Observational Research Methods. Observational research is a group of different research methods where researchers try to observe a phenomenon without interfering too much. Observational research methods, such as the case study, are probably the furthest removed from the. Research methodology is taught as a supporting subject in several ways in many academic disciplines such as health, education, psychology, social work, nursing, public health, library studies.
Research Methods vs Research Methodology
Although Research Methods and Research Methodology are two terms that are often confused as one and the same, they show differences between them. First let us define the two words. Research methods are the methods used for data collection in research. On the other hand research methodology explains the overarching theoretical and philosophical frameworks which guide the research. This highlights that there is a clear difference between the two, Research methodologies are the overarching frameworks that we use for research. Research methods are the techniques that we use. Different methodologies employ different methods. Through this article let us clarify the difference.
What are Research Methods?
4.4.1 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY. Quantitative research, according to Van der Merwe (1996), is a research approach aimed at testing theories, determining facts, demonstrating relationships between variables, and predicting outcomes. Quantitative research uses methods from the natural sciences that are. 3.5 Empirical Research Methodology 3.5.1 Research Design This section describes how research is designed in terms of the techniques used for data collection, sampling strategy, and data analysis for a quantitative method. Before going into the strategies of data collection and analysis, a set of hypotheses were developed. Research methodology simply refers to the practical “how” of any given piece of research. More specifically, it’s about how a researcher systematically designs a study to ensure valid and reliable results that address the research aims and objectives. For example, how did the researcher go about deciding.
As mentioned above, research methods are the methods used for data collection in research. Research methods involve surveys, interviews, case studies, observation, experiments, etc. It can be said that research methods are mainly used to gather information so that the researcher can find answers to his research problem.
When speaking of research methods whether it is the natural sciences or else the social sciences there is a vast range of methods that can be used. In the natural sciences, the researcher is mostly interested in gaining quantitative data that will allow him to provide specific conclusions. But in the social sciences the research methods mostly provide the researcher with quantitative data. However, this does not mean that in social sciences qualitative data is ignored. On the contrary, a combination of data can be used for social research.
What is a Research Methodology?
Research methodology explains the overarching theoretical and philosophical frameworks which guide the research. Research methodology works as a framework within which the researcher works. It is even accurate to consider it as the inception of the research. For various researches, the researcher can employ different methodologies. This will allow him to look at the research problem from different angles and use different methods, techniques and even perspectives.
Let us take an example and comprehend the difference between research methods and research methodology. A research that is being conducted on the stigmatization of HIV patients can employ a variety of research methods. They are interviews, observation and even case studies. These allow the researcher to collect data from the participants. This allows him to find answers to his research questions and overall research problem.
When paying attention to the research methodology, it refers to the broader framework that is used by the researcher to conduct the research. This will decide what types of methods the researcher use, the theoretical perspectives, etc. In this sense, the methodology works more as an overall guide to the research.
What are the Difference Between Research Methods and Research Methodology?
Definitions of Research Methods and Research Methodology:
Research methods: Research methods are the methods used for data collection in a research.
Research methodology: Research methodology explains the overarching theoretical and philosophical frameworks which guide the research.
Characteristics of Research Methods and Research Methodology:
Content:
Research Methods: Research methods involve surveys, interviews, case studies, observation, experiments, etc.
Research Methodology: Research methodology involves the theoretical frameworks and learning of the various techniques that can be used in the conduct of research and the conduct of tests, experiments, surveys and critical studies.
Aim:
Research Methods: Research methods aim at finding solutions to research problems.
Research Methodology: Research methodology aims at the employment of the correct procedures to find out solutions.
Relationship:
Research Methods: Research methods are the end of any research.
Research Methodology: Research methodology is the beginning.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Survey Research Books” by User:Jtneill – Own work. [Public Domain] via Wikimedia Commons
2. Open Book Policy (5914169915) By Alex Proimos from Sydney, Australia (Open Book Policy Uploaded by russavia) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Related posts:
What is the difference between Research Design and Research Method?
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.
Which research method should I choose?
It depends on your research goal. It depends on what subjects (and who) you want to study. Let's say you are interested in studying what makes people happy, or why some students are more conscious about recycling on campus. To answer these questions, you need to make a decision about how to collect your data. Most frequently used methods include:
Research Methodology Book Pdf
- Observation / Participant Observation
- Surveys
- Interviews
- Focus Groups
- Experiments
- Secondary Data Analysis / Archival Study
- Mixed Methods (combination of some of the above)
One particular method could be better suited to your research goal than others, because the data you collect from different methods will be different in quality and quantity. For instance, surveys are usually designed to produce relatively short answers, rather than the extensive responses expected in qualitative interviews.
What other factors should I consider when choosing one method over another?
Research Methodology Definition
Time for data collection and analysis is something you want to consider. An observation or interview method, so-called qualitative approach, helps you collect richer information, but it takes time. Using a survey helps you collect more data quickly, yet it may lack details. So, you will need to consider the time you have for research and the balance between strengths and weaknesses associated with each method (e.g., qualitative vs. quantitative).