3 Crucial Steps to Writing a Research Methodology [The Easy Guide]

Summary

This video explains the key elements of a research methodology, emphasizing the importance of the research question as the foundation. It breaks down the distinction between 'methodology' (the overall design) and 'method' (the tools used), explaining both qualitative and quantitative approaches. It also highlights the significance of data collection, reproducibility, and analysis, underscoring how to describe techniques and software used. Lastly, it stresses the need for acknowledging limitations in the methodology, providing a comprehensive guide for constructing a solid and reproducible research methodology.

Takeaways

• 😀 The research question is the foundation of your methodology and guides the entire research process.
• 😀 Methodology is the framework or design of your experiment, which outlines the approach to answering the research question.
• 😀 Method and methodology are distinct: methodology is the overall approach, while the method refers to the specific tools and techniques used.
• 😀 There are two primary research methods: qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative methods focus on exploring feelings and experiences, while quantitative methods focus on measurable data and statistical analysis.
• 😀 Qualitative research is often used in social sciences and humanities and doesn't necessarily require a predefined outcome or hypothesis.
• 😀 Quantitative research is common in STEM fields, where the goal is to measure and analyze variables using controlled experiments and statistical tests.
• 😀 A mixed-methods approach combines both qualitative and quantitative techniques to gather and analyze data.
• 😀 Data collection involves gathering information through surveys, interviews, experiments, or secondary data sources. The process must be reproducible for others to validate results.
• 😀 The analysis section of the methodology explains how you process and interpret the data, whether through statistical tools or qualitative theme analysis.
• 😀 It's important to include details on any software or tools used for data analysis to ensure reproducibility.
• 😀 Limitations must be acknowledged in your methodology, explaining what the techniques cannot address and how they still provide valuable insights.

Q & A

What is the most important element to include in your research methodology?

The most important element is the research question. It shapes the methodology as the design you use to answer that question.

How do methodology and method differ in research?

Methodology refers to the overall framework or design of your experiment, while the method refers to the specific tools or techniques you use to collect and analyze data.

What are the two primary flavors of methods in research?

The two primary flavors are qualitative and quantitative methods, which can also be blended in some studies.

What is the focus of qualitative research methods?

Qualitative research focuses on understanding the quality or nature of something, exploring how people feel, or why something is the way it is, often using techniques like focus groups or interviews.

What does quantitative research aim to measure?

Quantitative research measures the amount or quantity of something, often used in controlled experiments to test hypotheses and measure changes.

Can both qualitative and quantitative methods be used together in research?

Yes, a blended approach is possible, where both qualitative and quantitative techniques are used to gather and analyze data.

Why is data collection important in a research methodology?

Data collection is crucial because it provides the foundation for reproducibility, allowing others to replicate your study and validate your findings.

What are some ways to collect data in research?

Data can be collected through surveys, interviews, controlled experiments, or using existing data, depending on the nature of the research.

What role does analysis play in a research methodology?

Analysis is where you describe how you interpret and process the data, using techniques such as statistical methods or thematic grouping to draw conclusions.

Why are limitations important in a research methodology section?

Limitations are important because they acknowledge areas where your methods may not fully address the research question, while also justifying why your chosen techniques are the best option available.