Research Method

Research methods are the strategies, processes or techniques utilized in the collection of data
or evidence for analysis in order to uncover new information or create better understanding of a
topic. Basically, these are ways of collecting and analyzing data. Most common research methods
include surveys, experiments, interviews, and observations.
There are different types of research methods which use different tools for data collection.

Types of research
Qualitative Research gathers data about lived experiences, emotions or behaviours, and the
meanings individuals attach to them. It assists in enabling researchers to gain a better
understanding of complex concepts, social interactions or cultural phenomena. This type of
research is useful in the exploration of how or why things have occurred, interpreting events and
describing actions.
Quantitative Research gathers numerical data which can be ranked, measured or categorized
through statistical analysis. It assists with uncovering patterns or relationships, and for making
generalizations. This type of research is useful for finding out how many, how much, how often,
or to what extent.
Mixed Methods Research integrates both Qualitative and Quantitative Research. It provides
a holistic approach combining and analyzing the statistical data with deeper contextualized
insights. Using Mixed Methods also enables Triangulation, or verification, of the data from two
or more sources.

Now, to provide a description of the methods researchers plan to use to answer a research
question, we need to consider the specific research question, field of study, and available
resources. However, we can provide a general framework for outlining research methods.
Please keep in mind that the actual methods may vary depending on the nature of the research.
1. Research Question: Begin by clearly stating the research question or hypothesis that
you aim to investigate. Make sure it is concise and specific. Research questions provide
a clear guideline for research. One research question may be part of a larger project,
such as a dissertation. However, each question should only focus on one topic.
Research questions must be answerable, practical, specific, and applicable to your field

2. Research Design: Research design is a plan to answer your research question. A

research method is a strategy used to implement that plan. Research design and
methods are different but closely related, because good research design ensures that
the data you obtain will help you answer your research question more effectively.

How to do it?

 Experimental: If your research involves experiments, describe the experimental

design, including variables, control groups, and treatment groups.
  Observational: If your research is observational, explain how you plan to collect
and analyze data without intervening in the natural environment.
 Survey/Questionnaire: If surveys are involved, describe the survey instrument,
sampling methods, and data collection procedures.

3. Data Collection: Data collection is the process of collecting and evaluating information
or data from multiple sources to find answers to research problems, answer questions,
evaluate outcomes, and forecast trends and probabilities. It is an essential phase in all
types of research, analysis, and decision-making, including that done in the social
sciences, business, and healthcare.

Accurate data collection is necessary to make informed business decisions, ensure

quality assurance, and keep research integrity.

 Participants/Subjects: Specify the characteristics of your study's participants or

subjects, including demographics and recruitment methods.
 Data Sources: Identify the sources of data you will use (e.g., surveys, interviews,
existing datasets, observations).
 Data Collection Instruments: If applicable, describe the tools or instruments you
will use for data collection (e.g., surveys, sensors, questionnaires).

Data Collection Tools

Below are the techniques or tools used for gathering research data:
Qualitative Techniques or Tools
a. Interviews: these can be structured, semi-structured or unstructured in-depth
sessions with the researcher and a participant.
b. Focus groups: with several participants discussing a particular topic or a set of
questions. Researchers can be facilitators or observers.
c. Observations: On-site, in-context or role-play options
d. Document analysis: Interrogation of correspondence (letters, diaries, emails
etc.) or reports
e. Oral history or life stories: Remembrances or memories of experiences told to
the researcher
Quantitative Techniques or Tools
a. Surveys or questionnaires: which ask the same questions to large numbers of
participants or use Likert scales which measure opinions as numerical data
b. Observation: which can either involve counting the number of times a specific
phenomenon occurs, or the coding of observational data in order to translate it
into numbers.
c. Document screening: sourcing numerical data from financial reports or counting
word occurrences.
d. Experiments: testing hypotheses in laboratories, testing cause and effect
relationships, through field experiments, or via quasi- or natural experiments.
4. Data Analysis: Data analysis is the most crucial part of any research. Data analysis
summarizes collected data. It involves the interpretation of data gathered through the
use of analytical and logical reasoning to determine patterns, relationships or trends.

 Statistical Methods: Explain the statistical techniques you plan to use for data
analysis, such as regression analysis, t-tests, ANOVA, content analysis, or
thematic coding.
 Software: Specify the software or programming languages you'll use for data
analysis (e.g., SPSS, R, Python).

5. Ethical Considerations: Ethical considerations in research are a set of principles that

guide your research designs and practices. These principles include voluntary
participation, informed consent, anonymity, confidentiality, potential for harm, and results
communication

How to do it? Discuss ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality,

and any ethical review board approvals you've obtained.

6. Timeline: A research timeline is a plan that helps you organize your tasks, set
deadlines, and track your progress throughout a research project. It can help you avoid
stress, confusion, and procrastination, and ensure that you complete your research on
time and with quality.

How to do it? Provide a rough timeline for the research project, including milestones for
data collection, analysis, and reporting.

7. Resources: Research resources are found in various places, both within and outside
the traditional library. Your research resources can come from your personal
experiences; print media such as books, brochures, journals, magazines, and
newspapers; and electronic sources found on the Internet.

How to do it? Outline the resources required, such as funding, equipment, personnel,
and access to specific populations or datasets

8. Limitations: Research limitations are, at the simplest level, the weaknesses of the
study, based on factors that are often outside of your control as the researcher. These
factors could include things like time, access to funding, equipment, data or participants.

How to do it? Acknowledge any potential limitations of your research methods, such as
sample size constraints, biases, or data collection difficulties

9. Validity and Reliability: Validity refers to how well your research measures what it
intends to measure, and how accurately it reflects the reality of the phenomenon you are
studying. Reliability refers to how consistent and stable your research results are, and
how well they can be replicated by other researchers.
 How to do it? Explain how you plan to ensure the validity and reliability of your research.
This may include pilot testing, inter-rater reliability checks, or validation of measurement
instruments

10. Conclusion: A conclusion is the final paragraph of a research paper and serves to help
the reader understand why your research should matter to them. The conclusion of a
conclusion should: Restate your topic and why it is important, Restate your thesis/claim,
Address opposing viewpoints and explain why readers should align with your position,
and Include a call for action or overview of future research possibilities

How to do it? Summarize the key points of your research methodology, emphasizing
how your chosen methods align with the research question and objectives.

Remember that the methods section of a research proposal or paper should be detailed enough
for readers to understand how you intend to answer the research question, but it should also be
flexible enough to accommodate potential adjustments based on unforeseen challenges or
developments during the research process.

References:

https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/researchmethods

https://typeset.io/resources/how-to-write-a-research-question/#:~:text=Research%20questions%20provide%20a%20clear,and
%20applicable%20to%20your%20field.

https://guides.lib.vt.edu/researchmethods/design-method#:~:text=Research%20design%20is%20a%20plan,your%20research
%20question%20more%20effectively.

https://www.simplilearn.com/what-is-data-collection-article

https://library.up.ac.za/c.php?g=485435&p=4425510#:~:text=Data%20analysis%20is%20the%20most,determine%20patterns%2C
%20relationships%20or%20trends.

https://www.scribbr.com/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-ethical-considerations-in-research/#:~:text=Ethical%20considerations
%20in%20research%20are,for%20harm%2C%20and%20results%20communication.

https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/what-steps-create-research-timeline-skills-research#:~:text=A%20research%20timeline%20is
%20a,on%20time%20and%20with%20quality.

https://www.umgc.edu/current-students/learning-resources/writing-center/online-guide-to-writing/tutorial/chapter4/ch4-
06#:~:text=Research%20resources%20are%20found%20in,sources%20found%20on%20the%20Internet.

https://gradcoach.com/research-limitations-vs-delimitations/#:~:text=Research%20limitations%20are%2C%20at%20the,%2C
%20equipment%2C%20data%20or%20participants.

https://www.linkedin.com/advice/1/how-do-you-evaluate-validity-reliability-your-research#:~:text=Validity%20refers%20to%20how
%20well,be%20replicated%20by%20other%20researchers.

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-write-a-conclusion-for-a-research-paper