Research Methodology is a structured and scientific approach used to collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative or qualitative data to answer the initial research question. A methodology is more like a plan which helps in carrying out research and questions. Researching ethical concerns and research limitations before starting actual research is also important.
While noting down the methodology, one should mention the different methodologies used including data collection, analysis method, and why the choices were selected. Methodology is a guide for future researchers and even common readers for a better understanding of what, why, and how the research was carried out.
A good methodology helps ensure the validity and reliability of the research finding. While making mistakes in research work is common, what matters more is how to avoid them. This blog specifically deals with research methodology in dissertation writing, while also explaining its importance, key components, methods, and much more.
Table Of Content
🔷 What is Research Methodology?
🔷 Why is Research Methodology Important?
🔷 Key Components of Research Methodology
🔷 Quantitative vs Qualitative vs Mixed Method Approaches
🔷 Steps to Design the Perfect Research Methodology
🔷 Methods for Data Collection for Dissertation
🔷 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Research Methodology
🔷 Conclusion
🔷 Frequently Asked Questions
What is Research Methodology?
It is known to be the backbone of the dissertation. When we part in the words, Research and Methodology, it states the methods of carrying out perfect research. It is a structured plan to guide an individual about how research is carried out, using transparency, logic, and academic sound. In simple terms, It helps an individual in answering their research question from the approach you take to how the data is collected.
A perfect methodology helps outline whether the research emerges from a qualitative, quantitative or mixed method approach, what are the tools and techniques used for data collection, and describing how the information is analyzed and interpreted. It also helps in highlighting how ethical methods were used for the dissertation.
Why is Research Methodology Important?
It is crucial for various frameworks. Firstly, it provides a clear and logical framework for conducting and evaluating research. It helps the researchers to plan, organize, and execute their research in a systematic manner.
Secondly, it helps ensure quality and credibility. It helps researchers in collecting and analyzing data that is relevant, reliable, and valid to answer research questions.
Thirdly, it helps the researchers in contributing to the existing research body and beyond. It also helps in comparing the research, finding the gaps and opportunities for further research.
Key Components of Research Methodology
It can vary on the nature of research, discipline, and research goals. Mentioned below are the key components which help you with the research methodology process.
1. Research Design involves selecting the overall structure and framework of the dissertation. Some of the common research designs include experimental, correlational, case study, qualitative, and mixed methods.
2. Research Problem and Objectives: A research problem states the central issue, or the question is being studied. It also helps outline the goals or the expected outcome of the study.
3. Sampling: Researchers select a population which represents a larger population being studied. Some of the sampling techniques include random sampling, purposive sampling, or convenience sampling.
4. Data Collection Methods: Researchers collect data through various methods including surveys, questionnaires, observations, experiments, research, and much more.
5. Data Analysis: With the completion of data collection, researchers use appropriate techniques which could include qualitative or quantitative analysis.
6. Ethical Considerations: Researchers adhere to ethical guidelines by obtaining consent from participants, ensuring confidentiality, and conducting research that provides the rights and well-being of individuals.
7. Research Limitations: Researchers study the limitations of the study and suggest areas for future scope.
Quantitative vs Qualitative vs Mixed Method Approaches
1. Quantitative Research Methodology is an investigation that focuses on collecting and analyzing numerical data to answer research questions. It involves the use of statistical methods to quantify relationships, patterns, and trends within the data. Some of the quantitative research methods include questionaries, surveys, experimental research, correlational research, longitudinal research, and descriptive research.
2. Qualitative Research Methodology offers a deep insight into human behavior by dwelling into individual perspective, social dynamics, and cultural influences. It emphasizes narratives and subjective interpretations to unveil hidden meanings. Some of the quantitative research methods include interviews, observations, case studies, narrative research, ethnographic research, and content analysis.
3. Mixed-Method Research, also known as mixed-mode research or hybrid market research, mixed method research refers to the use of more than one method of data collection to gather information. Some of the mixed-method research includes questionnaires as the first step and interview as the second step, thereby mixing the research.
Steps to Design the Perfect Research Methodology
Writing a perfect methodology requires an individual to research profusely and understand the research question. Mentioned below are the steps to design a well-written research methodology.
1. Introduce your Methods: The first step to creating a perfect methodology is to start by introducing the methods used. The method could be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method research.
2. Quote your Instruments: It is important for a researcher to mention how the data is being collected and how it will be used. The tools of research could be questionnaires, interviews, surveys, participant observation, and much more.
3. Provide a Background of the Methods: For an individual who is making a methodology it is also required to provide a background of the method, what is means and why it is being used in the research work as not everyone is aware of the terms.
4.Discuss the Sampling Process: Sampling process is an important part of the methodology. Explain the reason behind your sampling procedure. For instance, if you are conducting an interview, describe how you are going to choose the participants and how the interviews will be conducted.
Methods for Data Collection for Dissertation
For research and research methodology, an individual requires to carry out methodological research. Mentioned below are some of the methodologies for data collection.
1. Surveys and Questionnaires
2. Interviews
3. Observations
4. Experiments
5. Focus Groups
6. Published Sources
7. Government and Institutional Records
8. Past Research Studies
9.Online Databases
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Research Methodology
Making mistakes while writing a methodology for PhD dissertation is common. However, it is important to overcome common mistakes and, moreover, avoid them in the your research writing.
1. Avoid Using Vague Language: It is important for an individual to use formal language while writing their dissertation. The papers with vague language get rejected often by the committee members. Writing in formal language while also explaining why certain elements in the research are being used helps future researchers to refer to your research work.
2. Use Past Tense: Making grammatical mistakes is another common occurrence which leads to rejection. Make sure to use the correct grammar. Alongside, an individual should also make sure to use only past tense while writing their methodology. This is because you are reporting something that has already happened.
3. Keep It Interesting: An individual should also make their methodology interesting as writing too many facts keeps the research length and boring which the higher chances of rejection. Make sure to use different layouts, numbered lists, and flow diagrams. Making short paragraphs and numbered lists can help in making the methodology look even more engrossing.
Conclusion
It is an important part of the PhD dissertation which helps an individual in making clear and logical framework for conducting research, while also making sure that the data is reliable and credible. A deeper and perfect understanding of methodology is given in the universities when an individual opts for a PhD dissertation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different methods of data collection? Can you name me some?
The different methods of data collection include interviews, surveys, questionnaires, observations, experiments, and much more. These could be quantitative, qualitative, or mixed research.
I am confused if I should write my research methodology in the past or present tense?
While writing a methodology, an individual should always write it in the past tense as the researcher is investigating something that has already happened.
What is quantitative research methodology in dissertation writing?
Quantitative research methodology focuses on collecting, testing, and measuring numerical data, usually from a large sample of participants. Some of the methods to gather quantitative data include surveys, questionnaires, databases, and organizational records.
Why is methodology important in PhD dissertation writing?
Research methodology is important in PhD dissertation writing as it helps researchers to organize, plan, and execute their research work. Along with that, it ensures quality, accuracy, and reliability in the findings.
What is the difference between methodology and research methods?
Research methods are tools, techniques, and behaviors an individual uses to collect information. Whereas methodology is a systematic way of conducting research, which may consist of multiple research methods. It also provides an analysis of what, where, and how the data was collected and analyzed.
