Explore an introduction to research methodology with this comprehensive guide covering types, key characteristics, and practical applications.”
Research Methodology
Research methodology is a scientific, conceptual examination of the techniques and principles used in an area of study. It is not simply a collection of methods but the science of how research is carried out scientifically. This theoretical framework will inform researchers in their quest to discover truth by studying, observing, comparing, and experimenting with precision, thus ensuring that the process is controlled, rigorous and, finally, valid.
What are the Objectives of Research?
The research process represents a systematic effort that consists of the following major aims:
- Defining and redefining issues to create a sense of clarity.
- Developing hypotheses or proposed solutions which need to be tested.
- Gathering, arranging and assessing information in a rational way.
- Drawing conclusions and inferences out of the evidence.
- Conclusions are tested in rigorous ways to determine whether they can support the original hypotheses.
Purpose or Motivation in Research
- Desire to get research degree
- Desire to face challenges in solving the unsolved problems
- Desire to get intellectual joy doing some creative work
- Desire to be of service to the society
- Desire to get responsibility
Key Characteristics of Scientific Research
In order to qualify as a robust research process, a process should have the following characteristics:
- Controlled: Minimization of effects of the external factors to create clear cause and effect relationships.
- Rigorous: Appropriate use of correct, accurate, precise and validated methods to procedures to find answers..
- Systematic: It takes a series of steps which are not random but linked to one another.
- Valid and Verifiable: Conclusions should be legitimate and should be able to be reproduced by the researcher or other individuals.
- Empirical: Decisions and conclusions are made based on concrete evidence through real life experience or observation.
- Critical: The whole process and the procedures used should be beyond questioning.
Types of Research
Types of research can be looked at from three different perspectives
1. An Application Perspective
1. Pure Research (Basic Research)
Pure research is motivated by intellectual interest and the process to unleash scientific theories in order to understand and predict better the natural or any other phenomena. It might not necessarily be directly applicable in practice but is essential to the development and improvement of research methodologies, procedures, and tools. Some examples include
- Developing a sampling technique
- Developing an instrument
- Finding the best way of measuring people’s attitudes.
- How was the universe formed?
- Is there life on Mars?
2. Applied Research
Applied research involves applying pure research methods to address very short term practical problems of society or industrial/business organizations. The idea is to use the findings in policy formulation, administration and to enhance knowledge on a particular phenomenon. Example includes
- How can obesity be prevented?
- Does marriage prevent certain mental or physical illnesses?
- Does marijuana pose a greater or smaller health risk than tobacco, when smoked?Â
2. An Objectives Perspective
This view categorizes research in regards to its overall purpose.
1. Descriptive Research
Descriptive research does explain how things are. It states what has occurred or what is occurring but not the cause and effect of the happening. It is meant primarily to explain what is common with an issue. These methods are observational studies, case studies and surveys.
2. Explanatory Research
Explanatory research (or analytical research) tries to explain why and how two things about a situation are related. It tries to give causal relationship like why high-stress living causes stress heart attack.
3. Correlational Research
The focus here is to find out whether there is some kind of relationship, association or interdependence between two or more variables. It analyses whether there is a connection but it does not establish causality. As an example, researching the connection between an advertising campaign and product sales.
4. Exploratory Research
Exploratory study is done where the problem is not well defined. It examines research questions that have not been thoroughly researched in order to generate preliminary concepts and explore the viability of a more comprehensive research. It is not usually a large-scale pilot study.
3. A Mode of Enquiry Perspective
The viewpoint relates to the methodology that is used to seek solutions and is the main point of disagreement between research methodologies.
1. The Structured Approach (Quantitative Research)
In this method, all the elements of research process such as objectives, design, sample, and questions are predefined. It can be used to find out the magnitude of an issue or phenomenon and falls under the category of quantitative research. It is specific, clear, and valid and reliable. which include following methods
- Questionnaires
- Online surveys
- PollsÂ
2. The Unstructured Approach (Qualitative Research)
This method gives the research process flexibility in every respect. It is applied mainly in order to investigate the essence of a phenomenon, its variability and the multiplicity of attitudes to the phenomenon. It falls under the category of qualitative research and is best suited to comprehend various viewpoints and experiences in detail. which include following methods
- Focus groups
- One-to-one interview
- Ethnographic research
- Case study research
- Text analysis
Research Methods vs. Research Methodology A critical difference
These two terms should not be confused:
- Research Methods: The methods and tools applied by researchers to conduct operational activities (e.g. surveys, experiments, interviews).
- Research Methodology: Is the science of research of the manner of doing research. It is the study of the principles and processes according to which research was conducted, why particular methods were selected, and why.
FAQs Research Methodology
Why is it important for research to be ‘controlled
In the real world, many factors can influence an outcome. A ‘controlled’ study aims to minimize the impact of these external variables so the researcher can establish a clearer, more reliable link between the cause and effect they are investigating. This is easier in a lab setting but is a crucial ideal in all research.
Can you give a simple example to distinguish pure and applied research?
Certainly.
- Pure Research:Â A study investigating the molecular structure of a specific protein to understand how it functions, with no immediate commercial goal.
- Applied Research:Â Using the findings from that pure research to develop a new drug that targets that protein to treat a disease.
What does it mean for research to be ‘rigorous’?
Rigor means that the procedures and techniques used in the research are precise, appropriate, and justified. It ensures that the methods are applied meticulously to minimize bias and error, making the findings more credible and reliable. The level of rigor required can vary between scientific fields.