RESEARCH METHODOLOGY GUIDE
Research Methodology Guide: Methods, Approaches and How to Choose.
Understand how research methodology works, from choosing a research philosophy and approach to selecting methods for data collection and analysis.
RESEARCH DESIGN
What is research methodology?
Research methodology describes the overall reasoning and framework behind a research study. It explains how a researcher approaches a research problem, why particular methods are appropriate and how evidence will be collected and analysed.
Methodology is therefore broader than a list of research methods. A well-designed methodology connects the research problem, questions, objectives, theoretical assumptions, data collection and analysis into a coherent research design.
EXPLORE
Research Methodology Topics
Explore the major decisions involved in designing and conducting academic research.
Research Philosophy
Understand major research philosophies and how assumptions about knowledge and reality influence the way research is designed.
Detailed guide coming soon →
Research Approaches
Explore deductive, inductive and abductive approaches and understand how researchers move between theory, evidence and conclusions.
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Qualitative Research
Learn how qualitative research explores experiences, perceptions, meanings and social phenomena using non-numerical evidence.
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Quantitative Research
Understand how quantitative research uses numerical data, measurement and statistical analysis to investigate research questions.
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Mixed-Methods Research
Explore how qualitative and quantitative approaches can be combined to provide complementary perspectives within one research study.
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Research Methods
Compare common methods such as surveys, interviews, case studies, experiments, observations and secondary data analysis.
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Sampling
Understand how researchers select participants, cases or datasets and how sampling decisions affect the scope of a study.
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Data Collection
Explore approaches for collecting primary and secondary data and understand how collection methods should align with research objectives.
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Data Analysis
Learn how qualitative and quantitative data can be organised, analysed and interpreted to answer research questions.
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AN IMPORTANT DISTINCTION
Research methodology vs research methods
Research methods are the specific techniques used to collect or analyse evidence, such as interviews, surveys or statistical analysis. Research methodology explains the broader reasoning behind the research design and why those methods are appropriate for the study.
Keeping this distinction clear can help researchers write a more coherent methodology chapter and justify their methodological decisions.
RESEARCH DESIGN PROCESS
How methodology connects to the wider research project
Methodology should not be developed in isolation. The research problem influences the research questions, the questions inform the objectives, and these decisions help determine the most appropriate research approach, methods, data and analysis.
RELATED RESEARCH GUIDE
Start with your research questions
Research questions play an important role in determining the direction of a study and can help guide methodological decisions. Explore our research questions guide to understand how strong research questions are developed.
Research Questions GuideNeed help with your research?
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