What is Research Methodology?

You’re probably feeling a little overwhelmed by all the technical terms if you’re working on your first formal piece of research, whether it’s a dissertation, thesis, or research project. A dissertation’s technical words include research sample, research techniques, data gathering, data analysis, and so on. Research Methodology refers to the processes that assist students in identifying, selecting, and analyzing information about a topic. It refers to how a researcher designs a study in a methodical manner in order to obtain accurate results that meet the study’s aims and objectives. A research methodology chapter (or section) covers the components described below in a dissertation, thesis, or academic journal article.

• The type of research you conducted
• How did you collect your data?
• How did you analyze your data?
• Did you use any tools or materials in your research?
• Why did you choose these approaches?

Furthermore, the methodology chapter should justify design selections by demonstrating that the procedures and approaches chosen are the best fit for the study aims and objectives. The methods section should be written in the past tense. Academic style guides in your field may also provide extensive instructions on what to include for various types of research.

What are the most common approaches to sampling design?

The process of deciding who you will collect data from is known as sampling design, i.e., your sample. There are many different types of samples, but the two most common are probability sampling and non-probability sampling.

You use a truly random sample from the group of people you’re interested in when you choose probability sampling. The outcomes of your study will be generalizable to the full population if you choose a truly random sample. In contrast, non-probability sampling does not use a random sample. It could require a convenience sample, which implies interviewing or surveying people you already know (for example, your friends or family), rather than a truly random sample. The results of non-probability sampling are rarely generalizable.

Research Methods:

Qualitative and quantitative methods are differentiated by whether they emphasize words, statistics, or both. Let’s look at it more closely.

Qualitative Research Methods

Qualitative research is concerned with the collection and analysis of textual material. When the study aims and objectives are exploratory in nature, a qualitative methodology is often applied. For instance, a qualitative methodology may be used to learn about people’s reactions to a recent incident.

The qualitative method includes the following types of data collection:

• Interview with a single person
• Focus Group Discussions
• Observations
• Case studies
• Textual analysis

The method you choose to gather data is determined by your overall study goals and objectives, as well as practical considerations and resource limits. If your study is exploratory in nature, qualitative approaches like interviews and focus groups are likely to be appropriate.

Popular data analysis methodologies in qualitative research include:

• Qualitative content analysis
• Thematic analysis
• Discourse analysis
• Narrative analysis
• Theoretical foundations

Quantitative Research Methods

The Quantitative method works with numbers and things that can be measured. It examines events or data in a systematic manner. It provides solutions to questions about the validity of links between quantifiable variables in order to explain, predict, or control a phenomenon. When the study aims and objectives are confirmatory in nature, a quantitative methodology is often applied. For instance, a quantitative methodology could be used to assess the link between two variables or to test a set of hypotheses.

The quantitative method includes the following types of data collection:

• Descriptive research
• Survey research
• Correlational studies

Large-scale surveys that generate large amounts of numerical data would be a better fit if your research wants to measure specific variables or test hypotheses. It’s important to make sure your data is valid, accurate, and trustworthy.

Popular data analysis methodologies in quantitative research include:

• Descriptive statistics, e.g., means, medians, and modes
• Inferential statistics, e.g., correlation, and regression

How do I select my research methodology?

As you’ve surely understood, the research approach is heavily influenced by the study goals and objectives. Before making methodology decisions, take a step back and look at the broader view of your research. The first thing you should consider is whether your study is exploratory or confirmatory in nature.

If your research aims and objectives are primarily exploratory in nature, your study will most likely be qualitative, hence qualitative data collecting methods (e.g., observation) and analytic methods should be considered (e.g., thematic analysis). On the other hand, your research aims and objectives are to measure or test anything (i.e., they’re confirmatory), your study will certainly be quantitative, and you are supposed to use quantitative data collecting methods (such as descriptive research) and analyses (e.g., inferential analysis).

Help with Research Methodology Assignment

Write a strong methodology

Remember that your goal isn’t only to describe your methods; it’s also to indicate how and why you used them.

Concentrate on your goals and research queries

The methodology section should clearly demonstrate why your methods are appropriate for your goals and prove to the reader that you chose the best approach to solving your problem and answering your research questions. 

Cite relevant sources

Reference to prior research on the topic can help to strengthen your methods. Show how you examine the pros and cons of several approaches before deciding on your approach. Our citation guide will assist you in creating MLA and APA citations.

Discuss the difficulties

Explain how you dealt with any issues you experienced when collecting or evaluating data. Demonstrate how you dealt with any unexpected challenges.

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