Research methodology can be referred to as a systematic plan or details on how research is conducted. It presents information on the design, sampling, data collection, and analysis techniques used for answering research questions.
It is important to choose the right methodology to ensure the accuracy, relevance, and trustworthiness of a study. There are a number of research methodologies. So, keep reading when to use which one.
What is a Research Methodology?
Research methodologies are systematic frameworks for conducting a study. A methodology chapter in a research paper highlights the design, sampling technique, data collection, and analysis strategy, and theoretical underpinnings followed to answer research questions.
Details of the methodology will allow other researchers to understand, review, and replicate your study. This is necessary to establish the validity and reliability of your study. There are different types of methodologies in research that support a variety of studies. So, you must choose the one that helps you meet your study goals.
Major Types of Research Methodologies
Broadly, you will find 3 types of research methodology. These include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed. Here are the major methodologies that you will find relevant to your academic research projects.
Qualitative Research
Qualitative research methodology is focused on understanding subjective human perception and experiences.
Methods
Data is collected using methods like interviews, focus groups, case studies, and ethnography. Data collection instruments are prepared to get descriptive information, like texts or visuals. You will be able to capture non-quantifiable aspects.
Data is analysed using techniques like thematic analysis, which is focused on identifying recurring patterns and common themes in texts or transcripts.
When to Use?
Qualitative data is about collecting and analysing non-numeric data. This will be suitable if you want to gain deep insights into opinions, beliefs, feelings, motivations, or concepts. So, qualitative methods are particularly suitable when generating theories, understanding human behaviour, and exploring new topics.
Quantitative Research
Quantitative research methodology is about collecting measurable data and performing objective analysis.
Methods
Quantitative methodologies involve the researcher collecting numerical data. Methods like surveys, observations, and polls are used for collecting data that can be measured. So, the data is typically expressed as numbers, measurements, or counts. You can also perform experiments and data modelling to gather raw information.
Statistical analysis is performed to answer research questions. This ensures that the research just plays the role of an objective interpreter, thus keeping the findings free from subjective bias.
When to Use?
You should use quantitative methods if you want to identify patterns, trends, and averages. It is also applicable for testing hypotheses or measuring cause-and-effect relationships.
You can test predefined hypotheses about the association between variables. Quantitative data also helps measure the impact of one variable on another.
Mixed-Methods Research
Mixed-methods research involves a combination of both qualitative and quantitative approaches in the same study.
Methods
For mixed-method research, you can use the data collection and analysis methods of the individual methodologies. For example, you can use surveys and statistical analyses to answer quantitative research questions. Similarly, interviews and thematic analysis can be used for answering the qualitative ones.
When to Use?
With mixed methodology, researchers aim to get more comprehensive insights into a research problem. Strategies are chosen to leverage the advantages of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. You can also use mixed methodology if answering all your research questions requires measurable as well as descriptive data.
For example, an explanatory sequential mixed-method design involves completing a quantitative research phase first, followed by a qualitative phase to support the quantitative findings. So, you can use a mixed methodology to measure relationships between variables and also explain the findings in more detail.
Experimental Research
Experimental research is a methodology used for spotting and understanding causality and associations.
Methods
Experimental research involves the manipulation of independent variables. It is about understanding the impact on the dependent construct under controlled conditions. It is based on comparing treatment (experimental) groups with non-treatment (control) groups.
When to Use?
You can use experimental research for testing theories related to natural phenomena. For example, you can test the effect of a new treatment or medicine on symptom reduction. It is widely used in understanding the efficacy and side effects of new treatments or drugs by comparing treatment and placebo groups.
Descriptive Research
Descriptive research methodology is used for getting facts, trends, and frequencies without manipulating variables.
Methods
Case studies, surveys, and observations are run to gather information. You can collect quantitative, qualitative, or both types of data. One aim is to describe attributes. Another aim is to provide accounts of population, occurrences, or situations. Variables are measured as they are in the natural settings.
When to Use?
Descriptive research methodology can be applied to understand demographics or consumer trends. It can also be used to measure the prevalence of disease and its pattern over time.
Analytical/Explanatory Research
Explanatory research goes beyond just describing a situation. It also tries to understand how a phenomenon occurs. It is about identifying causes and relationships between variables.
Methods
Explanatory research is investigative and interpretative. Quantitative data is collected through methods like controlled experiments. Statistical analyses are run for testing hypotheses and establishing relationships between variables.
When to Use?
Explanatory research methodology is suitable when you want to establish causal relationships between variables. An explanatory methodology is also used to further expand a descriptive study. You can also use it to test existing theories and explain observed patterns with evidence.
Applied Research
Applied research is conducted to find practical solutions to specific issues, using existing theories and knowledge.
Methods
Applied research involves collecting findings from existing research and theories. Scientific methods are used for the development of practical solutions.
When to Use?
Applied research methodology is used for finding solutions and addressing specific challenges in fields like education, healthcare, business, and technology. The findings can help develop products and tailor solutions to specific contexts.
Fundamental (Basic) Research
Fundamental research is about expanding knowledge and understanding of basic principles and theories, without focusing on an immediate practical application.
Methods
Fundamental research is not conducted with specific outcomes in mind. So, broad exploration is possible. You don’t have to restrict your study to a strictly quantitative or qualitative method.
When to Use?
Fundamental research methodology can be used in cases like finding the general causes behind a disease or symptom. It is also used for simply learning something and expanding understanding.
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| Methodology | What It Is | When to Use | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualitative Research | Exploratory research to understand events, behaviors, motivations, and the reason behind them. | When exploring new topics or understanding “why” behind phenomena. | In-depth insights, flexible structure, and captures context. | Subjective interpretation, suitable for smaller samples, and not generalizable. |
| Quantitative Research | Data-driven approach using numerical data, which produces measurable outcomes. | When testing hypotheses, measuring trends, gauging relationships between variables, or making predictions. | Measurable, replicable, and generalizable outcomes from quantitative data, structured instruments, and large sample size. | Can miss context, deeper meaning, or reasons behind measured causality. |
| Mixed Methods | Combination of qualitative and quantitative research. | When both statistical data and human perspectives are important. | Comprehensive, balances statistical results with in-depth analysis. | Complex design, time-consuming, and expensive to execute. |
| Experimental Research | Controlled studies involving manipulated variables, used to gauge impacts. | When testing cause-effect relationships. | High reliability, and control over variables. | Outcomes derived from artificial setting, and underlying ethical concern. |
| Descriptive Research | Collecting data or gathering facts without manipulating variables. | When describing characteristics or accounts of population or events. | Straightforward way to understand trends, frequencies, demographics, and prevalences. | Findings can not be generalised to other populations, and inability to establish cause-effect relationships. |
| Explanatory Research | Investigative research involving controlled experiments, statistical analysis, and hypothesis testing. | When trying to understand relationship between variables, or expanding descriptive study to understand underlying causes behind certain phenomenon. | Can reveal hidden patterns, help form initial hypotheses, and identify new problems and opportunities. | Inability to tell the difference between coincidence and causation, and oversimplification of complex problems. |
| Applied Research | Involves collecting information from the existing theories and research findings. | When trying to find practical solutions to problems at hand. | Solve specific real-world problems directly by helping generate actionable insights. | Findings have limited generalisability, and the scope of research is narrow. |
| Fundamental Research | Involves research without any specific goal, typically for expanding understanding of basic concepts. | When finding general causes or learning something new. | Can lead to predictable and transformative innovations when expanding foundational knowledge. | Inability to establish causality, and potential for human error and bias in research. |
Table: A Comparison of Different Types of Research Methodologies
How to Choose the Right Methodology
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right methodology for your study.
Consider your Research Questions and Objectives
Choose the methodology that will help you answer your research questions accurately. For example, you need quantitative methods to get measurable results.
Consider the Availability of Data and Resources
You want to go for primary data if there is a lack of sufficient data or studies on your topic. You should also consider the availability of resources like data collection tools, databases, or respondents.
Consider the Academic Discipline and Audience
Some methodologies are more popular in certain disciplines. For example, survey-based quantitative studies are popular in the social sciences. But experimental research methodology is more widely used in medical science.
Consider Feasibility and Ethical Concerns
Some methodologies involve ethical concerns related to participant recruitment and data collection. Other methodologies, especially in the field of medicine, can pose higher ethical concerns if new interventions are being tested. Your methodology must allow ethical research.
Need More Help With Your Assignments?
In academic research, different methodologies serve different purposes. However, at the fundamental level, a research methodology can be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method. The structure of other common methodologies, like descriptive, experimental, applied, and fundamental, depends on context.
Always consider your research objectives when choosing a methodology.
For more guidance on research methodology, you can reach out to an assignment help service now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Observational studies involve observing participants without intervention. Observational studies can be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method. It is about the approach to collecting data, rather than the type of data.
Yes, longitudinal and cross-sectional research are also methodologies. However, it is more about the timeframe rather than the approach to data collection or analysis. Such timeframes are important in observational studies.
Methodology is the broader framework or strategy with theoretical underpinnings. But methods are the specific procedures and tools used in research. So, a methodology justifies the choice of certain methods. For example, in a quantitative methodology, the choice of a survey method for data collection is justified.
RCTs and Cohort Studies are commonly used methodologies in public health and clinical research. RCTs are part of an experimental study, where participants are assigned to treatment and control groups. The goal is to measure the effects of treatments or health interventions.
Cohort studies are observational studies that involve following participant groups and identifying the relationship between risk factors and health outcomes without intervening.
Alignment with research questions and objectives is the most important consideration when choosing a methodology. After all, you will be conducting a study to answer the research questions accurately.
