/
Research Methodology Overview
Save to my account
Sign up
Research Methodology Overview
Research Methodology Overview
Study
1
Question
What is research methodology?
Answer
Research methodology involves a systematic and well-structured approach to conducting scholarly or scientific inquiries.
2
Question
Why is research methodology important?
Answer
Knowing the significance of research methodology and its different components is crucial as it serves as the basis for any study.
3
Question
What does a methodology detail?
Answer
A methodology details a researcher's approach to the research to ensure reliable, valid results that address their aims and objectives.
4
Question
What is the purpose of the methodology chapter in a thesis or dissertation?
Answer
The methodology chapter explains what you did and how you did it, allowing readers to evaluate the reliability and validity of your research and your dissertation topic.
5
Question
What are the differences between research methodology and methods?
Answer
Methods cover the technical procedures or steps taken to do the research, while methodology provides the underlying reasons why certain methods are used in the process.
6
Question
What should a research methodology include?
Answer
It should include the type of research conducted, how data was collected and analyzed, any tools or materials used, how research biases were mitigated or avoided, and the reasons for choosing those methods.
7
Question
What benefits does having a sound research methodology provide?
Answer
It allows other researchers to replicate the research, provides a reference for researchers facing criticism, offers a specific plan for the research, helps select correct methods for objectives, and documents the intended achievements from the outset.
8
Question
Why is the methods section important?
Answer
The methods section shares how the research was conducted and why specific methods were chosen, demonstrating that the research was rigorously conducted and can be replicated.
9
Question
What are the two options to start explaining your methodological approach?
Answer
Start with your 'what' (research problem or question) or start with your 'why' (rationale for chosen methodology).
10
Question
What does starting with your 'what' entail?
Answer
It involves describing the research problem, the characteristics of something, exploring an under-researched topic, or establishing a causal relationship, along with the type of data needed.
11
Question
What does starting with your 'why' involve?
Answer
It involves discussing the rationale for chosen methods, justifying them, and addressing ethical considerations, validity, reliability, and bias prevention.
12
Question
What is the aim of a quantitative experimental study?
Answer
To produce generalizable knowledge about the causes of a phenomenon through a carefully designed study under controlled conditions.
13
Question
What is the aim of a qualitative ethnography?
Answer
To produce contextual, real-world knowledge about the behaviors, social structures, or shared beliefs of a specific group of people.
14
Question
What should you describe in your data collection methods?
Answer
You should share full details of how you collected data, including the sampling method, tools used, and any operationalization of concepts.
15
Question
What should be included in the description of surveys in quantitative methods?
Answer
Details on where, when, and how the survey was conducted, the design of the questionnaire, and sampling method used.
16
Question
What information should be provided about experiments in quantitative methods?
Answer
Full details of the tools, techniques, procedures used to conduct the experiment, and how variables were manipulated and measured.
17
Question
What should be explained when discussing existing data in quantitative methods?
Answer
How the material was gathered and selected, the source of the material, and the criteria used for selection.
18
Question
What constitutes qualitative methods in research?
Answer
Qualitative methods are often flexible and subjective, requiring robust explanation of choices, criteria for data selection, and the research context.
19
Question
What are some examples of qualitative methods?
Answer
Interviews or focus groups, participant observation, and analysis of existing data.
20
Question
What is mixed methods research?
Answer
Mixed methods research combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive analysis.
21
Question
What should you include when describing your analysis method for quantitative research?
Answer
How the data was prepared for analysis, the software used, and the statistical tests applied.
22
Question
What does qualitative analysis often involve?
Answer
It involves textual analysis, including content analysis, thematic analysis, and discourse analysis.
23
Question
What is the purpose of evaluating and justifying methodological choices?
Answer
To show why the selected methods were appropriate, especially if they are not standard, and to acknowledge limitations.
24
Question
What should be emphasized when writing a strong methodology chapter?
Answer
The focus should be on objectives and research questions, citing relevant sources, and writing for the intended audience.
25
Question
How can citing relevant sources strengthen your methodology?
Answer
It shows adherence to established practices, discusses decision-making for the approach, and presents novel methodologies addressing gaps.
26
Question
What should be avoided in the methodology chapter?
Answer
Avoid being overly lengthy and provide a clear, structured argument for your approach rather than just listing technical details.
27
Question
What are some examples of references that can be cited in a methodology chapter?
Answer
Scribbr articles, Indeed career advice, Research.com guides, and Scispase insights on research methodology.