RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.
The Facts of Today are the product of Yesterday’s research
-Duncam Macdonald
Research methodology is the specific procedures or techniques used to identify, select, process and analyze information about a topic . In research paper, the methodology section allows the reader to critically evaluate a study’s overall validity and reliability.
For example, how did the researcher go about deciding :
- What data to collect
- Where/who to collect it from
- How to collect
- How to analyze ( credibility)
PRIMARY DATA :
It is a type of data that is collected by researches directly from main source through interviews, surveys, experiments, etc. Primary data are usually collected from the source — where the data originally originates from and are regarded as the best kind of data in research.
Sources : Autobiographies and Memoirs, diaries, personal letters, and correspondence. Interviews, surveys, and Fieldwork.
SECONDARY DATA :
It refers to the data that is collected by someone other than the Primary data. It is a type of data that has already been collected in past.
Sources : Website, E-books, Books, Previous published data, Conference papers, Case studies. etc.
EVEN THIS BLOG IS AN EXAMPLE OF SECONDARY DATA RESEACH
Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed-methods Methodology:
These are different types of methodologies, distinguished by whether they focus on words, numbers or both.
Qualitative methodology research refers to research which focuses on collecting and analyzing words and textual data, whereas Quantitative methodology research focuses on measurement and testing using numerical data. Quantitative analysis can also focus on other “ softer” data points, such as body language or visual elements. Whereas the Mixed-method methodology attempts to combine the best of both Qualitative and Quantitative methodologies to integrate perspective and create a rich picture.
The main Sampling Design approaches:
There are many sample options, but the two main categories of sampling design are Probability sampling and Non-probability sampling.
Probability sampling means that you use a complete random sample from the group of people you’re interested in ( called population). By using a completely random sample, the result of your study will be generalizable to the entire population.
Non-probability sampling, on the other hand doesn’t use a random sample, the results are typically not generalizable.
OVERVIEW:
- First ask yourself whether your research topic is exploratory or confirmatory in nature.
- Exploratory will often utilize a qualitative methodology, using interviews, focus groups. Etc.
- Confirmatory research will often utilize a quantitative methodology involving surveys or measurements.
Refences :
