Research methodology vs. research methods
The research methodology or design is the overall strategy and rationale that you used to carry out the research. Whereas, research methods are the specific tools and processes you use to gather and understand the data you need to test your hypothesis.
To further understand research methodology, let’s explore some examples of research methodology:
a. Qualitative research methodology example: A study exploring the impact of author branding on author popularity might utilize in-depth interviews to gather personal experiences and perspectives.
b. Quantitative research methodology example: A research project investigating the effects of a book promotion technique on book sales could employ a statistical analysis of profit margins and sales before and after the implementation of the method.
c. Mixed-Methods research methodology example: A study examining the relationship between social media use and academic performance might combine both qualitative and quantitative approaches. It could include surveys to quantitatively assess the frequency of social media usage and its correlation with grades, alongside focus groups or interviews to qualitatively explore students’ perceptions and experiences regarding how social media affects their study habits and academic engagement.
These examples highlight the meaning of methodology in research and how it guides the research process, from data collection to analysis, ensuring the study’s objectives are met efficiently.
When it comes to writing your study, the methodology in research papers or a dissertation plays a pivotal role. A well-crafted methodology section of a research paper or thesis not only enhances the credibility of your research but also provides a roadmap for others to replicate or build upon your work.
Wondering how to write the research methodology section? Follow these steps to create a strong methods chapter:
At the start of a research paper , you would have provided the background of your research and stated your hypothesis or research problem. In this section, you will elaborate on your research strategy.
Begin by restating your research question and proceed to explain what type of research you opted for to test it. Depending on your research, here are some questions you can consider:
a. Did you use qualitative or quantitative data to test the hypothesis?
b. Did you perform an experiment where you collected data or are you writing a dissertation that is descriptive/theoretical without data collection?
c. Did you use primary data that you collected or analyze secondary research data or existing data as part of your study?
These questions will help you establish the rationale for your study on a broader level, which you will follow by elaborating on the specific methods you used to collect and understand your data.
Now that you have told your reader what type of research you’ve undertaken for the dissertation, it’s time to dig into specifics. State what specific methods you used and explain the conditions and variables involved. Explain what the theoretical framework behind the method was, what samples you used for testing it, and what tools and materials you used to collect the data.
Once you have explained the data collection process, explain how you analyzed and studied the data. Here, your focus is simply to explain the methods of analysis rather than the results of the study.
Here are some questions you can answer at this stage:
a. What tools or software did you use to analyze your results?
b. What parameters or variables did you consider while understanding and studying the data you’ve collected?
c. Was your analysis based on a theoretical framework?
Your mode of analysis will change depending on whether you used a quantitative or qualitative research methodology in your study. If you’re working within the hard sciences or physical sciences, you are likely to use a quantitative research methodology (relying on numbers and hard data). If you’re doing a qualitative study, in the social sciences or humanities, your analysis may rely on understanding language and socio-political contexts around your topic. This is why it’s important to establish what kind of study you’re undertaking at the onset.
Now that you have gone through your research process in detail, you’ll also have to make a case for it. Justify your choice of methodology and methods, explaining why it is the best choice for your research question. This is especially important if you have chosen an unconventional approach or you’ve simply chosen to study an existing research problem from a different perspective. Compare it with other methodologies, especially ones attempted by previous researchers, and discuss what contributions using your methodology makes.
No matter how thorough a methodology is, it doesn’t come without its hurdles. This is a natural part of scientific research that is important to document so that your peers and future researchers are aware of it. Writing in a research paper about this aspect of your research process also tells your evaluator that you have actively worked to overcome the pitfalls that came your way and you have refined the research process.
1. Remember who you are writing for. Keeping sight of the reader/evaluator will help you know what to elaborate on and what information they are already likely to have. You’re condensing months’ work of research in just a few pages, so you should omit basic definitions and information about general phenomena people already know.
2. Do not give an overly elaborate explanation of every single condition in your study.
3. Skip details and findings irrelevant to the results.
4. Cite references that back your claim and choice of methodology.
5. Consistently emphasize the relationship between your research question and the methodology you adopted to study it.
To sum it up, what is methodology in research? It’s the blueprint of your research, essential for ensuring that your study is systematic, rigorous, and credible. Whether your focus is on qualitative research methodology, quantitative research methodology, or a combination of both, understanding and clearly defining your methodology is key to the success of your research.
Once you write the research methodology and complete writing the entire research paper, the next step is to edit your paper. As experts in research paper editing and proofreading services , we’d love to help you perfect your paper!
Here are some other articles that you might find useful:
What does research methodology mean, what types of research methodologies are there, what is qualitative research methodology, how to determine sample size in research methodology, what is action research methodology.
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This is very simplified and direct. Very helpful to understand the research methodology section of a dissertation
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Research methods are specific procedures for collecting and analysing data. Developing your research methods is an integral part of your research design . When planning your methods, there are two key decisions you will make.
First, decide how you will collect data . Your methods depend on what type of data you need to answer your research question :
Second, decide how you will analyse the data .
Methods for collecting data, examples of data collection methods, methods for analysing data, examples of data analysis methods, frequently asked questions about methodology.
Data are the information that you collect for the purposes of answering your research question . The type of data you need depends on the aims of your research.
Your choice of qualitative or quantitative data collection depends on the type of knowledge you want to develop.
For questions about ideas, experiences and meanings, or to study something that can’t be described numerically, collect qualitative data .
If you want to develop a more mechanistic understanding of a topic, or your research involves hypothesis testing , collect quantitative data .
Qualitative | ||
---|---|---|
Quantitative | . |
You can also take a mixed methods approach, where you use both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Primary data are any original information that you collect for the purposes of answering your research question (e.g. through surveys , observations and experiments ). Secondary data are information that has already been collected by other researchers (e.g. in a government census or previous scientific studies).
If you are exploring a novel research question, you’ll probably need to collect primary data. But if you want to synthesise existing knowledge, analyse historical trends, or identify patterns on a large scale, secondary data might be a better choice.
Primary | ||
---|---|---|
Secondary |
In descriptive research , you collect data about your study subject without intervening. The validity of your research will depend on your sampling method .
In experimental research , you systematically intervene in a process and measure the outcome. The validity of your research will depend on your experimental design .
To conduct an experiment, you need to be able to vary your independent variable , precisely measure your dependent variable, and control for confounding variables . If it’s practically and ethically possible, this method is the best choice for answering questions about cause and effect.
Descriptive | ||
---|---|---|
Experimental |
Research method | Primary or secondary? | Qualitative or quantitative? | When to use |
---|---|---|---|
Primary | Quantitative | To test cause-and-effect relationships. | |
Primary | Quantitative | To understand general characteristics of a population. | |
Interview/focus group | Primary | Qualitative | To gain more in-depth understanding of a topic. |
Observation | Primary | Either | To understand how something occurs in its natural setting. |
Secondary | Either | To situate your research in an existing body of work, or to evaluate trends within a research topic. | |
Either | Either | To gain an in-depth understanding of a specific group or context, or when you don’t have the resources for a large study. |
Your data analysis methods will depend on the type of data you collect and how you prepare them for analysis.
Data can often be analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. For example, survey responses could be analysed qualitatively by studying the meanings of responses or quantitatively by studying the frequencies of responses.
Qualitative analysis is used to understand words, ideas, and experiences. You can use it to interpret data that were collected:
Qualitative analysis tends to be quite flexible and relies on the researcher’s judgement, so you have to reflect carefully on your choices and assumptions.
Quantitative analysis uses numbers and statistics to understand frequencies, averages and correlations (in descriptive studies) or cause-and-effect relationships (in experiments).
You can use quantitative analysis to interpret data that were collected either:
Because the data are collected and analysed in a statistically valid way, the results of quantitative analysis can be easily standardised and shared among researchers.
Research method | Qualitative or quantitative? | When to use |
---|---|---|
Quantitative | To analyse data collected in a statistically valid manner (e.g. from experiments, surveys, and observations). | |
Meta-analysis | Quantitative | To statistically analyse the results of a large collection of studies. Can only be applied to studies that collected data in a statistically valid manner. |
Qualitative | To analyse data collected from interviews, focus groups or textual sources. To understand general themes in the data and how they are communicated. | |
Either | To analyse large volumes of textual or visual data collected from surveys, literature reviews, or other sources. Can be quantitative (i.e. frequencies of words) or qualitative (i.e. meanings of words). |
Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings.
Quantitative methods allow you to test a hypothesis by systematically collecting and analysing data, while qualitative methods allow you to explore ideas and experiences in depth.
In mixed methods research , you use both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods to answer your research question .
A sample is a subset of individuals from a larger population. Sampling means selecting the group that you will actually collect data from in your research.
For example, if you are researching the opinions of students in your university, you could survey a sample of 100 students.
Statistical sampling allows you to test a hypothesis about the characteristics of a population. There are various sampling methods you can use to ensure that your sample is representative of the population as a whole.
The research methods you use depend on the type of data you need to answer your research question .
Methodology refers to the overarching strategy and rationale of your research project . It involves studying the methods used in your field and the theories or principles behind them, in order to develop an approach that matches your objectives.
Methods are the specific tools and procedures you use to collect and analyse data (e.g. experiments, surveys , and statistical tests ).
In shorter scientific papers, where the aim is to report the findings of a specific study, you might simply describe what you did in a methods section .
In a longer or more complex research project, such as a thesis or dissertation , you will probably include a methodology section , where you explain your approach to answering the research questions and cite relevant sources to support your choice of methods.
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Research methodology 1,2 is a structured and scientific approach used to collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative or qualitative data to answer research questions or test hypotheses. A research methodology is like a plan for carrying out research and helps keep researchers on track by limiting the scope of the research. Several aspects must be considered before selecting an appropriate research methodology, such as research limitations and ethical concerns that may affect your research.
The research methodology section in a scientific paper describes the different methodological choices made, such as the data collection and analysis methods, and why these choices were selected. The reasons should explain why the methods chosen are the most appropriate to answer the research question. A good research methodology also helps ensure the reliability and validity of the research findings. There are three types of research methodology—quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method, which can be chosen based on the research objectives.
A research methodology describes the techniques and procedures used to identify and analyze information regarding a specific research topic. It is a process by which researchers design their study so that they can achieve their objectives using the selected research instruments. It includes all the important aspects of research, including research design, data collection methods, data analysis methods, and the overall framework within which the research is conducted. While these points can help you understand what is research methodology, you also need to know why it is important to pick the right methodology.
Having a good research methodology in place has the following advantages: 3
Types of research methodology.
There are three types of research methodology based on the type of research and the data required. 1
Sampling 4 is an important part of a research methodology and involves selecting a representative sample of the population to conduct the study, making statistical inferences about them, and estimating the characteristics of the whole population based on these inferences. There are two types of sampling designs in research methodology—probability and nonprobability.
In this type of sampling design, a sample is chosen from a larger population using some form of random selection, that is, every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. The different types of probability sampling are:
During research, data are collected using various methods depending on the research methodology being followed and the research methods being undertaken. Both qualitative and quantitative research have different data collection methods, as listed below.
Qualitative research 5
Quantitative research 6
What are data analysis methods.
The data collected using the various methods for qualitative and quantitative research need to be analyzed to generate meaningful conclusions. These data analysis methods 7 also differ between quantitative and qualitative research.
Quantitative research involves a deductive method for data analysis where hypotheses are developed at the beginning of the research and precise measurement is required. The methods include statistical analysis applications to analyze numerical data and are grouped into two categories—descriptive and inferential.
Descriptive analysis is used to describe the basic features of different types of data to present it in a way that ensures the patterns become meaningful. The different types of descriptive analysis methods are:
Inferential analysis is used to make predictions about a larger population based on the analysis of the data collected from a smaller population. This analysis is used to study the relationships between different variables. Some commonly used inferential data analysis methods are:
Qualitative research involves an inductive method for data analysis where hypotheses are developed after data collection. The methods include:
Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a research methodology: 8
How to write a research methodology .
A research methodology should include the following components: 3,9
The methods section is a critical part of the research papers, allowing researchers to use this to understand your findings and replicate your work when pursuing their own research. However, it is usually also the most difficult section to write. This is where Paperpal can help you overcome the writer’s block and create the first draft in minutes with Paperpal Copilot, its secure generative AI feature suite.
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Q1. What are the key components of research methodology?
A1. A good research methodology has the following key components:
Q2. Why is ethical consideration important in research methodology?
A2. Ethical consideration is important in research methodology to ensure the readers of the reliability and validity of the study. Researchers must clearly mention the ethical norms and standards followed during the conduct of the research and also mention if the research has been cleared by any institutional board. The following 10 points are the important principles related to ethical considerations: 10
Q3. What is the difference between methodology and method?
A3. Research methodology is different from a research method, although both terms are often confused. Research methods are the tools used to gather data, while the research methodology provides a framework for how research is planned, conducted, and analyzed. The latter guides researchers in making decisions about the most appropriate methods for their research. Research methods refer to the specific techniques, procedures, and tools used by researchers to collect, analyze, and interpret data, for instance surveys, questionnaires, interviews, etc.
Research methodology is, thus, an integral part of a research study. It helps ensure that you stay on track to meet your research objectives and answer your research questions using the most appropriate data collection and analysis tools based on your research design.
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Home » Types of Research Methods
When we talk about Types of Research Methods , we’re diving into the different ways researchers investigate and find answers to their questions. Think of research methods as tools in a toolbox, with each tool designed for a specific task.
Table of Contents
Imagine you’re an explorer trying to understand the culture of a remote village. You wouldn’t just count things, like how many houses there are; instead, you’d want to know the stories, beliefs, and feelings of the people living there. That’s what Qualitative Research is like. It’s all about diving deep into experiences, emotions, and narratives to understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of human behavior. Researchers might conduct interviews, observe behaviors, or analyze texts and artworks to gather rich, detailed insights.
Now, imagine you’re a scientist wanting to know if a new medicine works better than an old one. You’d probably give some people the new medicine and others the old one, then count how many in each group get better. This is Quantitative Research . It deals with numbers and statistics to answer questions like ‘how many’ or ‘how much’. By collecting numerical data and analyzing it, researchers can identify patterns and relationships, often leading to generalizable findings.
Sometimes, just counting things or just listening to stories isn’t enough. You might need both to get the full picture. That’s where Mixed Methods come in. It’s like using both a magnifying glass and a telescope; you get to see the intricate details up close and the big picture from afar. Researchers use a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to benefit from the strengths of both, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem.
Let’s say you’re curious about the daily routines of high school students. In Descriptive Research , you’d observe and describe what you see without trying to change anything. This method involves detailed observations to accurately depict situations or phenomena. It’s like painting a detailed landscape where every element is noted, but you’re not trying to interpret the scene or change the landscape.
Imagine you’re curious about whether listening to classical music while studying improves test scores. In Experimental Research , you’d create a controlled environment, divide your subjects into groups, and introduce a variable (like classical music) to one group but not the other. Then, you’d compare the outcomes. This method allows researchers to determine cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating variables and controlling for outside influences.
Suppose you wonder if there’s a relationship between the time students spend on social media and their grades. In Correlational Research , you’d collect data on both aspects and analyze it to see if there’s a link. However, it’s crucial to remember that correlation doesn’t imply causation; just because two things are related doesn’t mean one causes the other.
Imagine you’re a teacher who wants to improve student engagement in your classroom. Action Research involves identifying a problem, implementing a strategy to address it, observing the results, and adjusting your approach based on the findings. It’s a cyclical process that combines research with action, often used in education, healthcare, and organizational development to bring about change.
Think of Longitudinal Research like taking a series of photographs of the same group of people every year to see how they change over time. It’s about observing the same subjects repeatedly over an extended period. On the other hand, Cross-Sectional Research is like taking a single snapshot of a diverse group at one moment in time to understand the current state of affairs. Each method has its strengths and is chosen based on the research question and available resources.
In summary, research methods are diverse, each suited to answering different types of questions. By selecting the appropriate method, researchers can gather the insights needed to advance our understanding of the world. Whether we’re exploring human behavior, testing new theories, or seeking to improve practices in various fields, these methods provide the foundation for building reliable and valuable knowledge.
Research methods are the techniques and procedures used to collect and analyze data in order to answer research questions and test a research hypothesis . There are several different types of research methods, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
There are several main types of research methods that are employed in academic articles. The type of research method applied depends on the nature of the data to be collected and analyzed, as well as any restrictions or limitations that dictate the study’s resources and methodology. Surveying articles from your target journal and identifying the methods commonly used in these studies is also recommended before choosing a research method or methods.
Surveys are a type of research method that involve collecting data from a large number of people through questionnaires or interviews. Surveys are often used to gather information about attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. | |
Experiments are a type of research method that involve manipulating one or more variables in order to observe the effect on another variable. Experiments are often used to test cause-and-effect relationships. | |
Case studies are a type of research method that involve an in-depth examination of a single individual, group, or event. Case studies are often used to gather detailed information about a specific phenomenon. | |
Observations are a type of research method that involve watching and recording the behavior of individuals or groups. Observations are often used to gather information about naturalistic behavior. | |
Content analysis is a type of research method that involves analyzing and interpreting written or spoken text. Content analysis is often used to analyze large amounts of data, such as news articles or social media posts. | |
Historical research is a type of research method that involves studying the past through the examination of primary and secondary sources, such as documents, artifacts, and photographs. |
It’s important to note that research methods can be combined for a more complete understanding of a research question or hypothesis. For example, an experiment can be followed by a survey to gather more information about participants’ attitudes and behaviors.
Overall, the choice of research method depends on the research question, the type of data needed, and the resources available to the researcher.
Data is information collected in order to answer research questions . The kind of data you choose to collect will depend on the nature of your research question and the aims of your study. There are a few main category distinctions of data a researcher can collect.
Qualitative and quantitative data are two types of data that are often used in research studies. They are different in terms of their characteristics, how they are collected, and how they are analyzed.
Quantitative data is numerical and is collected through methods such as surveys, polls, and experiments. It is often used to measure and describe the characteristics of a large group of people or objects. This data can be analyzed using statistical methods to find patterns and trends.
Qualitative data, on the other hand, is non-numerical and is collected through methods such as interviews, observations, and focus groups. It is often used to understand the experiences, attitudes, and perceptions of individuals or small groups. This data is analyzed using methods such as content analysis, thematic analysis, and discourse analysis to identify patterns and themes.
Overall, quantitative data provides a more objective and generalizable understanding of a phenomenon, while qualitative data provides a more subjective and in-depth understanding. Both types of data are important and can be used together to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a topic.
-Methods can be adjusted as the study progresses to answer different questions. -Can be induced with a smaller study or sample size. | -No statistical analysis or application to wider populations or phenomena. -Higher risk for research bias as it is more difficult to standardize metrics.. | |
-Very systematic and specific in yielding data. -Knowledge generated is testable and reproducible. | -Requires an understanding of statistics to analyze data. -Larger sample sizes are needed to yield relevant data. |
You can also make use of both qualitative and quantitative research methods in your study.
Primary and secondary research are two different types of research methods that are used in the field of academia and market research. Both primary and secondary sources can be applied in most studies.
Primary research is research that is conducted by the individual or organization themselves. It involves collecting original data through methods such as surveys, interviews, or experiments. The data collected through primary research is specific to the research question and objectives, and is not typically available through other sources.
Secondary research, on the other hand, involves the use of existing data that has already been collected by someone else. This can include data from government reports, academic journals, or industry publications. The advantage of secondary research is that it is typically less time-consuming and less expensive than primary research, as the data has already been collected. However, the data may not be as specific or relevant to the research question and objectives.
The choice between using primary and secondary research will depend on the research question, study budget, and time constraints of the project, as well as the target journal to which you are submitting your manuscript.
Can more directly answer your research question..Researcher has more control over the constraints and controls of the data. | Takes significant time and resources to collectRequires a strong understanding of how to collect data. | |
Much more convenient and faster to access.Data can be collected from various time frames and locations. | No ability to adjust or control how data is created.Takes longer time to process and verify as relevant data. |
Experimental data is collected through a controlled experiment, in which the researcher manipulates one or more variables to observe the effect on another variable. The goal of experimental data is to determine cause-and-effect relationships. For example, in a study on the effectiveness of a new drug for treating a certain condition, the researchers would randomly assign participants to either a group that receives the drug or a group that receives a placebo, and then compare the outcomes between the two groups. The data collected in this study would be considered experimental data.
Descriptive data, on the other hand, is data that is collected through observation or surveys and is used to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon. The goal of descriptive data is to provide a snapshot of the current state of a certain population or phenomenon, rather than to determine cause-and-effect relationships. For example, in a study on the dietary habits of a certain population, the researchers would collect data on what types of food the participants typically eat and how often they eat them. This data would be considered descriptive data.
In summary, experimental data is collected through a controlled experiment to determine cause-and-effect relationships, while descriptive data is collected through observation or surveys to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon.
Primary | Quantitative | To test causal relationships. | |
Either | Either | To analyze a specific case in-depth, often when you do not have the resources to perform a study with a large sample group. | |
Primary | Either | To analyze how a phenomenon functions in a natural state. | |
Secondary | Either | To position your work in a body of research and/or uncover trends within a research topic. | |
Secondary | Either | To determine the presence of certain words, themes, or concepts within some given qualitative data, often text. |
To ensure your methods are accurately articulated in your study and that your work is free of language errors, consider receiving professional proofreading services . Wordvice specializes in paper editing and manuscript editing for any kind of academic document.
To receive free AI proofreading for academic writing in real time, try Wordvice AI and compare it to the leading AI writing assistant.
Table of Contents
Choosing an optimal research methodology is crucial for the success of any research project. The methodology you select will determine the type of data you collect, how you collect it, and how you analyse it. Understanding the different types of research methods available along with their strengths and weaknesses, is thus imperative to make an informed decision.
There are several research methods available depending on the type of study you are conducting, i.e., whether it is laboratory-based, clinical, epidemiological, or survey based . Some common methodologies include qualitative research, quantitative research, experimental research, survey-based research, and action research. Each method can be opted for and modified, depending on the type of research hypotheses and objectives.
When deciding on a research methodology, one of the key factors to consider is whether your research will be qualitative or quantitative. Qualitative research is used to understand people’s experiences, concepts, thoughts, or behaviours . Quantitative research, on the contrary, deals with numbers, graphs, and charts, and is used to test or confirm hypotheses, assumptions, and theories.
Qualitative research is often used to examine issues that are not well understood, and to gather additional insights on these topics. Qualitative research methods include open-ended survey questions, observations of behaviours described through words, and reviews of literature that has explored similar theories and ideas. These methods are used to understand how language is used in real-world situations, identify common themes or overarching ideas, and describe and interpret various texts. Data analysis for qualitative research typically includes discourse analysis, thematic analysis, and textual analysis.
The goal of quantitative research is to test hypotheses, confirm assumptions and theories, and determine cause-and-effect relationships. Quantitative research methods include experiments, close-ended survey questions, and countable and numbered observations. Data analysis for quantitative research relies heavily on statistical methods.
The methods used for data analysis also differ for qualitative and quantitative research. As mentioned earlier, quantitative data is generally analysed using statistical methods and does not leave much room for speculation. It is more structured and follows a predetermined plan. In quantitative research, the researcher starts with a hypothesis and uses statistical methods to test it. Contrarily, methods used for qualitative data analysis can identify patterns and themes within the data, rather than provide statistical measures of the data. It is an iterative process, where the researcher goes back and forth trying to gauge the larger implications of the data through different perspectives and revising the analysis if required.
The choice between qualitative and quantitative research will depend on the gap that the research project aims to address, and specific objectives of the study. If the goal is to establish facts about a subject or topic, quantitative research is an appropriate choice. However, if the goal is to understand people’s experiences or perspectives, qualitative research may be more suitable.
In conclusion, an understanding of the different research methods available, their applicability, advantages, and disadvantages is essential for making an informed decision on the best methodology for your project. If you need any additional guidance on which research methodology to opt for, you can head over to Elsevier Author Services (EAS). EAS experts will guide you throughout the process and help you choose the perfect methodology for your research goals.
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A research paper is simply a piece of writing that uses outside sources. There are different types of research papers with varying purposes and expectations for sourcing. While this guide explains those differences broadly, disciplines and assignments vary.
Ask your professor for clarification on the purpose, types of appropriate research questions , and expectations of sources for your assignment.
) | |||
Academic argument essay | To an audience of a single claim or thesis | Typically answers descriptive or explanatory questions, but could address normative or prescriptive questions. Question is focused, answerable through research, debatable, and important. | illustrate or exemplify points of argument. Includes primary sources such as empirical data, documents, or literature, or references to events and facts. provide others' perspectives or interpretations that you discuss and synthesize Includes secondary sources such as journal articles, books, and opinion pieces. |
Analytical essay | To break down an issue or idea into component parts and present an of related perspectives. | Typically answers descriptive or explanatory questions. Question is focused, answerable through research, debatable, and important. | illustrate or exemplify aspects of the topic. Includes primary sources such as empirical data, documents, or literature, or references to events and facts. provide others' perspectives or interpretations that you discuss and synthesize Includes secondary sources such as journal articles, books, and opinion pieces. |
Opinion essay | To an audience of a viewpoint through | Could answer most kinds of questions. | illustrate or exemplify points of argument. Includes primary sources such as empirical data, documents, or literature, or references to events and facts. provide others' perspectives or interpretations that you discuss and synthesize Could also include and reflections. |
Literature review | To research related to your original study in order to provide context and demonstrate its originality. | Answers how a specific topic has been researched and what is known. | and possibly relevant grey literature. |
Annotated bibliography | To , typically as a precursor to an argument or analytical essay. | Depends on the assignment. | Depends on the assignment, but generally each annotation summarizes and evaluates the source and connects it to the research question and possibly to other sources. |
Expository essay | To a topic. | Depends on the assignment. | Depends on the assignment, but could rely on background information and reference sources. Typically does not require extensive research. |
Related guides.
Collaboration, information literacy, writing process, research methods.
Understand how to identify appropriate research methods for particular methodological communities , rhetorical situations , and research questions .
Research Methods are the tools and techniques (aka protocols , processes , strategies ) that investigators and methodological communities use to conduct research .
Research methods may be empirical (aka the scientific method), informal , or textual .
Key Terms: Methodological Community ; Research Methodology
If you are doing more than writing an essay that relies on sources, then you can benefit from understanding why there are different research methods. Learn more about how academic and professional researchers employ diverse research methods. Understand the philosophical assumptions that inform researchers in different disciplines.
Academic disciplines—for example, mathematics, psychology, physics, engineering, or business—have different ways of conducting and evaluating research. An anthropologist’s account of kinship patterns in a tribe of Native Americans bears almost no resemblance to a cognitive psychologist’s investigation of sensory responses to light stimuli. Even within a particular academic discipline, researchers may disagree over what makes good research. Different researchers employ different research methodologies because they have opposing, sometimes contradictory ideas, about what constitutes a valid knowledge claim. Not only do people disagree about appropriate methods of research, but their ideas may change over time. Conceptions about knowledge, available technologies, and research practices influence each other and change constantly. For example, capturing gorillas and studying them in cages might have been considered good research in the 1920s. The work of later researchers like Dian Fossey, however, demonstrated how animals might be better understood in their natural environment. Today, research based on observations of wild animals in captivity would gain little support or interest.
Researchers distinguish between and : are and used to collect and analyze data. For example, an Interview or Survey is a tool. (2) are the justification a researcher provides for using particular methods. A researcher’s methodology is the rationale for using particular tools/methods. It is that informs a research project. In other words, can be compared to screwdrivers, hammers, nails, etc. while can be compared to the architectural plans for a building. |
Research methods are a social, rhetorical construct . Different academic and professional communities —e.g., mathematics, psychology, physics, engineering, or business—employ unique research methods. A primary focus of training in academic and professional disciplines concerns learning how to use disciplinary-specific methods, tools, protocols, and processes for gathering and assessing information. For instance, an anthropologist’s account of kinship patterns in a tribe of Native Americans bears almost no resemblance to a cognitive psychologist’s investigation of sensory responses to light stimuli.
Whether research results, truth claims , are understood or judged to be valid or convincing depends to a great extent on whether the investigator follows the tacit and explicit guidelines a discourse community considers appropriate for a particular research question and rhetorical situation . This is why rhetorical reasoning (especially audience awareness ) plays such a formative role in the selection of research methods.
Research methods are not necessarily paired with particular methodologies , epistemological values , such as the rejection of positivism . Rather, methodological communities may employ the same methods yet hold contrary assumptions about the sort of knowledge those methods produce. For instance, a researcher could argue a case study creates universal knowledge —insights that transcend individuals, cultures, and historical periods. For instance, based on his therapy notes, Freud theorized we all have an id, ego, and superego. Jung suggested we all play archetypal roles including the hero, the shadow, the anima and animus. In contrast, another researcher could conduct a case study with similar subjects and yet argue the insights gleaned from the research do not illustrate universal knowledge—i.e., the results are stories, narratives, that provide robust details about the subjects interviewed . . . and nothing more.
Research Methods are constantly changing in response to new technologies. Eager to develop new knowledge or test knowledge claims , investigators experiment with new methods as technologies evolve. For example, the internet enables investigators to conduct worldwide research with online survey tools and video conferencing tools. Businesses are working with big data and analytics to commercialize data about consumers habits as they traverse the internet or purchase items in the world. Machine learning theorists are looking at how people write to develop artificial intelligence so technologies like Amazon’s Alexa can speak with humans.
Research Methods are evolving in response to new cultural mores. Communities of practice reconsider ethical principles and engage in dialectics regarding best practices. For example, capturing gorillas and studying them in cages might have been considered good research in the 1920s. The work of later researchers like Dian Fossey, however, demonstrated how animals might be better understood in their natural environment. Today, research based on observations of wild animals in captivity would gain little support or interest.
Consumers of research studies are wise to evaluate research methods. As a consumer of research, you are wise to critically evaluate a researcher’s methods. You would, for example, take your doctor’s diagnosis of a life-threatening disease more seriously than a fortune teller’s prediction of an early death. What distinguishes a physician’s prognosis from a fortune teller’s prophecy are research methods: the doctor may be looking at the results of your physical, blood work, x rays, CT Scans, MRI, or family history, whereas the fortune teller may be gazing into a crystal ball, pendulum, Tarot cars, or astrological charts.
[ The CRAAP Test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose) ]
is a that gathers anecdotally or based on convenience rather than in accordance with the systematic methods prescribed by . When we first contemplate a , we may check our intuition, and to see whether we have a hunch about how to answer the research question. We may access our intuition before reading what others have said about a topic or conducting our own original experiments. Or, at times, rather than running on intuition alone, we may conduct a sort of mini-experiment. We may engage in research without fully committing to the sort of structured research methods a expects investigators to follow in order to develop valid | |
(AKA ) | involves engaging in — , , and . (aka academic scholarship, hermeneutics) relies on rhetorical reasoning, rhetorical analysis, and dialectic to develop and debate . The act of Textual Research is sometimes referred to as Engaging the Conversation. knowledge claims via —i.e., by engaging scholars in sustained and debates around texts. Thanks to our cell phones, wearables, laptops, ipads and ubiquitous access to the internet, many of us have the good fortune to be able to quickly conduct Google searches on topics of interest to us. Subsequently, should we remain curious about the topic after a bit of , we may double down and engage in and become more familiar with the current status of the . |
(AKA ) | When we find that published research isn’t available on our or we distrust or disagree with a purported , then we may conduct Empirical Research. Empirical Research practices are guided by . When investigators conduct empirical investigations, they may focus on , , or . |
How deeply we engage in Informal Research, Textual Research, or Primary Research is tied to our mindset as an investigator, the importance of the occasion and exigency, and our judgment as to whether it’s the best possible kairotic moment.
Our engagement with research methods is also tied to our training. In high schools and colleges in the U.S., students learn about information literacy perspectives & practices and write with sources . Additionally, some fortunate students learn to conduct lab experiments in high schools. But it really isn’t until college — and, for some, graduate school — that students receive training from experts in empirical research methods.
Our information seeking behaviors are also shaped by the seriousness of the occasion to ourselves and others. For instance, when COVID-19 virus became a pandemic in the spring of 2020, many scientists from throughout the world dropped what they had been working on and turned to finding a vaccine or medications to ameliorate the virus.
Informal research methods, mixed research methods, qualitative research methods, quantitative research methods.
Recommended.
Suggested edits.
Inspire yourself and strengthen your cognive competencies by being reflective, by engaging in informal research to solve problems or inspire more formal research methods.
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How To Write A Research Paper
Types Of Research
10 min read
Published on: May 13, 2021
Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024
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Are you struggling to choose the right research method for your project?
There are so many different research methods available. It can be overwhelming to determine which one is best suited for your project's specific needs.
Not knowing the differences between each type of research can lead to inefficient data and less effective decision-making.
Fear not!
In this blog post, we'll break down the different types of research methods and provide guidance on when to use each one.
By the end of this post, you'll have a clear understanding of which research method is right for your project. You'll be on your way to collecting accurate and insightful data.
So why wait? Let’s dive in!
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Research is a careful and detailed study of a particular problem or a topic using scientific methods. It is an inquiry through which a researcher describes, predicts, explains, and observes a certain problem or phenomenon.
Research is not done for only scientific subjects and issues, but non-scientific issues like social issues are also researched.
This is the reason that students of almost every field and discipline are asked to conduct research for their degree.
There are basically two research methods involved in the research; a deductive and an inductive method.
In the inductive method, the researcher collects data through observation, interviews, surveys, or other methods. He then uses that data to develop a theory or hypothesis.
This hypothesis is then tested through additional data collection and analysis.
Inductive research is often used in qualitative research, where the focus is on understanding the perspectives of individuals or groups.
On The Other Hand
In the deductive method, the researcher starts with a theory or hypothesis and then uses data to test and validate that theory.
This approach is often used in quantitative research, where numerical data is collected and analyzed using statistical methods.
There are different types of research conducted on different subjects and for different purposes. It is important to understand that every topic takes a specific research type.
Below are the common types of research. Letâs discuss them in detail.
Applied research is the type of research that researches the facts and finds the opportunity for further investigation. This is research based on experiments and applies different concepts and theories to prove and validate the answer offered by fundamental research.
The key components of this research include:
The applied research can further be multiplied into three types; quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research.
Quantitative Research
Quantitative research is a study that is based on numbers, figures, and statistics. In this research type, the quantitative data collected and gathered is in the form of numbers, graphs, and tables. The collected data is then studied to come up with results.
The data collected for this research is from:
Quantitative Research Example
Qualitative research is a research type that is based on theories and the quality of the data. This research deals with the descriptions, and the chosen issue is referred to as the previous studies and research.
The basic purpose of this research is to investigate and explain a specific question. Qualitative research includes the following qualitative methods to gather data:
Qualitative Research Example
This research is a blend of both techniques; qualitative and quantitative. Each qualitative and quantitative research has limitations. But by bringing the best of both the researches, more targeted results are achieved.
In this research type, the analysis is made using mixed methods on both the numerical data and the theoretical concepts.
Applied Research Template
Action research is a research type that analyzes, evaluates, and investigates institutional and organizational methods.
This is done to examine if the existing methods of data collection need any betterment and improvement.
of action research might involve working with a community organization to develop and implement a program to reduce poverty in a particular neighborhood. |
Descriptive research is similar to a descriptive essay. Just as the essay describes an event, the research describes an event and phenomenon as well.
The main research question this research is studied and the causes and reasons behind it.
of descriptive research might involve conducting a survey to determine the prevalence of a particular disease among a specific population. |
This is the research type in which a problem or a topic is researched because there were no clear studies present before regarding the issue. This research demands priorities creates an operational definition, and provides a better research model than the existing one.
Moreover, it helps you to draw conclusions from the research design. Also, it is different from explanatory research.
of exploratory research might involve conducting focus groups to explore consumers' attitudes and behaviors related to a new product. |
Policy-oriented research is a type of research that studies the issues faced by the public and aims to solve these issues using different methods.
This research informs and understands the prevailing public issues that will help in decision-making.
The useful policies and implementation of the changes can be done through this research type. It is social-scientific research.
of policy-oriented research might involve conducting a cost-benefit analysis of a proposed environmental regulation to determine its potential impact. |
Basic or fundamental research is a simple investigation that a person does on the basic principles or concepts. That is involved in the occurrence of a particular issue, event, or phenomenon.
Concepts and ideas related to science are studied and examined using this research type.
Basic research does the following things:
of basic research might involve studying the genetics of a particular species of plant to better understand how it has evolved over time. |
This type of research examines the relationship between two or more variables. It seeks to determine if they are related and to what extent.
Correlational research can be used to identify patterns and to make predictions about future behavior.
a study may examine the correlation between smoking and lung cancer to determine if there is a relationship between the two variables. |
This type of research involves observing and interacting with a specific culture or group of people. It is done to gain insight into their beliefs, customs, and practices.
Ethnographic research often involves extended periods of fieldwork and can provide in-depth information about the culture being studied.
of ethnographic research might involve studying the daily life of a particular indigenous tribe in the Amazon rainforest to gain insight into their customs, beliefs, and practices. |
This type of research involves manipulating one or more variables in order to observe the effects on another variable.
Experimental research is often used to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables and is commonly used in the natural and social sciences.
a study might investigate the effect of a new medication on blood pressure by randomly assigning participants to receive the medication or a placebo and then measuring their blood pressure levels. |
This type of research involves examining past events, people, and cultures in order to gain insight into the present.
Historical research often involves analyzing primary sources, such as letters, diaries, and government documents.
of historical research might involve analyzing diaries, letters, and other primary sources to gain a better understanding of what life was like for women in the 19th century. |
This type of research involves exploring individuals' subjective experiences of a particular phenomenon, such as a medical condition or a life event.
Phenomenological research seeks to understand the meaning individuals attribute to their experiences and is often used in psychology and healthcare research.
a study might use phenomenological research to understand the experience of living with a chronic illness by interviewing individuals about their day-to-day experiences and emotions related to their illness. |
This type of research is used to provide conclusive evidence on a research question or hypothesis.
Conclusive research is often conducted through experiments, surveys, or observations to provide clear and conclusive findings.
This type of research is used to make informed decisions about marketing, product development, or business strategy.
a pharmaceutical company may conduct conclusive research to determine the effectiveness of a new drug compared to a placebo. |
If you are interested in learning how to write a research paper, you can check our blog on how to write a research paper !
Research is conducted for a lot of purposes. It is done through the consideration of the rules, concepts, and research design.
It has some characteristics that differ from other forms of writing. These characteristics include:
Choosing a research methodology is an important decision that can have a significant impact on the outcomes of a research project.
Here are some tips to consider when selecting a research methodology:
Consider the research question: The research question should guide the selection of the research methodology.
For example, if the research question aims to explore individuals' subjective experiences, qualitative research methods may be more appropriate than quantitative research methods.
Evaluate the available data: The type and amount of data available can also influence the choice of research methodology.
If there is a large amount of numerical data available, quantitative research methods may be more suitable.
Conversely, if data is limited or difficult to quantify, qualitative research methods may be more appropriate.
Assess the research context: The context of the research project can also influence the choice of research methodology.
For example, if the research project involves sensitive topics, qualitative research methods may be more effective in ensuring participants' confidentiality and privacy.
Consider the researcher's skills and expertise: The researcher's skills and expertise in a particular research methodology should also be considered.
Conducting research using a methodology that the researcher is not familiar with can lead to errors in data collection and analysis.
Review previous research: Previous research in the area of interest can also inform the selection of research methodology.
Reviewing previous research can help identify the most appropriate methodology based on the research question, available data, and research context.
It is no doubt a daunting job to conduct research. But if you know which type of research to conduct and what methodologies to use to gather data for the research, it becomes easier.
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A research journey can be compared to navigating unexplored territories. To explore this intellectual terrain successfully, researchers need to employ the appropriate tools: cue research methodologies. Whether you find yourself at the inception of planning your dissertation or are just beginning to contemplate your PhD proposal, the methodology you choose will play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of your research journey. In this blog post, we will delve into the three main different types of research methodologies, examining their significance and dissecting the unique features that make each one distinct.
Research methodology is the strategic framework that outlines the systematic process researchers use to collect, interpret, and analyse data. It acts as a roadmap, providing a structured path for investigators to follow, ensuring the reliability and validity of their findings. In essence, it is the blueprint that governs your entire research journey.
When embarking on a research endeavour, the choice of methodology is crucial. Different types of studies call for different approaches. Let's explore the three main types of research methodologies: Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, and Mixed Methods.
Qualitative Research : Qualitative research is an exploratory approach focused on gaining a deep understanding of a phenomenon. It employs non-numerical data such as interviews, observations, and open-ended surveys to explore the complexities of human behaviour, attitudes, and experiences. This method is ideal for uncovering nuanced insights that quantitative methods might overlook.
Qualitative research allows for flexibility and adaptability during the research process. It is particularly valuable in fields such as sociology, psychology, and anthropology, where the aim is often to understand the underlying motivations and meanings behind human actions.
Quantitative Research : Quantitative research, on the other hand, concerns the collection and analysis of numerical data. This method employs structured surveys, experiments, and statistical analyses to identify patterns, relationships, and trends within a large dataset. It provides a more objective and measurable approach to research, making it suitable for studies where numerical data is paramount.
Quantitative research is commonly used in fields like economics, medicine, and engineering, where the goal is often to quantify phenomena and draw statistically significant conclusions. This method is characterised by its emphasis on objectivity and the ability to generalise findings to a broader population.
Mixed Methods : Recognising the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative approaches, some researchers opt for a mixed methods methodology. This hybrid approach integrates the best of both worlds, allowing you to gather a comprehensive understanding of your research question. It involves collecting and analysing both qualitative and quantitative data, providing a more holistic perspective.
Mixed methods research is particularly advantageous when a multifaceted understanding of a phenomenon is required. This approach is widely used in education, public health, and social sciences, where combining qualitative depth with quantitative breadth enhances the overall robustness of the study.
Choosing the right research methodology is a multifaceted decision that requires a thoughtful examination of several critical factors. These factors collectively shape the trajectory of your research and contribute significantly to the reliability and validity of your findings.
Research Question At the heart of your decision-making process is the research question. The nature of your inquiry plays a pivotal role in determining the most suitable methodology. For instance, if your goal is to explore the intricate nuances of human experiences, attitudes, or behaviours, qualitative methods such as interviews or observations may be more appropriate. On the other hand, if your research question demands statistical analysis and a quantifiable approach, quantitative methods may be better suited.
Nature of Your Study The characteristics of your study, whether it is exploratory, explanatory, descriptive, or experimental, will also influence your choice of methodology. An exploratory study, aiming to uncover new insights and generate hypotheses, may lean towards qualitative methods. In contrast, an experimental study, seeking to establish cause-and-effect relationships, may require a quantitative approach. Understanding the overarching purpose and design of your study is crucial in aligning the methodology with your research goals.
Available Resources Practical considerations, such as the resources at your disposal, also play a significant role. This encompasses not only financial resources but also the time available, access to participants, and the technological tools required for data collection and analysis. The feasibility of implementing a specific methodology within the constraints of your resources is a key factor in your decision-making process.
Objectives Whether your aim is to explore, describe, explain, or predict, each objective calls for a distinct approach. Your methodology should be tailored to meet these objectives and provide the most effective means of answering your research questions.
As you embark on your research voyage, remember that the choice of methodology is a compass that will guide your every step. Whether you opt for the depth of qualitative research, the precision of quantitative methods, or the comprehensive approach of mixed methods, understanding the intricacies of each is crucial for success.
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Argumentative or persuasive paper, definition paper, compare and contrast paper, cause and effect paper, interpretative paper, experimental research paper, survey research paper, frequently asked questions about the different types of research papers, related articles.
There are multiple different types of research papers. It is important to know which type of research paper is required for your assignment, as each type of research paper requires different preparation. Below is a list of the most common types of research papers.
➡️ Read more: What is a research paper?
In an analytical research paper you:
You focus on the findings and conclusions of other researchers and then make a personal conclusion about the topic. It is important to stay neutral and not show your own negative or positive position on the matter.
The argumentative paper presents two sides of a controversial issue in one paper. It is aimed at getting the reader on the side of your point of view.
You should include and cite findings and arguments of different researchers on both sides of the issue, but then favor one side over the other and try to persuade the reader of your side. Your arguments should not be too emotional though, they still need to be supported with logical facts and statistical data.
Tip: Avoid expressing too much emotion in a persuasive paper.
The definition paper solely describes facts or objective arguments without using any personal emotion or opinion of the author. Its only purpose is to provide information. You should include facts from a variety of sources, but leave those facts unanalyzed.
Compare and contrast papers are used to analyze the difference between two:
Make sure to sufficiently describe both sides in the paper, and then move on to comparing and contrasting both thesis and supporting one.
Cause and effect papers are usually the first types of research papers that high school and college students write. They trace probable or expected results from a specific action and answer the main questions "Why?" and "What?", which reflect effects and causes.
In business and education fields, cause and effect papers will help trace a range of results that could arise from a particular action or situation.
An interpretative paper requires you to use knowledge that you have gained from a particular case study, for example a legal situation in law studies. You need to write the paper based on an established theoretical framework and use valid supporting data to back up your statement and conclusion.
This type of research paper basically describes a particular experiment in detail. It is common in fields like:
Experiments are aimed to explain a certain outcome or phenomenon with certain actions. You need to describe your experiment with supporting data and then analyze it sufficiently.
This research paper demands the conduction of a survey that includes asking questions to respondents. The conductor of the survey then collects all the information from the survey and analyzes it to present it in the research paper.
➡️ Ready to start your research paper? Take a look at our guide on how to start a research paper .
In an analytical research paper, you pose a question and then collect relevant data from other researchers to analyze their different viewpoints. You focus on the findings and conclusions of other researchers and then make a personal conclusion about the topic.
The definition paper solely describes facts or objective arguments without using any personal emotion or opinion of the author. Its only purpose is to provide information.
Cause and effect papers are usually the first types of research papers that high school and college students are confronted with. The answer questions like "Why?" and "What?", which reflect effects and causes. In business and education fields, cause and effect papers will help trace a range of results that could arise from a particular action or situation.
This type of research paper describes a particular experiment in detail. It is common in fields like biology, chemistry or physics. Experiments are aimed to explain a certain outcome or phenomenon with certain actions.
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The methodology of academic writing encompasses various types of research, each with its unique approach and purpose. From qualitative to quantitative, experimental to correlational, understanding these different types is crucial to select the right approach for your study. Our guide will elucidate these methods. Good research skills are a must for students, so you need to be familiar with the different types of research you can use.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
There are many different types of research based on their purpose, the type of data involved, the sources used, etc.
Which types of research you use depends on your area of study and the scope of your project.
Someone studying anthropology would use qualitative research , like different types of interviews , whereas someone studying physics would rely on quantitative research .
Theoretical research.
This type of research deepens or expands existing knowledge, but it doesn’t try to solve specific problems.
A study of 17th century literature in southern Italy.
Applied research focuses on real-world issues and its conclusions have practical applications.
A psychology student investigating how to improve memory in school-age children.
Exploratory research.
This type of research aims to provide a general framework around a particular topic, without going into too much detail.
A Ph.D. student would carry out exploratory research at the beginning of their studies, to determine the best data collection method or to find out what others have written about the topic.
Descriptive research gathers extensive data about a topic or about research subjects, so it has a deeper scope than exploratory research .
A marketing student researching changes in smartphone buyer behavior.
This type of research focuses on answering “why”-questions. This requires a detailed cause-and-effect assessment.
A linguistics student investigating why second language acquisition is delayed in learners over 30 years old.
This research compares two facts or data sets, to find meaningful connections between them.
A sports medicine student examining whether sleep patterns affect an athlete’s performance.
Qualitative research.
Data consists of words or concepts, which can be assessed and interpreted but not objectively measured.
A focus group on retired people’s attitude to exercise.
This research relies on any data units that can be objectively measured.
A statistical analysis of economic data.
Experimental research.
Independent variables are applied to dependent variables to determine their impact and to test a hypothesis.
Observing the effects of independent variable A (two groups of 70+ patients, one group taking X medication and the other taking a placebo) on dependent variable B (lower blood pressure).
Non-experimental research doesn’t manipulate the independent variable, and it’s not always necessary to find a correlation between variables.
A study of visual accuracy in people who’ve had laser eye surgery.
This is similar to experimental research, but the main difference is that in quasi-experimental research , research subjects aren’t randomly assigned to different groups.
Investigating why some office workers use productivity apps and some don’t.
Deductive research.
In deductive research , inferences or conclusions are reached by testing a theory and/or a hypothesis. Data is collected and analyzed to either prove or disprove the hypothesis.
Investigating the hypothesis that airline delays are more frequent in summer.
The starting point isn’t a theory or hypothesis, but a set of observations that can later be turned into generalizations.
A number of flights are delayed during the summer months. Inductive research observes the pattern and concludes by stating a possible theory about why this happens.
Diachronic research.
Diachronic research studies a fact or phenomenon over a period of time.
A study of how English slang changed between 1950 and 1980.
Synchronous research examines a fact or phenomenon as it happens during a specific point in time.
How second-generation Indian immigrants use English slang.
Primary research.
This means that your data comes from your own research.
Interviewing shoppers to find out what are their purchasing criteria.
This means that your research data comes from existing sources.
A study of census data between 1900-1930.
Documentary.
Data consists of existing official documents, photos, personal communications, or audio files.
Field data is created and collected in real-world settings, for example in the form of interviews, surveys, etc.
Lab data is usually collected in lab settings under controlled conditions.
This refers to the combination of all three types of research in a single study.
In terms of purpose, the 2 main types of research are theoretical and applied. In terms of the data used, research can be classified into qualitative and quantitative.
Yes, using several types of research is possible as long as they’re compatible and suited to your topic and research question.
A research question, data, and a framework to analyze the data.
Not always. This is more common if you’re doing quantitative research.
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What is a research paper?
A research paper requires you to form an opinion on a topic, research and gain expert knowledge on that topic, and then back up your own opinions and assertions with facts found through your thorough research.
Types of Research Papers This guide discusses the different types of research papers that you might encounter in an academic setting.
How to Write a Research Paper This article provides step-by-step guidance on how to write a research paper.
What is an argumentative essay?
In this paper, you make an argument about a topic or subject and use evidence and analysis to prove your argument. Your main argument is also called a thesis statement .
How to Write an Argumentative Essay This article discusses the basics of writing an argumentative paper.
What is an exploratory essay?
An exploratory essay considers a topic or problem and explores possible solutions. This type of paper also sometimes includes background about how you have approached the topic, as well as information about your research process. Whereas other types of essays take a concrete stance on an issue and offer extensive support for that stance, the exploratory essay covers how you arrived at an idea and what research materials and methods you used to explore it.
How to Write an Exploratory Essay This article covers the essentials of writing an exploratory essay.
What is a critical analysis essay?
A critical analysis examines and evaluates someone else’s work, such as a book, an essay, or an article. It requires two steps: a careful reading of the work and thoughtful analysis of the information presented in the work.
How to Write a Critical Analysis Essay This resource discusses the details of critical analysis essays and provides tips for writing one.
What is a literature review?
A literature review is an assessment of sources on a chosen topic of research. The four main objectives of a literature review are:
How to Write a Literature Review This guide defines literature reviews and offers strategies for constructing them.
Saul Mcleod, PhD
Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester
Saul Mcleod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
Learn about our Editorial Process
Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc
Associate Editor for Simply Psychology
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education
Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.
Research methods in psychology are systematic procedures used to observe, describe, predict, and explain behavior and mental processes. They include experiments, surveys, case studies, and naturalistic observations, ensuring data collection is objective and reliable to understand and explain psychological phenomena.
Hypotheses are statements about the prediction of the results, that can be verified or disproved by some investigation.
There are four types of hypotheses :
All research has an alternative hypothesis (either a one-tailed or two-tailed) and a corresponding null hypothesis.
Once the research is conducted and results are found, psychologists must accept one hypothesis and reject the other.
So, if a difference is found, the Psychologist would accept the alternative hypothesis and reject the null. The opposite applies if no difference is found.
Sampling techniques
Sampling is the process of selecting a representative group from the population under study.
A sample is the participants you select from a target population (the group you are interested in) to make generalizations about.
Representative means the extent to which a sample mirrors a researcher’s target population and reflects its characteristics.
Generalisability means the extent to which their findings can be applied to the larger population of which their sample was a part.
Experiments always have an independent and dependent variable .
Operationalization of variables means making them measurable/quantifiable. We must use operationalization to ensure that variables are in a form that can be easily tested.
For instance, we can’t really measure ‘happiness’, but we can measure how many times a person smiles within a two-hour period.
By operationalizing variables, we make it easy for someone else to replicate our research. Remember, this is important because we can check if our findings are reliable.
Extraneous variables are all variables which are not independent variable but could affect the results of the experiment.
It can be a natural characteristic of the participant, such as intelligence levels, gender, or age for example, or it could be a situational feature of the environment such as lighting or noise.
Demand characteristics are a type of extraneous variable that occurs if the participants work out the aims of the research study, they may begin to behave in a certain way.
For example, in Milgram’s research , critics argued that participants worked out that the shocks were not real and they administered them as they thought this was what was required of them.
Extraneous variables must be controlled so that they do not affect (confound) the results.
Randomly allocating participants to their conditions or using a matched pairs experimental design can help to reduce participant variables.
Situational variables are controlled by using standardized procedures, ensuring every participant in a given condition is treated in the same way
Experimental design refers to how participants are allocated to each condition of the independent variable, such as a control or experimental group.
If we wish to compare two groups with respect to a given independent variable, it is essential to make sure that the two groups do not differ in any other important way.
All experimental methods involve an iv (independent variable) and dv (dependent variable)..
Case studies are in-depth investigations of a person, group, event, or community. It uses information from a range of sources, such as from the person concerned and also from their family and friends.
Many techniques may be used such as interviews, psychological tests, observations and experiments. Case studies are generally longitudinal: in other words, they follow the individual or group over an extended period of time.
Case studies are widely used in psychology and among the best-known ones carried out were by Sigmund Freud . He conducted very detailed investigations into the private lives of his patients in an attempt to both understand and help them overcome their illnesses.
Case studies provide rich qualitative data and have high levels of ecological validity. However, it is difficult to generalize from individual cases as each one has unique characteristics.
Correlation means association; it is a measure of the extent to which two variables are related. One of the variables can be regarded as the predictor variable with the other one as the outcome variable.
Correlational studies typically involve obtaining two different measures from a group of participants, and then assessing the degree of association between the measures.
The predictor variable can be seen as occurring before the outcome variable in some sense. It is called the predictor variable, because it forms the basis for predicting the value of the outcome variable.
Relationships between variables can be displayed on a graph or as a numerical score called a correlation coefficient.
After looking at the scattergraph, if we want to be sure that a significant relationship does exist between the two variables, a statistical test of correlation can be conducted, such as Spearman’s rho.
The test will give us a score, called a correlation coefficient . This is a value between 0 and 1, and the closer to 1 the score is, the stronger the relationship between the variables. This value can be both positive e.g. 0.63, or negative -0.63.
Correlation does not always prove causation, as a third variable may be involved.
Interviews are commonly divided into two types: structured and unstructured.
A fixed, predetermined set of questions is put to every participant in the same order and in the same way.
Responses are recorded on a questionnaire, and the researcher presets the order and wording of questions, and sometimes the range of alternative answers.
The interviewer stays within their role and maintains social distance from the interviewee.
There are no set questions, and the participant can raise whatever topics he/she feels are relevant and ask them in their own way. Questions are posed about participants’ answers to the subject
Unstructured interviews are most useful in qualitative research to analyze attitudes and values.
Though they rarely provide a valid basis for generalization, their main advantage is that they enable the researcher to probe social actors’ subjective point of view.
Questionnaire Method
Questionnaires can be thought of as a kind of written interview. They can be carried out face to face, by telephone, or post.
The choice of questions is important because of the need to avoid bias or ambiguity in the questions, ‘leading’ the respondent or causing offense.
Its other practical advantages are that it is cheaper than face-to-face interviews and can be used to contact many respondents scattered over a wide area relatively quickly.
There are different types of observation methods :
A pilot study is a small scale preliminary study conducted in order to evaluate the feasibility of the key s teps in a future, full-scale project.
A pilot study is an initial run-through of the procedures to be used in an investigation; it involves selecting a few people and trying out the study on them. It is possible to save time, and in some cases, money, by identifying any flaws in the procedures designed by the researcher.
A pilot study can help the researcher spot any ambiguities (i.e. unusual things) or confusion in the information given to participants or problems with the task devised.
Sometimes the task is too hard, and the researcher may get a floor effect, because none of the participants can score at all or can complete the task – all performances are low.
The opposite effect is a ceiling effect, when the task is so easy that all achieve virtually full marks or top performances and are “hitting the ceiling”.
In cross-sectional research , a researcher compares multiple segments of the population at the same time
Sometimes, we want to see how people change over time, as in studies of human development and lifespan. Longitudinal research is a research design in which data-gathering is administered repeatedly over an extended period of time.
In cohort studies , the participants must share a common factor or characteristic such as age, demographic, or occupation. A cohort study is a type of longitudinal study in which researchers monitor and observe a chosen population over an extended period.
Triangulation means using more than one research method to improve the study’s validity.
Reliability is a measure of consistency, if a particular measurement is repeated and the same result is obtained then it is described as being reliable.
A meta-analysis is a systematic review that involves identifying an aim and then searching for research studies that have addressed similar aims/hypotheses.
This is done by looking through various databases, and then decisions are made about what studies are to be included/excluded.
Strengths: Increases the conclusions’ validity as they’re based on a wider range.
Weaknesses: Research designs in studies can vary, so they are not truly comparable.
A researcher submits an article to a journal. The choice of the journal may be determined by the journal’s audience or prestige.
The journal selects two or more appropriate experts (psychologists working in a similar field) to peer review the article without payment. The peer reviewers assess: the methods and designs used, originality of the findings, the validity of the original research findings and its content, structure and language.
Feedback from the reviewer determines whether the article is accepted. The article may be: Accepted as it is, accepted with revisions, sent back to the author to revise and re-submit or rejected without the possibility of submission.
The editor makes the final decision whether to accept or reject the research report based on the reviewers comments/ recommendations.
Peer review is important because it prevent faulty data from entering the public domain, it provides a way of checking the validity of findings and the quality of the methodology and is used to assess the research rating of university departments.
Peer reviews may be an ideal, whereas in practice there are lots of problems. For example, it slows publication down and may prevent unusual, new work being published. Some reviewers might use it as an opportunity to prevent competing researchers from publishing work.
Some people doubt whether peer review can really prevent the publication of fraudulent research.
The advent of the internet means that a lot of research and academic comment is being published without official peer reviews than before, though systems are evolving on the internet where everyone really has a chance to offer their opinions and police the quality of research.
Validity means how well a piece of research actually measures what it sets out to, or how well it reflects the reality it claims to represent.
Validity is whether the observed effect is genuine and represents what is actually out there in the world.
A significant result is one where there is a low probability that chance factors were responsible for any observed difference, correlation, or association in the variables tested.
If our test is significant, we can reject our null hypothesis and accept our alternative hypothesis.
If our test is not significant, we can accept our null hypothesis and reject our alternative hypothesis. A null hypothesis is a statement of no effect.
In Psychology, we use p < 0.05 (as it strikes a balance between making a type I and II error) but p < 0.01 is used in tests that could cause harm like introducing a new drug.
A type I error is when the null hypothesis is rejected when it should have been accepted (happens when a lenient significance level is used, an error of optimism).
A type II error is when the null hypothesis is accepted when it should have been rejected (happens when a stringent significance level is used, an error of pessimism).
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The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) sponsors numerous research studies, evaluations, pilots, and demonstrations on a broad range of topics relevant to the agency’s mission. This annotated bibliography provides abstracts of impact evaluations and other systematic analyses funded by ETA and published on ETA’s Research Publication Database or DOL’s Chief Evaluation Office research page from 2012 through June 2016, as selected by researchers from Mathematica Policy Research with guidance from ETA staff. The summarized publications include research, evaluation, and demonstration reports, as well as other papers and sets of policy recommendations. Each abstract provides a brief overview of the intervention studied, the type of research, data sources, analytical methods, and findings. These publications were not reviewed for quality or strength of design, and their inclusion in this bibliography does not imply any endorsement of their design, methods, or content by ETA or Mathematica.
This bibliography is organized along eight major topic areas: training programs under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA); training programs other than WIA; services to military personnel, veterans, or military spouses; population-specific programs; trade adjustment assistance; unemployment insurance; labor market information (LMI); and regional economic development. Within some topics, publications are categorized under more specific sub-topic headings. Publications related to more than one topic are summarized in the section where they are most relevant. For publications that do not cover a specific program area or grant program, the annotated bibliography classifies them according to the most relevant topic area and describes the logic for its inclusion in the topic summary.
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Research methods are specific procedures for collecting and analyzing data. Developing your research methods is an integral part of your research design. When planning your methods, there are two key decisions you will make. First, decide how you will collect data. Your methods depend on what type of data you need to answer your research question:
Types of Research Methods. Research methods can be broadly categorized into two types: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative methods involve systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques, providing an in-depth understanding of a specific concept or phenomenon (Schweigert, 2021).
Step 1: Consider your aims and approach. Step 2: Choose a type of research design. Step 3: Identify your population and sampling method. Step 4: Choose your data collection methods. Step 5: Plan your data collection procedures. Step 6: Decide on your data analysis strategies. Other interesting articles.
Research Methodology Types. Types of Research Methodology are as follows: Quantitative Research Methodology. This is a research methodology that involves the collection and analysis of numerical data using statistical methods. This type of research is often used to study cause-and-effect relationships and to make predictions.
Other interesting articles. If you want to know more about statistics, methodology, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples. Statistics. Normal distribution. Skewness. Kurtosis. Degrees of freedom. Variance. Null hypothesis.
Quantitative research methods are used to collect and analyze numerical data. This type of research is useful when the objective is to test a hypothesis, determine cause-and-effect relationships, and measure the prevalence of certain phenomena. Quantitative research methods include surveys, experiments, and secondary data analysis.
Explanatory research is the most common type of research method and is responsible for establishing cause-and-effect relationships that allow generalisations to be extended to similar realities. It is closely related to descriptive research, although it provides additional information about the observed object and its interactions with the ...
1. Qualitative research methodology. Qualitative research methodology is aimed at understanding concepts, thoughts, or experiences. This approach is descriptive and is often utilized to gather in-depth insights into people's attitudes, behaviors, or cultures. Qualitative research methodology involves methods like interviews, focus groups, and ...
Research Methods | Definition, Types, Examples. Research methods are specific procedures for collecting and analysing data. Developing your research methods is an integral part of your research design. When planning your methods, there are two key decisions you will make. ... In shorter scientific papers, where the aim is to report the findings ...
Definition, Types, and Examples. Research methodology 1,2 is a structured and scientific approach used to collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative or qualitative data to answer research questions or test hypotheses. A research methodology is like a plan for carrying out research and helps keep researchers on track by limiting the scope of ...
Types of Research Methods. 1. Qualitative Research. Imagine you're an explorer trying to understand the culture of a remote village. You wouldn't just count things, like how many houses there are; instead, you'd want to know the stories, beliefs, and feelings of the people living there. That's what Qualitative Research is like.
Surveys are a type of research method that involve collecting data from a large number of people through questionnaires or interviews. Surveys are often used to gather information about attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Experiments. Experiments are a type of research method that involve manipulating one or more variables in order to observe ...
Conclusion: Choosing an optimal research methodology is crucial for the success of any research project. The methodology you select will determine the type of data you collect, how you collect it, and how you analyse it. Understanding the different types of research methods available along with their strengths and weaknesses, is thus imperative ...
Step 1: Explain your methodological approach. Step 2: Describe your data collection methods. Step 3: Describe your analysis method. Step 4: Evaluate and justify the methodological choices you made. Tips for writing a strong methodology chapter. Other interesting articles.
There are different types of research papers with varying purposes and expectations for sourcing. While this guide explains those differences broadly, disciplines and assignments vary. Ask your professor for clarification on the purpose, types of appropriate research questions, and expectations of sources for your assignment. Type. Purpose.
Research Methods vs. Research Methodologies Researchers distinguish between research methods and methodologies: research methods are tools and techniques used to collect and analyze data. For example, an Interview or Survey is a tool. (2) Research Methodologies are the justification a researcher provides for using particular methods. A researcher's methodology is the rationale for using ...
The applied research can further be multiplied into three types; quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research. Quantitative Research. Quantitative research is a study that is based on numbers, figures, and statistics. In this research type, the quantitative data collected and gathered is in the form of numbers, graphs, and tables.
Different types of studies call for different approaches. Let's explore the three main types of research methodologies: Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, and Mixed Methods. Qualitative Research: Qualitative research is an exploratory approach focused on gaining a deep understanding of a phenomenon. It employs non-numerical data such ...
Experimental research paper. This type of research paper basically describes a particular experiment in detail. It is common in fields like: biology. chemistry. physics. Experiments are aimed to explain a certain outcome or phenomenon with certain actions. You need to describe your experiment with supporting data and then analyze it sufficiently.
The methodology of academic writing encompasses various types of research, each with its unique approach and purpose. From qualitative to quantitative, experimental to correlational, understanding these different types is crucial to select the right approach for your study. Our guide will elucidate these methods.
Whereas other types of essays take a concrete stance on an issue and offer extensive support for that stance, the exploratory essay covers how you arrived at an idea and what research materials and methods you used to explore it. How to Write an Exploratory Essay This article covers the essentials of writing an exploratory essay.
Published on January 14, 2023 by Tegan George . Revised on January 12, 2024. Primary research is a research method that relies on direct data collection, rather than relying on data that's already been collected by someone else. In other words, primary research is any type of research that you undertake yourself, firsthand, while using data ...
Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc. Research methods in psychology are systematic procedures used to observe, describe, predict, and explain behavior and mental processes. They include experiments, surveys, case studies, and naturalistic observations, ensuring data collection is objective and reliable to understand and explain psychological phenomena.
The summarized publications include research, evaluation, and demonstration reports, as well as other papers and sets of policy recommendations. Each abstract provides a brief overview of the intervention studied, the type of research, data sources, analytical methods, and findings.