research strategy or design is that the methods and techniques employed must be appropriate for the research questions we want to answer. Robson recommends that a framework for research design guide us both when are considering which research design to adopt and when we are carrying out the investigation. Essentially, the framework advises that we keep in mind the purpose of the research, its theoretical/conceptual framework, the research questions we seek to provide answers to, the methods to be used for data collection, and the sampling strategy.

Choosing an appropriate research design (flexible vs. fixed) can be difficult. And to help us decide, Robson suggests our trying to answer these questions:

• Is a fixed or flexible design strategy appropriate? While a design cannot be both fixed and flexible at the same time, a combined strategy design, when appropriate can be used. A fixed design could start out with an initial flexible design stage for the exploratory purpose of surfacing candidate mechanisms operating in the situation, contexts where they are likely to operate, and the characteristics of the participants best targeted. Thereafter, the second stage will incorporate the fixed design study.
• Is your proposed study an evaluation? Trying to establish the worthwhile value of something such as an intervention, innovation or service could be approached using a fixed or flexible strategy. According to Robson, if the focus is on outcomes, a fixed design is probably indicated; if it is on processes, then a flexible design is probably more desirable.
• Do you wish to carry out action research? If action is central to your concerns and direct participation in the research by yourself and/or others is likely, coupled with any intention to initiate change, then a flexible design is probably indicated.
• If you opt for a fixed design strategy which type is most appropriate? You still have to choose between two broad traditions of fixed designs: experimental and non-experimental designs.
• If you opt for a flexible design strategy which type is most appropriate? You still have to choose from a wide range of different flexible design traditions and disciplines, three of which are particularly relevant to real world research: case studies, ethnographic studies, and grounded theories studies.