Research Methodology Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Research Methodology

• This chapter outlines the research methodology used.
• It details the research design, the chosen method's justification, the research locale, and the sampling technique.
• It also describes the instruments used, including their contents, development, and validation.
• It includes a plan for data collection and analysis, specifying who collects data, when, and using which statistical analysis methods.

Research Designs

• A research design outlines data sources, data types, collection methods, and analysis techniques.
• It clarifies relationships between variables under study.
• It sets the time constraints for answering the research problem.

Research Methods

• Several research methods exist, including qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Examples of qualitative methods include case studies, surveys, narrative studies, grounded theory, and ethnography.
• Examples of quantitative methods include correlational studies, causal-comparative studies, experimental studies, and single-subject studies.

Variables

• Independent variables (presumed causes), intervening variables (influencing factors), and dependent variables (outcomes) are identified.
• An example of variables: Educational qualifications (IV), age, sex as intervening variables, and teaching performance (DV) are shown as related variables.

Research Methods Overview

• Historical Method: This method examines past events to understand present or predict future occurrences.
• Descriptive Method: This method describes current situations, conditions, relationships, practices, and trends.
• There are several types of descriptive research methods, including case studies, surveys, developmental studies, evaluation studies, comparative studies, correlational studies, follow-up studies, trends and projections, ex-post facto research, and participatory research.
• Case Study: A detailed investigation of a person, unit, family, organization, or a particular disease over a significant period.
• Survey Research: Collecting data from a large sample to gain information about prevailing conditions or variables.
• Assessment/Evaluation Studies: Determining the effectiveness of practices or policies applied to a group of respondents.
• Correlational Studies: Identifying relationships between two or more variables.
• Follow-up Studies: Tracking the development of a specific condition or variable over time.
• Ex-post Facto Research: Studies where the dependent variable has already occurred and researchers investigate antecedent causes.
• Experimental Design: Includes post test only experimental design and pre-test-post-test experimental design.
  • Post-test only design: A simple design where data collection occurs after the experimental treatment.
  • Pre-test-post-test design: A more complex design with measurements before and after the experiment. Numerous examples illustrate these designs.