50 FAQs on Research Methodology

What is research methodology?

Research methodology refers to the specific processes and strategies used to conduct research. It involves defining the research problem, developing hypotheses or research questions, selecting a research design, choosing a sample, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting and reporting the results.

Why is research methodology important?

Research methodology is important because it helps researchers to systematically and objectively gather and analyze data, test hypotheses, and draw valid conclusions. It ensures that research is conducted in a rigorous and scientific manner, which increases the credibility and reliability of the research findings.

What are the different types of research methods?

The main types of research methods are:

Qualitative research: Involves collecting and analyzing data in the form of words, images, or sounds, such as through interviews, focus groups, or content analysis.

Quantitative research: Involves collecting and analyzing numerical data, such as through experiments, surveys, or observational studies.

Mixed methods research: Involves combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

What is qualitative research?

Qualitative research is a type of research that involves collecting and analyzing data in the form of words, images, or sounds. It is often used to explore complex social phenomena, understand people's experiences and perspectives, and generate insights and understanding about a research problem. Qualitative research methods include interviews, focus groups, case studies, and content analysis.

What is quantitative research?

Quantitative research is a type of research that involves collecting and analyzing numerical data. It is often used to test hypotheses, measure relationships, and establish cause-and-effect relationships. Quantitative research methods include experiments, surveys, and observational studies.

What is mixed methods research?

Mixed methods research is a type of research that involves combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods. It allows researchers to collect and analyze data from multiple perspectives, and can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem.

What is a research design?

A research design is a plan or framework for conducting research. It specifies the research methods, techniques, and procedures that will be used to collect and analyze data, and outlines the steps that will be followed in the research process.

What are the different types of research designs?

The main types of research designs are:

Experimental design: Involves manipulating one or more variables and measuring the effect on another variable.

Quasi-experimental design: Involves comparing groups that are not randomly assigned, but are otherwise similar.

Descriptive design: Involves collecting and analyzing data to describe a phenomenon or group.

Correlational design: Involves measuring the relationship between two or more variables.

Case study design: Involves in-depth analysis of a single case or a small number of cases.

What is a case study?

A case study is a type of research design that involves in-depth analysis of a single case or a small number of cases. It is often used to explore complex issues or phenomena, and can provide detailed insights and understanding about a particular topic.

What is a survey?

A survey is a research method that involves collecting data from a sample of individuals through self-report questionnaires or interviews. Surveys can be used to gather information about attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and other characteristics of a population.

What are the different types of data analysis methods?

Statistical analysis: Involves using statistical techniques to summarize and interpret data, test hypotheses, and estimate relationships between variables.

Qualitative analysis: Involves interpreting and coding data in the form of words, images, or sounds, using methods such as content analysis, discourse analysis, or thematic analysis.

Mixed methods analysis: Involves combining both statistical and qualitative data analysis methods.

What is statistical analysis?

Statistical analysis is the process of using statistical techniques to summarize and interpret data, test hypotheses, and estimate relationships between variables. Statistical analysis involves choosing appropriate statistical tests, interpreting the results, and communicating the findings.

What is qualitative analysis?

Qualitative analysis is the process of interpreting and coding data in the form of words, images, or sounds, using methods such as content analysis, discourse analysis, or thematic analysis. Qualitative analysis allows researchers to explore complex and nuanced phenomena, and to understand the perspectives and experiences of research participants.

What is secondary data?

Secondary data is data collected from published sources, such as statistics, databases, or literature reviews. Secondary data is collected for a different purpose than the current research, and may not be directly relevant to the research question.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of different data collection methods?

The advantages and disadvantages of different data collection methods vary depending on the research question, resources, and context. Some advantages and disadvantages of different data collection methods are:

Self-report data: Advantages include low cost and flexibility, but may be subject to biases or errors.

Observation data: Advantages include the ability to observe behavior in natural settings, but may be subject to observer bias or errors.

Archival data: Advantages include low cost and the ability to study historical or hard-to-measure phenomena, but may be subject to errors or biases in the original data collection.

Experimental data: Advantages include the ability to manipulate variables and establish cause-and-effect relationships, but may be expensive and time-consuming.

Secondary data: Advantages include low cost and the ability to access a wide range of data, but may not be directly relevant to the research question.

What is data analysis?

Data analysis is the process of organizing, interpreting, and summarizing data to draw conclusions and answer research questions. Data analysis involves cleaning and preparing the data, selecting appropriate statistical techniques, and interpreting and communicating the results.

What is snowball sampling?

Snowball sampling is a type of non-probability sampling method in which the sample is selected through referrals from initial subjects. Snowball sampling is often used to study hard-to-reach or hidden populations, but it may not be representative of the larger population.

What is quota sampling?

Quota sampling is a type of non-probability sampling method in which the sample is selected based on predetermined quotas for certain characteristics. Quota sampling is often used when it is not practical or feasible to sample the entire population, but it may not be representative of the larger population.

What is judgment sampling?

Judgment sampling is a type of non-probability sampling method in which the sample is selected based on the judgment of the researcher. Judgment sampling is often used when the research question is exploratory and the population is not well-defined, but it may not be representative of the larger population.

What is purposive sampling?

Purposive sampling is a type of non-probability sampling method in which the sample is selected based on specific characteristics that are relevant to the research question. Purposive sampling is often used when the research question is focused and the population is well-defined, but it may not be representative of the larger population.

What is theoretical sampling?

Theoretical sampling is a type of sampling method used in qualitative research that involves collecting data to test or refine a theory. Theoretical sampling involves selecting cases or participants based on the relevance of their characteristics to the theory being tested.

What is data collection?

Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest, using methods such as experiments, surveys, observations, or secondary sources. Data collection is a crucial step in the research process, as it determines the quality and reliability of the research findings.

What are the different types of data collection methods?

The main types of data collection methods are:

Self-report data: Involves collecting data from individuals through self-report questionnaires or interviews.

Observation data: Involves collecting data through direct observation of individuals or events.

Archival data: Involves collecting data from existing records or documents.

Experimental data: Involves collecting data through controlled experiments.

Secondary data: Involves collecting data from published sources, such as statistics, databases, or literature reviews.

What is self-report data?

Self-report data is data collected from individuals through self-report questionnaires or interviews. Self-report data relies on the accuracy and honesty of the respondents, and may be subject to biases or errors.

What is observation data?

Observation data is data collected through direct observation of individuals or events. Observation data can be either structured (using a predetermined protocol) or unstructured (allowing the researcher to observe and record spontaneously). Observation data may be subject to observer bias or errors.

What is archival data?

Archival data is data collected from existing records or documents. Archival data can be either primary (originally collected for a specific purpose) or secondary (collected for a different purpose). Archival data may be subject to errors or biases in the original data collection.

What is experimental data?

Experimental data is data collected through controlled experiments. Experimental data allows researchers to manipulate variables and measure the effect on another variable, and is used to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

What is a double-blind study?

A double-blind study is a research design in which both the subjects and the researchers are unaware of which group the subjects are in (treatment or control). Double-blind studies are used to reduce bias and increase the objectivity of the research findings.

What is a triple-blind study?

A triple-blind study is a research design in which the subjects, researchers, and data analysts are unaware of which group the subjects are in (treatment or control). Triple-blind studies are used to reduce bias and increase the objectivity of the research findings.

What is sampling?

Sampling is the process of selecting a representative group of individuals (sample) from a larger population for the purpose of conducting research. Sampling allows researchers to draw conclusions about the larger population based on the characteristics of the sample.

What are the different types of sampling methods?

The main types of sampling methods are:

Probability sampling: Involves selecting a sample using a random sampling method, such as simple random sampling, stratified sampling, or cluster sampling.

Non-probability sampling: Involves selecting a sample using a method other than random sampling, such as convenience sampling, snowball sampling, quota sampling, judgment sampling, or purposive sampling.

What is probability sampling?

Probability sampling is a type of sampling method that involves selecting a sample using a random sampling method, such as simple random sampling, stratified sampling, or cluster sampling. Probability sampling allows researchers to estimate the precision of the sample and generalize the findings to the larger population.

What is non-probability sampling?

Non-probability sampling is a type of sampling method that involves selecting a sample using a method other than random sampling, such as convenience sampling, snowball sampling, quota sampling, judgment sampling, or purposive sampling. Non-probability sampling does not allow researchers to estimate the precision of the sample or generalize the findings to the larger population.

What is simple random sampling?

Simple random sampling is a type of probability sampling method in which every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected for the sample. Simple random sampling is used to ensure that the sample is representative of the larger population.

What is stratified sampling?

Stratified sampling is a type of probability sampling method in which the population is divided into subgroups (strata) based on certain characteristics, and a sample is selected from each stratum. Stratified sampling is used to ensure that the sample is representative of the larger population and to increase the precision of the sample.

What is cluster sampling?

Cluster sampling is a type of probability sampling method in which the population is divided into clusters, and a sample of clusters is selected. Within each selected cluster, a sample of individuals is then selected. Cluster sampling is used when it is not practical or feasible to sample the entire population.

What is systematic sampling?

Systematic sampling is a type of probability sampling method in which every nth member of the population is selected for the sample. Systematic sampling is used to ensure that the sample is representative of the larger population.

What is convenience sampling?

Convenience sampling is a type of non-probability sampling method in which the sample is selected based on ease of access or availability. Convenience sampling is often used when time or resources are limited, but it may not be representative of the larger population.

What is a field experiment?

A field experiment is a type of research design that involves manipulating one or more variables in a natural setting and measuring the effect on another variable. Field experiments are used to study the relationships between variables in real-world situations.

What is an observational study?

An observational study is a research design in which the researcher observes and records the behaviors, attitudes, or characteristics of a group of individuals, but does not manipulate any variables. Observational studies can be either structured (using a predetermined protocol) or unstructured (allowing the researcher to observe and record spontaneously).

What is a laboratory experiment?

A laboratory experiment is a research design that involves manipulating one or more variables in a controlled laboratory setting and measuring the effect on another variable. Laboratory experiments are used to study the relationships between variables in a controlled environment.

What is a quasi-experiment?

A quasi-experiment is a research design that involves comparing groups that are not randomly assigned, but are otherwise similar. Quasi-experiments are often used when it is not possible or ethical to randomly assign subjects to treatment and control groups.

What is a cross-sectional study?

A cross-sectional study is a research design that involves collecting data from a sample of individuals at one point in time. Cross-sectional studies are used to examine the relationships between variables at a specific point in time.

What is a longitudinal study?

A longitudinal study is a research design that involves collecting data from a sample of individuals over an extended period of time. Longitudinal studies are used to examine changes in variables over time.

What is a cohort study?

A cohort study is a research design that involves following a group of individuals (cohort) over time and collecting data on a particular outcome or exposure. Cohort studies are used to examine the relationships between variables and the development of a particular outcome.

What is a cross-sectional and longitudinal study?

A cross-sectional and longitudinal study is a research design that involves collecting data from a sample of individuals at multiple points in time. This type of study combines the characteristics of both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, and is used to examine changes in variables over time.

What is a systematic review?

A systematic review is a research method that involves searching for, evaluating, and synthesizing all available research on a specific topic. Systematic reviews are used to summarize the current state of knowledge on a particular topic and identify gaps in the research.

What is a meta-analysis?

A meta-analysis is a statistical analysis that combines the results of multiple studies to estimate the overall effect size of a particular intervention or treatment. Meta-analyses are used to synthesize research findings and provide a more precise estimate of the effect of an intervention.

What is a randomized controlled trial?

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is a research design that involves randomly assigning subjects to treatment and control groups, and comparing the outcomes between the two groups. RCTs are used to test the effectiveness of an intervention or treatment.

What is a single-blind study?

A single-blind study is a research design in which the subjects do not know which group they are in (treatment or control). Single-blind studies are used to reduce bias and increase the objectivity of the research findings.

Sources for FAQs:
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Salkind, N. J. (Ed.). (2018). Encyclopedia of research design. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. (2014). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods (5th ed.). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Robson, C. (2011). Real world research (3rd ed.). Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishing.
Denscombe, M. (2014). The good research guide (4th ed.). Maidenhead, UK: Open University Press.
Yin, R. K. (2014). Case study research: Design and methods (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
De Vaus, D. A. (2013). Research design in social research (11th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Teddlie, C., & Tashakkori, A. (Eds.). (2009). Foundations of mixed methods research: Integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches in the social and behavioral sciences. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.