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What is Research Methodology? Definition, Types, and

Examples
written by Divya Sreekumar August 28, 2023

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Table of Contents 

1. What is research methodology? 

2. Why is research methodology important?

3. Types of research methodology

4. What are the types of sampling designs in research methodology?

4.1. Probability sampling

4.2. Nonprobability sampling

5. What are data collection methods?

6. What are data analysis methods?

7. How to choose a research methodology?

8. How to write a research methodology?

9. Streamline Your Research Paper Writing Process with Paperpal

 9.1. Paperpal AI Reference Finder Feature (Literature Review & Analysis) 

12 Min Read

Research methodology1,2 is a structured and scientific approach used to collect, analyze, and interp
quantitative or qualitative data to answer research questions or test hypotheses. A research
methodology is like a plan for carrying out research and helps keep researchers on track by limiting
scope of the research. Before writing a research methodology, aspects like research limitations an
ethical concerns must be considered.

The research methodology section in a scientific paper describes the different methodological cho
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-met
which can be chosen based on the research objectives.

What is research methodology?

A research methodology describes the techniques and procedures used to identify and analyze 

information regarding a specific research topic. It is a process by which researchers design their stu
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 ca
help you understand what is research methodology, you also need to know why it is important to p
the right methodology.

Why is research methodology important?

Having a good research methodology in place has the following advantages:3

Helps other researchers who may want to replicate your research; the explanations will be of benefit
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 resear
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
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.

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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 approa
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 w
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
still more time consuming because the time spent per participant is quite large. This method is used
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,
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 methodolog

Sampling4 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 typ
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. T
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 poin
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
entire population. While sampling, these groups can be organized, and then a sample can be draw
from each group separately.
Cluster—the population is divided into clusters based on demographic parameters like age, sex,
location, etc.

Nonprobability sampling
This involves feedback based on a researcher’s sample selection capabilities and not on a fixed sele
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 ot
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
to provide insights into the subject.
What are data collection methods?
During research, data are collected using various methods depending on the research methodolog
being followed and the research methods being undertaken. Both qualitative and quantitative rese
have different data collection methods, as listed below.

Qualitative research5

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
moderator, to understand the participants’ opinion on a given topic.
Qualitative observation: Researchers collect data using their five senses (sight, smell, touch, taste, an
hearing).

Quantitative research6

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 met
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 methods7 also differ between
quantitative and qualitative research.

Quantitative research involves a deductive method for data analysis where hypotheses are develo
at the beginning of the research and precise measurement is required. The methods include statis
analysis applications to analyze numerical data and are grouped into two categories—descriptive a
inferential.

Descriptive analysis is used to describe the basic features of different types of data to present it in a
that ensures the patterns become meaningful. The different types of descriptive analysis methods

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 t
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 develop
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
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:8

1. Research objectives, aims, and questions—these would help structure the research design.
2. Review existing literature to identify any gaps in knowledge.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Constraints—constraints of time, geography, and resources can help define the appropriate methodo

How to write a research methodology?

A research methodology should include the following components:3,9

1. Research design—should be selected based on the research question and the data required. Comm
research designs include experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, descriptive, and exploratory
2. Research method—this can be quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method.
3. Reason for selecting a specific methodology—explain why this methodology is the most suitable t
answer your research problem.
4. Research instruments—explain the research instruments you plan to use, mainly referring to the da
collection methods such as interviews, surveys, etc. Here as well, a reason should be mentioned for
selecting the particular instrument.
5. Sampling—this involves selecting a representative subset of the population being studied.
6. Data collection—involves gathering data using several data collection methods, such as surveys,
interviews, etc.
7. Data analysis—describe the data analysis methods you will use once you’ve collected the data.
8. Research limitations—mention any limitations you foresee while conducting your research.
9. Validity and reliability—validity helps identify the accuracy and truthfulness of the findings; reliabilit
refers to the consistency and stability of the results over time and across different conditions.
10. Ethical considerations—research should be conducted ethically. The considerations include obtainin
consent from participants, maintaining confidentiality, and addressing conflicts of interest.

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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the key components of research methodology?

A1. A good research methodology has the following key components:

1. Research design
2. Sampling
3. Tools
4. Data collection procedures
5. Data analysis methods
6. 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 reliabil
and validity of the study. Researchers must clearly mention the ethical norms and standards follow
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
 1. Participants should not be subjected to harm.
2. Respect for the dignity of participants should be prioritized.
3. Full consent should be obtained from participants before the study.
4. Participants’ privacy should be ensured.
5. Confidentiality of the research data should be ensured.
6. Anonymity of individuals and organizations participating in the research should be maintained.
7. The aims and objectives of the research should not be exaggerated.
8. Affiliations, sources of funding, and any possible conflicts of interest should be declared.
9. Communication in relation to the research should be honest and transparent.
10. 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, anal
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 approp
data collection and analysis tools based on your research design.

References

1. Research methodologies. Pfeiffer Library website. Accessed August 15, 2023.

https://library.tiffin.edu/researchmethodologies/whatareresearchmethodologies
2. Types of research methodology. Eduvoice website. Accessed August 16, 2023. https://eduvoice.in/type
research-methodology/
3. The basics of research methodology: A key to quality research. Voxco. Accessed August 16, 2023.
https://www.voxco.com/blog/what-is-research-methodology/
4. Sampling methods: Types with examples. QuestionPro website. Accessed August 16, 2023.
https://www.questionpro.com/blog/types-of-sampling-for-social-research/
5. What is qualitative research? Methods, types, approaches, examples. Researcher.Life blog. Accessed
August 15, 2023. https://researcher.life/blog/article/what-is-qualitative-research-methods-types-exam
6. What is quantitative research? Definition, methods, types, and examples. Researcher.Life blog. Acces
August 15, 2023. https://researcher.life/blog/article/what-is-quantitative-research-types-and-examples
7. Data analysis in research: Types & methods. QuestionPro website. Accessed August 16, 2023.
https://www.questionpro.com/blog/data-analysis-in-research/#Data_analysis_in_qualitative_research
8. Factors to consider while choosing the right research methodology. PhD Monster website. Accessed
August 17, 2023. https://www.phdmonster.com/factors-to-consider-while-choosing-the-right-research
 methodology/
9. What is research methodology? Research and writing guides. Accessed August 14, 2023.
https://paperpile.com/g/what-is-research-methodology/
10. Ethical considerations. Business research methodology website. Accessed August 17, 2023.
https://research-methodology.net/research-methodology/ethical-considerations/

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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

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