Research Methodology

Course Code:
Cr. Hr: 3(2+1)
Dr. Binish Khaliq
 Research methodology
A structured and scientific approach used to collect, analyze,
and interpret quantitative or qualitative data to answer research
questions or test hypotheses. OR
A research methodology describes the techniques and
procedures used to identify and analyze information regarding
a specific research topic.
 A research methodology is like a plan for carrying out
research and helps keep researchers on track by limiting the
scope of the research.
 Several aspects must be considered before selecting an
appropriate research methodology, such as research
limitations and ethical concerns that may affect your
research.
 The research methodology section in a scientific paper
describes the different methodological choices made, such
as the data collection and analysis methods, and why these
choices were selected.
 The reasons should explain why the methods chosen are
the most appropriate to answer the research question.
 A good research methodology also helps ensure the
reliability and validity of the research findings. There are
three types of research methodology—quantitative,
qualitative, and mixed-method, which can be chosen based
on the research objectives.
 It is a process by which researchers design their study so
that they can achieve their objectives using the selected
research instruments. It includes all the important aspects
of research, including research design, data collection
methods, data analysis methods, and the overall framework
within which the research is conducted. While these points
can help you understand what is research methodology,
you also need to know why it is important to pick the right
methodology.
Advantages:
 Helps other researchers who may want to replicate your
research; the explanations will be of benefit to them.
 You can easily answer any questions about your research if they
arise at a later stage.
 A research methodology provides a framework and guidelines
for researchers to clearly define research questions, hypotheses,
and objectives.
 It helps researchers identify the most appropriate research
design, sampling technique, and data collection and analysis
methods.
 A sound research methodology helps researchers ensure that
their findings are valid and reliable and free from biases and
errors.
 It also helps ensure that ethical guidelines are followed while
conducting research.
 A good research methodology helps researchers in planning
their research efficiently, by ensuring optimum usage of their
time and resources.
Types of research methodology:
There are three types of research methodology based on the type of
research and the data required.
Quantitative research methodology focuses on measuring and testing
numerical data. This approach is good for reaching a large number of
people in a short amount of time. This type of research helps in testing the
causal relationships between variables, making predictions, and
generalizing results to wider populations.
Qualitative research methodology examines the opinions, behaviors,
and experiences of people. It collects and analyzes words and textual
data. This research methodology requires fewer participants but is still
more time consuming because the time spent per participant is quite large.
This method is used in exploratory research where the research problem
being investigated is not clearly defined.
Mixed-method research methodology uses the characteristics of both
quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in the same study.
This method allows researchers to validate their findings, verify if the
results observed using both methods are complementary, and explain any
unexpected results obtained from one method by using the other method.
 What are the types of sampling designs in research
methodology?
Sampling is an important part of a research methodology and involves
selecting a representative sample of the population to conduct the
study, making statistical inferences about them, and estimating the
characteristics of the whole population based on these inferences.
There are two types of sampling designs in research methodology—
probability and nonprobability.
Probability sampling
In this type of sampling design, a sample is chosen from a larger
population using some form of random selection, that is, every member
of the population has an equal chance of being selected. The different
types of probability sampling are:
Simple random—every single member is chosen randomly.
Systematic—sample members are chosen at regular intervals. It
requires selecting a starting point for the sample and sample size
determination that can be repeated at regular intervals. This type of
sampling method has a predefined range; hence, it is the least time
consuming.
 Stratified—researchers divide the population into smaller groups
that don’t overlap but represent the entire population. While
sampling, these groups can be organized, and then a sample can
be drawn from each group separately.
Cluster—the population is divided into clusters based on
demographic parameters like age, sex, location, etc.
Nonprobability sampling involves feedback based on a
researcher’s sample selection capabilities and not on a fixed selection
process. The different types of nonprobability sampling methods are:
Convenience—selects participants who are most easily
accessible to researchers due to geographical proximity,
availability at a particular time, etc.
Purposive—participants are selected at the researcher’s
discretion. Researchers consider the purpose of the study and the
understanding of the target audience.
Snowball—already selected participants use their social networks
to refer the researcher to other potential participants.
 Quota—while designing the study, the researchers decide how
many people with which characteristics to include as participants.
The characteristics help in choosing people most likely to provide
insights into the subject.
What are data collection methods?
During research, data are collected using various methods depending
on the research methodology being followed and the research
methods being undertaken. Both qualitative and quantitative research
have different data collection methods, as listed below.
Qualitative research
One-on-one interviews: Helps the interviewers understand a
respondent’s subjective opinion and experience pertaining to a
specific topic or event
Document study/literature review/record keeping: Researchers’
review of already existing written materials such as archives, annual
reports, research articles, guidelines, policy documents, etc.
Focus groups: Constructive discussions that usually include a small
sample of about 6-10 people and a moderator, to understand the
participants’ opinion on a given topic.
Qualitative observation: Researchers collect data using their five
senses (sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing).
Quantitative research
Sampling: The most common type is probability sampling.
Interviews: Commonly telephonic or done in-person.
Observations: Structured observations are most commonly used in
quantitative research. In this method, researchers make observations
about specific behaviors of individuals in a structured setting.
Document review: Reviewing existing research or documents to
collect evidence for supporting the research.
Surveys and questionnaires. Surveys can be administered both online
and offline depending on the requirement and sample size.
What are data analysis methods?
The data collected using the various methods for qualitative and
quantitative research need to be analyzed to generate meaningful
conclusions.
These data analysis methods also differ between quantitative and
qualitative research.
Quantitative research involves a deductive method for data analysis
where hypotheses are developed at the beginning of the research and
precise measurement is required. The methods include statistical
analysis applications to analyze numerical data and are grouped into
two categories—descriptive and inferential.
Descriptive analysis is used to describe the basic features of different
types of data to present it in a way that ensures the patterns become
meaningful. The different types of descriptive analysis methods are:
 Measures of frequency (count, percent, frequency)
 Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode)
Measures of dispersion or variation (range, variance, standard
deviation)
Measure of position (percentile ranks, quartile ranks)
Inferential analysis is used to make predictions about a larger
population based on the analysis of the data collected from a smaller
population.
This analysis is used to study the relationships between different
variables. Some commonly used inferential data analysis methods
are:
 Correlation: To understand the relationship between two or more
variables.
 Cross-tabulation: Analyze the relationship between multiple
variables.
 Regression analysis: Study the impact of independent variables on
the dependent variable.
 Frequency tables: To understand the frequency of data.
 Analysis of variance: To test the degree to which two or more
variables differ in an experiment.
Qualitative research involves an inductive method for data analysis
where hypotheses are developed after data collection. The methods
include:
 Content analysis: For analyzing documented information from text
and images by determining the presence of certain words or
concepts in texts.
 Narrative analysis: For analyzing content obtained from sources
such as interviews, field observations, and surveys. The stories
and opinions shared by people are used to answer research
questions.
 Discourse analysis: For analyzing interactions with people
considering the social context, that is, the lifestyle and
environment, under which the interaction occurs.
 Grounded theory: Involves hypothesis creation by data collection
and analysis to explain why a phenomenon occurred.
 Thematic analysis: To identify important themes or patterns in data
and use these to address an issue.
How to choose a research methodology?
Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a
research methodology:
Research objectives, aims, and questions—these would help
structure the research design.
Review existing literature to identify any gaps in knowledge.
Check the statistical requirements—if data-driven or statistical results
are needed then quantitative research is the best. If the research
questions can be answered based on people’s opinions and
perceptions, then qualitative research is most suitable.
Sample size—sample size can often determine the feasibility of
a research methodology. For a large sample, less effort- and
time-intensive methods are appropriate.
Constraints—constraints of time, geography, and resources can
help define the appropriate methodology.
How to write a research methodology?
A research methodology should include the following
components:3,9
Research design—should be selected based on the research
question and the data required. Common research designs
include experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational,
descriptive, and exploratory.
Research method—this can be quantitative, qualitative, or
mixed-method.
Reason for selecting a specific methodology—explain why
this methodology is the most suitable to answer your research
problem.
Research instruments—explain the research instruments you plan
to use, mainly referring to the data collection methods such as
interviews, surveys, etc. Here as well, a reason should be
mentioned for selecting the particular instrument.
Sampling—this involves selecting a representative subset of the
population being studied.
Data collection—involves gathering data using several data
collection methods, such as surveys, interviews, etc.
Data analysis—describe the data analysis methods you will use
once you’ve collected the data.
Research limitations—mention any limitations you foresee while
conducting your research.
Validity and reliability—validity helps identify the accuracy and
truthfulness of the findings; reliability refers to the consistency and
stability of the results over time and across different conditions.
Ethical considerations—research should be conducted ethically.
The considerations include obtaining consent from participants,
maintaining confidentiality, and addressing conflicts of interest.
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Q1. What are the key components of research methodology?
A1. A good research methodology has the following key components:
Research design
Sampling
Tools
Data collection procedures
Data analysis methods
Ethical considerations
Q2. Why is ethical consideration important in research methodology?
A2. Ethical consideration is important in research methodology to ensure the readers of the
reliability and validity of the study. Researchers must clearly mention the ethical norms and
standards followed during the conduct of the research and also mention if the research has
been cleared by any institutional board. The following 10 points are the important principles
related to ethical considerations:10
Participants should not be subjected to harm.
Respect for the dignity of participants should be prioritized.
Full consent should be obtained from participants before the study.
Participants’ privacy should be ensured.
Confidentiality of the research data should be ensured.
Anonymity of individuals and organizations participating in the research should be maintained.
The aims and objectives of the research should not be exaggerated.
Affiliations, sources of funding, and any possible conflicts of interest should be declared.
Communication in relation to the research should be honest and transparent.
Misleading information and biased representation of primary data findings should be avoided.
Q3. What is the difference between methodology and method?
A3. Research methodology is different from a research method, although both terms are
often confused. Research methods are the tools used to gather data, while the research
methodology provides a framework for how research is planned, conducted, and analyzed.
The latter guides researchers in making decisions about the most appropriate methods for
their research. Research methods refer to the specific techniques, procedures, and tools
used by researchers to collect, analyze, and interpret data, for instance surveys,
questionnaires, interviews, etc.
Research methodology is, thus, an integral part of a research study. It helps ensure that you
stay on track to meet your research objectives and answer your research questions using the
most appropriate data collection and analysis tools based on your research design.