In order to conduct successful research, you have to properly plan and execute it. An important element of any research project is choosing the right methodology, as it guides the process of data collection and analysis. With the correct methodology, you can reduce research bias and will accomplish the final goals of your study effectively. Methodology is also an important part of your thesis and dissertation. In this blog, we will guide you on how to choose the methodology for your research. Let’s explore this in detail.
What Is Research Methodology?
Research methodology is a procedure used to collect and analyse data for your research. There are two main things to consider when choosing the methodology.
- Data Collection Methods
This is the process of gathering data from multiple sources to find the results of your research. There are different methods for collecting data, including but not limited to surveys, questionnaires, focus groups, forms, interviews, and social media interviews.
- Data Analysis Methods
In this stage, statistical or logical techniques are applied to convert raw data into useful information. There are mainly two categories in which all the other data analysis methods come under.
- Qualitative Data Analysis
In qualitative research, you gather data using open-ended questions using observation and survey methods such as questionnaires and focus groups. Here are some of the qualitative data analysis methods.
- Text Analysis
- Thematic Analysis
- Content Analysis
- Discourse Analysis
- Grounded Theory Analysis
- Quantitative Data Analysis
This involves gathering numerical data that can be converted into numbers. The different types of quantitative data analysis include:
- Cluster Analysis
- Cohort Analysis
- Regression Analysis
- Neural Networks
- Data Mining
Types Of Research Methodology
If you are looking to learn about how to choose the right research methodology, you should first know the different research methodologies. The most commonly used types of research methodology are discussed below.
Quantitative Research Methodology
This type of dissertation methodology involves the use of numerical data and statistical analysis to analyse and explain social phenomena. It includes collecting data through structured methods such as surveys, experiments, or secondary data sources and using statistical analyses to identify patterns and relationships. The results of quantitative research are used to make generalisations about a larger population and to test hypotheses.
For example, a survey that asks people about their attitudes towards a particular social issue.
Here are the different types of quantitative research methods.
- Experimental Research
In this type of research method, you study two or more variables to overcome a group. You put them under a certain condition or take candidates or groups experiencing different conditions.
For example, drug trials
- Descriptive Research
It describes and analyses a phenomenon or a situation. This research method includes collecting data through surveys, organising it, and summarising the information to allow researchers to understand and communicate the characteristics of the studied subject.
For example, describing the health status of college students.
- Correlational Research
This examines the relationship between two or more variables. It is a way of studying two things with little or no effort to control extraneous variables in order to see if they are related.
For example, the impact of social media on loneliness among teenagers
Qualitative Research Methodology
The qualitative research method focuses on exploring and understanding social phenomena in detail. It includes collecting and analysing non-numerical data, such as interviews and observations to identify patterns and themes.
Qualitative research often uses an iterative approach for data collection and analysis. The results in this type of research methodology are presented in narrative form mostly and provide a detailed understanding of the social phenomena.
For example, how is anxiety experienced among employees in the UK?
Some common approaches in qualitative study include:
- Narrative Research
This involves collecting and analysing stories that contain challenges and solutions to a situation. These may include life-story research, oral history, personal experience methods, narrative inquiry and biography.
For example, exploring the relationship between music and social change in East Africa.
- Grounded Theory
In this, you can generate theories from data analysis. The idea behind grounded theory is that all data that a researcher comes across when studying some area should be considered data, from interviews or observations to anything that helps the researcher generate concepts.
For example, HR departments might use grounded theory to study why employees are frustrated with their work.
- Ethnography
Ethnography is often used in social and behavioural sciences. It is mostly used to understand the culture of a group or community through close observation.
For example, a researcher living with isolated villagers to understand their traits.
Difference Between Qualitative & Quantitative Research
| Qualitative Research | Quantitative Research |
|---|---|
| Inductive approach | Deductive approach |
| Open-ended questions | Close-ended questions |
| Build theories | Test theories |
| Usually, draws on small samples | Usually, draws on large samples |
| Uses qualitative data analysis techniques | Uses statistical analysis techniques |
Other Types Of Research Methodology
Apart from qualitative and quantitative research methods, here are some other important research methodology examples.
- Analytical Research
In analytical research, you analyse the underlying factors and relationships between variables. You can examine existing data or gather new ones using experiments, surveys or other means and use statistical or other analytical techniques to identity patterns and test the hypotheses. This mostly involves establishing cause-and-effect relationships between variables.
For example, a study on the relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular health in adults.
- Fundamental Research
This type of research method is conducted to advance scientific knowledge and understanding without having a practical application in mind. In fundamental research, you explore fundamental principles and theories to develop new knowledge that may be useful in the future. It is typically carried out as academic research and in research institutes.
For example, an investigation on the structure of newly discovered molecules.
- Applied Research
Applied research is performed to address a specific problem or question to find practical solutions. You apply existing scientific knowledge and techniques to a real-world problem and develop new knowledge that you can use to improve products or services. It is often carried out in industry or government settings.
For example, the development of a new drug for cancer.
- Conceptual Research
It explores abstract or theoretical ideas and relationships to analyse existing theories and concepts so you can identify and develop new frameworks for a problem. Conceptual research could include a review of literature or exploring new ideas.
For example, exploring the concept of emotional intelligence.
- Empirical Research
In empirical research, there is direct observation or experimentation to collect data. It is a systematic review approach to studying social phenomena. The research method is based on the scientific method, which involves formulating a hypothesis, testing it, and then collecting and analysing data to either support or refute the hypothesis.
For example, studying the effects of anastrozole on cancer patients.
Importance Of Choosing The Right Research Methodology
Now that you are familiar with the different types of research methodology, let’s explore the importance of knowing how to choose the right research methodology. First of all, the right methodology will help ensure the validity and reliability of your research. You have to ensure that it suits the research questions and that the data is accurate and consistent. Secondly, in your choice of dissertation methodology, the research findings should apply to a wider population and not just be limited to the sample studies to ensure generalisability.
Third, choosing the right methodology can help you save time and resources. Lastly, it ensures that you answer the research question best by keeping it relevant. You can say that knowing how to choose the right research methodology allows you to make your research successful and understand your area better.
How To Choose The Right Research Methodology?
So, you have understood that choosing the right research methodology is important, but how do you know which one is best for your research? Here are some ways that can help answer how to choose the right research methodology.
- Know Your Research Question
Clearly define your research topic, question or problem statement. This will allow you to narrow down your focus and understand what type of research methodology is most appropriate.
For instance, your research question is, What is the impact of using social media on the academic performance of high school students?
Now, if you want to learn about the experiences and attitudes of students regarding social media usage and its impact on their studies, you can use qualitative research. On the other hand, if you want to measure the extent of social media usage and its correlation with academic performance, you have to use a quantitative approach.
Similarly, if you want to explore both the experiences and measurement of the impact, a mixed research methodology approach is ideal.
- Conduct A Literature Review
It is important to review existing literature to know what has already been done on your topic. Through this procedure, you can find the type of methodologies that have been successful regarding your topic in the past.
- Consider The Type Of Data
What data are you planning to collect, and what would be the right method to collect it? For example, if you are collecting qualitative data, you may use interviews or focus groups. Conversely, for quantitative data, use surveys or experiments.
If your research question is, “What is the impact of marketing on purchase decision,” you may use qualitative research. However, if your question is, “How much does marketing impact purchase decision,” you will use quantitative research and probably a Likert scale.
- Think Of Available Sources
It is significant to evaluate the resources you have from time and access to data to budget. This will help determine what methods are feasible for your research.
Things are different for secondary research methodology, but if you are planning on performing primary research methodology, think realistically about the people you have access to. You also have to consider the location of the respondents in options like interviews. Additionally, some research designs require a good amount of budget. This involves costs of software, promotion, incentives, travel, etc.
- Take Expert Advice
You may have supervisors, other researchers, field experts, or teachers who can guide you with how to choose the right research methodology for your research. They can provide valuable insights and guidance.
- Perform Pilot Testing
Pilot testing is a small-scale preliminary study that is conducted to evaluate the cost, feasibility and other factors of the study and understand whether the research could be done or not. This will also help you identify potential problems, and you can make adjustments as needed.
For example, before collecting data on a large scale, you can collect from 30 respondents and analyse it to see if the research is worth it or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
A research methodology is a systematic or scientific approach used to collect and analyse data to answer a research question or test a hypothesis.
- Define your research question
- Conduct a literature review
- Consider the data type
- Think of the available resources
- Take expert advice
- Perform pilot testing
No research method is universally considered the most powerful, as each method has strengths and weaknesses. The type of research method for your research depends on the research question and context.
There are many types of research methodology, including qualitative, quantitative, descriptive, analytical, fundamental, applied, and conceptual.
