Notes on Research Methods and Methodology

Introduction

• Overview of lecture:
  • Definition and explanation of research methods
  • Definition and explanation of research methodology
  • Comparison between research methods and methodology
  • Examples of both concepts

What is Research Method?

• Definition:
  • Techniques and procedures used to study a research problem
  • Explains how researchers collect, process, and analyze data
• Examples of research methods:
  • Experiments
  • Surveys
  • Questionnaires
  • Regression
  • Correlation
  • Interviews
  • Case studies
  • Observational trials

Classification of Research Methods

1. Group One: Data Collection and Description

   • Focused on collecting and describing data
   • Examples:
     • Interviews
     • Questionnaires
     • Surveys
     • Observations
     • Documents and records
     • Focus groups
     • Oral histories

2. Group Two: Establishing Statistical Relationships

   • Techniques for establishing relationships between variables
   • Quantitative studies:
     • Regression analysis
     • Correlation analysis
   • Qualitative studies:
     • Content analysis
     • Narrative analysis
     • Discourse analysis

3. Group Three: Evaluating Reliability and Validity

   • Methods used to assess the reliability and validity of data
   • Techniques for analyzing processed or measured data

What is Research Methodology?

• Definition:
  • Justification for choosing a specific research method
• Importance:
  • Provides rationale for why a method is preferred over others
• Examples:
  • A qualitative study may be chosen to understand experiences and perceptions of a subject
  • Justification based on research objectives and context
  • Questions to consider:
    • Was the research instrument designed appropriately?
    • Why was the instrument selected?
    • Is it suitable for addressing the research hypothesis?
    • Is the sample size representative of the overall population?

Comparison of Research Method and Research Methodology

• Research Methods:
  • Techniques used to solve research problems
• Research Methodology:
  • Justification for using specific research methods

Conclusion

• Recap of key points:
  • Research methods = techniques for solving problems
  • Research methodology = rationale behind choosing methods

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