Research Methodology: Definitions and Stages

• Research methodology refers to the specific procedure or technique used to classify, choose, develop, and evaluate information about a study.

Gathering and Generating Data

• Researchers need to identify gaps in existing knowledge, determine what information is needed to fill those gaps, and decide how to collect that information.
• Ensuring the collected information addresses the gaps and answers the initial inquiry is critical.

Definitions

• Method: A technique used to gather and generate data about the subjects of a study; acts as a guided approach.
• Technique: Refers to the tools of the trade used in research.
• Methodology: The section of a research paper explaining why a researcher chose a particular method; the science behind the process.
• Research Design: A plan that structures a study to ensure the collected data is organized.

Stages in Planning the Design

• Establishing the purpose involves identifying why the research is being conducted, its expected benefits, and who will benefit from it.
• Methodological location involves determining what methods and strategies are intended for use.
• Scoping requires revisiting the scope and delimitation of the research, including what the study will and will not cover and the major and sub-variables of focus.
• Nature of the data includes identifying the kind of data needed, its relevance and availability, how it should be handled, and which research methods are most likely to generate the required data.
• You must consider whether the study will focus on specific subjects or generalize to a larger population, and whether it will involve direct intervention in data collection.
• Thinking ahead requires analyzing the size of the data and the intended result of the study, while maintaining a skeptical and analytical approach.
• Consulting with other researchers can aid in planning the most suitable design for the study.

Stages of the Project

• The conceptualizing stage includes the literature review and critiquing of other studies.
• Setting up a data management system involves systematizing data collection.
• Sampling and theoretical sampling require locating the sample, as subjects may not be readily available.
• Collecting and generating data is where chosen methods are put to work, and may require fieldwork.
• Analyzing the data requires allowing time for data coding, recording of exploratory categories, management, exploration of category systems, coding validation, and reliability exploration.