Inquiries, Investigation and Immersion

Michelle Ann M. Martinez

Subject Teacher
 Learning Objectives

• Determine the different types of research

methodology.
• Identify the different data collection methods.
• Explain the ethical consideration in research
methodology.
 Research methodology is a structured and scientific
approach used to collect, analyze, and interpret
quantitative or qualitative data to answer research
questions or test hypotheses.
Research
Methodology 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.
What is a 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 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.
Having a good research methodology
in place has the following 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.
There are three types of research methodology based
on the type of research and the data required:

•Quantitative research methodology

•Qualitative research methodology
•Mixed-method research methodology
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.
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 • Nonprobability sampling involves feedback based on a
researcher’s sample selection capabilities and not on a fixed
sampling selection process.
 • 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
The different purpose of the study and the understanding of the
types of target audience.
nonprobability • Snowball—already selected participants use their
social networks to refer the researcher to other
sampling potential participants.
methods are: • 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?
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 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 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.

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

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

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:
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 methodology.
How to write a
research
methodology?
A research methodology should
include the following components
1.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.
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 to answer your research
problem.
4.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.
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; reliability 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 obtaining consent from participants, maintaining
confidentiality, and addressing conflicts of interest.
What are the key components of
research methodology?
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
Why is ethical consideration important in research
methodology?
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:
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.
What is the difference
between methodology
and method?
• 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.