Research Methods and Methodology

2. Research Methodology

• Research methodology refers to the philosophical framework or systematic approach that guides how a researcher conducts their research.
• It is the overarching strategy that determines the research process, the approach to data collection and analysis, and the rationale behind the selection of specific methods.

Key Elements of Research Methodology:

1.     Philosophical Approach (Epistemology):

• Research methodology involves the philosophical stance behind the research. For instance, it answers questions such as:
• How do we know what we know?
• What is the nature of knowledge (ontology)?
• How is knowledge acquired?
• Common research philosophies include:
• Positivism: Belief in an objective reality that can be measured and observed. Researchers following this approach often use quantitative methods.
• Interpretivism: Focuses on understanding human experiences and meanings. This approach often aligns with qualitative research methods.
• Pragmatism: Advocates for using whatever methods are most practical and effective to answer the research question, often leading to mixed methods.
• Constructivism: Emphasizes that knowledge is socially constructed, and researchers should understand participants' perspectives.

2.     Research Design:

• The design of a study outlines how the research is organized and structured. It is the framework that guides the collection, measurement, and analysis of data.
• Types of research designs include:
• Descriptive Research: Aims to describe the characteristics of a phenomenon.
• Exploratory Research: Seeks to explore new topics or gain a deeper understanding of a problem.
• Experimental Research: Involves manipulating variables to determine causal relationships.
• Correlational Research: Examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulation.

3.     Sampling Strategy:

• Methodology also involves determining how participants or data sources will be selected. This includes whether a study will use a random sample, purposive sample, or convenience sample, among other strategies.

4.     Data Collection Methods:

• While research methods refer to the specific techniques, the methodology refers to how those methods fit into the broader approach. For example, a qualitative methodology might use interviews or focus groups as research methods, and a quantitative methodology might use surveys or experiments.

5.     Data Analysis Techniques:

• The methodology also includes how data will be analyzed. Qualitative analysis might involve thematic coding, grounded theory, or content analysis, while quantitative analysis might involve statistical techniques like regression, correlation, or hypothesis testing.