DEFINE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
A research methodology is an outline of how a given piece of
research is carried out.
It defines the techniques or procedures that are used to
identify and analyze information regarding a specific research
topic.
The research methodology, therefore, has to do with how a
researcher designs their study in a way that allows them to
obtain valid and reliable results and meet their research
objectives
Types of Research Methodologies
There are three key types of research methodologies:
Qualitative Methodology:
Qualitative research involves research that is conducted
using words and textual data.
This method of research is generally used in exploratory
research where a research problem that is not clearly
defined is being investigated.
It is useful when trying to understand abstract concepts,
perceptions, body language, opinions, and even visual
data.
Quantitative Methodology:
Quantitative research relies on the measurement and
testing of numerical data.
Unlike qualitative research that is more exploratory in
nature, quantitative research is typically leveraged when
the research objectives are confirmatory in nature.
Mixed-Methods Methodology:
The mixed-method methodology combines qualitative
and quantitative methodologies to integrate both their
strengths and obtain rich results.
Growth of mixed methods research in nursing and healthcare has occurred
at a time of internationally increasing complexity in healthcare delivery.
Mixed methods research draws on potential strengths of both qualitative
and quantitative methods, allowing researchers to explore diverse
perspectives and uncover relationships that exist between the intricate
layers of our multifaceted research questions.
OBJECTIVE OF RM
Develops Better Insight Into Topic
Research methodology provides better familiarity with the research topic by
properly explaining each concept associated with it. It aims at the proper
analysis of every aspect and accurately portrays all findings of the project.
Provides Systematic Structure
Research methodology eases the process of whole research to be done. It
clearly defines the tools and techniques to be used for collecting, analysing
and interpreting the data to find out the solutions.
Enhance The Research Quality
It determines the reliability and validity of the whole research work. Research
methodology tells accurate sources from where data should be taken for
studying purpose which thereby improves the quality of research done.
Derive Better Solutions
Research methodology helps in deriving crucial findings for solving business
problems. It performs an in-depth study of various projects, develops a better
understanding and detects all problems.
Aids In Decision Making
Decision making is another important role played by research methodology. It
supports management in organizing their efforts in generating a new idea.
Research methodology by providing direction for various activities of the
project helps managers for efficient decision making.
Inculcates Logical and Systematic Thinking
It develops the logical thinking ability of individuals. Research methodology
evaluates every element of the project and highlights them in detail. It
represents every aspect in a simplified manner which improves logical
thinking.
The purpose of research?
There are three main purposes:
1. Exploratory: As the name suggests, researchers conduct exploratory
studies to explore a group of questions. The answers and analytics may not
offer a conclusion to the perceived problem. It is undertaken to handle new
problem areas that haven’t been explored before. This exploratory process
lays the foundation for more conclusive data collection and analysis.
2. Descriptive: It focuses on expanding knowledge on current issues through a
process of data collection. Descriptive research describe the behavior of a
sample population. Only one variable is required to conduct the study. The
three primary purposes of descriptive studies are describing, explaining, and
validating the findings. For example, a study conducted to know if top-level
management leaders in the 21st century possess the moral right to receive a
considerable sum of money from the company profit.
3. Explanatory: Causal or explanatory research is conducted to understand the
impact of specific changes in existing standard procedures. Running
experiments is the most popular form. For example, a study that is conducted
to understand the effect of rebranding on customer loyalty.
Here is a comparative analysis for better understanding:
Exploratory Research Descriptive Research Explanatory Researc
Approach used Unstructured Structured Highly structured
Conducted through Asking questions Asking questions By using hypotheses.
Early stages of decision Later stages of decision Later stages of decisio
Time
making making making
Importance of Research Methodology in Research
To solve the difficulties coming in the way of Research is the main work of designing
a methodology. It is necessary not just to identify the problem for Research but to
determine the best method to solve that problem as well.
For instance to understand: the person who is researching need not just to know
how to calculate mean etc. for a set of data, or how to find a solution of a physical
system, or how to find the roots of algebraic equations but also need to know-
(i) a suitable method for the decision problem.
(ii) the order of accuracy of the outcome of a way for the problem.
(iii) the efficiency of the way.
The role of Methodology in solving the problems in the way of Research are:
It helps in deciding the best method to resolve the difficulties for Research.
Research describes how efficient the method is in solving the problem
It aids to know the accuracy of the way decided to apply in Research for a
suitable outcome.
The detailed study of Methodology of Research teaches to select the best method,
data or information, scientific ways and teaches the techniques to solve the
problem.
