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Understanding Research Methodology Essentials
Sep 17, 2024
Research Methodology Overview
Introduction
Presentation hosted by Derek with guest Karen Warren.
Aim: To demystify research methodology and answer common questions.
What is research methodology?
Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods.
Sampling, data collection, and data analysis options.
Choosing the right research methodology.
What is Research Methodology?
Simplified explanation:
Considered the "how" chapter of a research project.
Follows the introduction and literature review chapters.
Purpose:
Describes how the research is conducted.
Includes:
What data was collected.
Sources of the data.
How data was collected (methods).
How data was analyzed.
Important for clarity:
Readers should be able to replicate the research.
Justification of chosen methods is crucial.
Types of Research Approaches
Qualitative
: Focuses on words, ideas, and understanding.
Quantitative
: Focuses on numbers and measurable data.
Mixed Methods
: Combination of both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Importance of defining approach:
Aligns with the research question and objectives.
Sampling
Population
: All possible subjects relevant to the research area.
Sample
: A smaller, manageable portion of the population.
Types of sampling:
Probability Sampling
: Random sampling to ensure representativeness.
Non-Probability Sampling
: Based on convenience; less generalizable.
Importance of acknowledging sampling limitations.
Data Collection Methods
Common methods include:
Interviews
: Deep insights from individuals.
Focus Groups
: Group discussions for idea generation.
Surveys
: Gathering data through questionnaires.
Observations
: Recording behaviors in specific contexts.
Data collection methods should align with the research question and objectives.
Data Analysis
Qualitative Data Analysis
:
Content Analysis
: Identifying themes from qualitative data.
Discourse Analysis
: Understanding interactions and discussions.
Narrative Analysis
: Exploring storytelling aspects of data.
Quantitative Data Analysis
:
Descriptive Statistics
: Summarizing and describing data.
Inferential Statistics
: Testing hypotheses and drawing inferences.
Choosing the Right Research Methodology
Start with understanding the research question:
Is it exploratory or confirmatory?
Exploratory approach typically leads to qualitative methods.
Confirmatory approach typically leads to quantitative methods.
Consider practicalities: access to subjects, time, resources, instruments.
Conclusion
Recap of key points:
Understanding research methodology is essential for conducting valid research.
Choose methods that align with your research objectives.
Don’t overlook the importance of justification for your choices.
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