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Research Methodology

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39 views5 pages

Research Methodology

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Uploaded by

onneshan89
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Research Methodology

Mid-01

Research Philosophy:
Research philosophy refers to the set of beliefs, principles, and
assumptions that guide the research process. It outlines the researcher's
perspective on the nature of reality, the role of the researcher, and the
relationship between the researcher and the subject of study. It provides
the foundation for the research design, methodology, and the way in
which data is collected and analyzed.
There are three main research philosophies or paradigms:
Positivism: This philosophy is based on the belief that knowledge can
be gained through objective and observable phenomena. Positivist
researchers aim to discover universal laws and causal relationships.
They often use quantitative methods, emphasizing structured data
collection and statistical analysis.

Interpretivism (or Constructivism): This philosophy contends that


reality is subjective and socially constructed. Interpretivist researchers
focus on understanding the meanings and interpretations that individuals
assign to their experiences. Qualitative methods, such as interviews,
observations, and content analysis, are commonly employed to explore
these subjective aspects.

Pragmatism: Pragmatism is a more flexible approach that emphasizes


the practical consequences of different research methods and strategies.
Researchers adopting a pragmatic philosophy may use a combination of
qualitative and quantitative methods, choosing the most appropriate
approach based on the research question and goals.

Branches of Research Philosophy

Ontology: Ontology deals with the nature of reality, existence, and the
nature of being. It explores questions about what exists, what can be
known, and how entities relate to each other. Ontological questions
revolve around the nature of the phenomena being studied. Researchers
need to decide whether they believe in an objective, external reality that
exists independently of human perception (realism), or if reality is
subjective and socially constructed (constructivism/interpretivism).
Epistemology: Epistemology is concerned with the nature and scope of
knowledge. It explores how knowledge is acquired, the criteria for what
counts as knowledge, and the relationship between the knower and the
known. Epistemological questions revolve around how researchers come
to know and understand the world. Researchers must decide whether
they believe in objective, absolute truths that can be discovered
(positivism), or if knowledge is subjective, context-dependent, and
influenced by the researcher's perspective (interpretivism).

RESEARCH DESIGN:
Research design refers to the overall plan or strategy for conducting a
research study. Different methodologies can be employed, these are:
1. Experiment: Involves manipulating one or more independent
variables to observe their effect on a dependent variable, often
conducted in a controlled environment.

2. Survey: Utilizes questionnaires or interviews to gather data from a


sample of participants, providing insights into opinions, behaviors, or
characteristics of a population.

3. Case Study: Involves an in-depth analysis of a particular individual,


group, or situation, often using multiple sources of data to gain a
comprehensive understanding.

4. Action Research: A cyclical process where researchers collaborate


with practitioners to identify and solve real-world problems, aiming for
practical improvements.

5. Grounded Theory: Focuses on generating theory from data,


emphasizing the discovery of patterns and relationships through
systematic analysis, often used in qualitative research.

6. Ethnography: Involves immersing the researcher in the natural


environment of the subjects to observe and understand their culture,
behaviors, and interactions.

7. Archival Research: Examines existing records, documents, or


artifacts to answer research questions, providing historical or contextual
perspectives.
Each method has its strengths and weaknesses, and researchers choose
the most appropriate design based on their research questions,
objectives, and available resources.

How to choose a research topic?


Choosing a research topic involves careful consideration of various
factors. These are:

1. Capabilities:
Assess your own knowledge, skills, and expertise. Choose a topic that
aligns with your background to leverage existing knowledge.
Consider the availability of resources, including time, funding, and
access to data or participants.

2. Appropriateness:
Ensure the topic aligns with your overall research goals and
objectives. It should contribute meaningfully to the existing body of
knowledge.
Evaluate the ethical implications of your research. Ensure that your
chosen topic sticks to ethical standards and guidelines in your field.

3. Relevance:
Conduct a thorough literature review to identify gaps or areas with
limited research. Choose a topic that addresses these gaps and
contributes to the current discourse.
Assess the practical significance of your topic. Consider its relevance
to real-world issues and potential applications.

Ultimately, a well-chosen research topic should showcase your


capabilities, align with your research goals, adhere to ethical standards,
address gaps in the literature, and have practical and academic
relevance. It sets the foundation for a robust and valuable research
endeavor.

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