Untitled Quiz

Methodology Overview

• Methodology is about how a researcher systematically designs a study to ensure valid and reliable results that address research aims, objectives, and questions.
• It involves deciding on the type of data to collect, who to collect it from, how to collect it, and how to analyze it.
• A good methodology chapter explains not only the choices made but also why those choices were made.

Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods

• Qualitative research focuses on collecting and analyzing words (written or spoken), textual or visual data, and body language.
• Quantitative research focuses on measurement and testing using numerical data.
• Mixed methods combine qualitative and quantitative methodologies to create a more comprehensive understanding.

Parts of Methodology

• Research Design: A plan for data collection and analysis to efficiently answer the research problem. Anchored on the study's purpose and intent.
• Research Locale: The physical or geographical location of the study, relevant to the study's setting or environment.
• Population and Sampling: The entire group of interest and the process of selecting individuals from the population.
• Participants of the Study: The individuals, groups, or entities contributing data.
• Research Instruments: The tools used to collect, measure, and analyze data.
• Validation of Instruments: Verifying if a research instrument accurately reflects the intended concept.
• Data Gathering Procedure: The systematic process of collecting information relevant to research questions or hypotheses.
• Data Analysis: Examining, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data to draw conclusions and support decision-making.
• Ethical Considerations: Ensuring the integrity of research and the protection of participants' rights and well-being.

Types of Research Design

• Qualitative: Phenomenology, Grounded Theory, Ethnography, Case Study, Historical Research, Biography
• Quantitative: Experimental (True Experimental, Quasi-Experimental) and Non-experimental (Descriptive, Correlational)
• Mixed Methods: Convergent, Explanatory, and Exploratory

Specific Research Designs

• Phenomenology: Describes the structure of human consciousness as revealed through experiences. Implicit in every human experience. Widely used in diverse fields.
• Grounded Theory: Develops a theory based on the constant comparison of experiences related to a phenomenon. Refinement through relevant data.
• Ethnography: An in-depth study of a culture or a facet of a culture by employing multiple methods. Covers community health care, anthropology, politics, etc.
• Case Study: In-depth understanding of complex issues in real-life contexts for individuals, groups, or institutions.
• Historical Research: Systematic collection, interpretation, and evaluation of primary historical data about a past event.
• Biography: Writing about the life and history of a person, reconstructing their life history.

Research Locale

• Definition: The physical or geographical location of a study.
• Importance: The locale choice drastically affects study results, validity, applicability, and data interpretation.
• Types: Physical (schools, hospitals), virtual (online platforms), social (cultural groups).
• Key factors in selection: Relevance, accessibility, ethical considerations, and data richness.

Population and Sampling in Mixed Method Design

• Population: The entire group of interest, relevant to qualitative and quantitative inquiry.
• Sampling: Selecting individuals from the population to represent both quantitative and qualitative aspects. Techniques include probability (simple random, stratified, systematic, cluster) and non-probability (convenience, purposive, snowball).
• Sample Size: The number of participants needed to accurately represent the population, crucial for quantitative research validity.

Research Instruments

• Quantitative: Surveys, questionnaires, standardized tests.
• Qualitative: Interviews, focus group discussions, observation checklists.

Validity and Reliability of Research Instruments

• Quantitative: Focus on reliability (consistency of results) and validity (accuracy).
• Qualitative: Emphasis on credibility and authenticity.

Data Gathering Procedure

• Definition: Systematic process of collecting information relevant to research questions.
• Importance: Crucial for reliable and valid data.

Data Analysis

• Quantitative: Statistical methods (regression analysis) to analyze numerical data, interpret results.
• Qualitative: Thematic analysis (identifying themes and patterns), coding and categorization, to analyze non-numerical data.

Ethical Considerations in Research

• Informed Consent: Participants should understand the study and voluntarily consent
• Confidentiality: Protecting participant identity.
• Data Protection: Ensuring security and limiting access to research data.
• Avoiding Deception: Honesty and transparency in research conduct.
• Non-maleficence: Ensuring the research does not harm participants.