Before organizing a research project or formulating research questions, you must decide on a research methodology. There are numerous ways to categorize distinct types of research methodologies. Depending on your field and topic, you must choose a suitable methodology to define the nature of your research. Different Types of Research Methodologies:
There are both scientific and non-scientific research areas. Each type possesses unique qualities and functions. This blog explains in depth the various types of research methodologies.
Definition of research methodology
A research methodology is a plan for how to carry out certain research. It specifies the tools or procedures used to identify and analyze data on a research topic. It is also how a researcher designs a study to get reliable and trustworthy data while satisfying research objectives.
Research methods definition
Research methods are the tools used to do research. Research methods are the strategies, processes, and techniques used to acquire data or evidence for analysis to gain new knowledge or a better understanding.
Factors to consider when choosing the different types of research methodologies
Consider the following factors while selecting a research methodology:
- The research objective
Consider the purpose of the research project. Researchers can better choose a methodology and research approach when they know what information they need at project completion to meet their goals.
- Significance of statistics
Another consideration is whether you need concise, data-driven study results and statistical replies. Alternatively, consider whether the study questions necessitate understanding reasons, perspectives, opinions, and motivations.
- Nature of the research
If the goals and objectives are exploratory, qualitative data-gathering techniques will probably be needed for the study. The research will need quantitative data-gathering methods if the aims and objectives are to measure or test something.
- Sample size
How big does the sample need to be for the research questions to be answered and the goals to be met? Depending on your sample size, you may need to interview people in person for smaller samples or use online surveys for larger ones.
- Time available
Consider strategies such as random or convenience sampling and instruments that enable data collection in a few days if time is limited. If additional time is available for data gathering, conducting in-person interviews and observations is possible.
Types of research methodologies
Any research employs various research methodologies, including data collecting, research structure design, data analysis, and so on. The term refers to the systematic procedure of conducting research.
The basic goal of conducting research using research methodology is to discover answers. There are various types of research methodologies used in research. Among them are the following:
- Qualitative research methodology
Regardless of the facts, the qualitative research methodology is descriptive and subjective. Observation and description play a larger role in this practice. This sort of methodology seeks to examine the knowledge, attitudes, actions, and views of individuals regarding the issue of the study.
Methods such as grounded research, case study, action research, disclosure analysis, and ethnography are utilized. The qualitative research methodology is founded on the phenomenon’s quality. In qualitative approaches, data intensity, quantity, and frequency are irrelevant. It emphasizes unreliable evaluation or measurement of data.
In qualitative research, the sample size is irrelevant. It comprehends emotions, perspectives, and impressions. The efficient qualitative method is extremely targeted, adaptable, and yields rapid results. However, qualitative methodologies are susceptible to misunderstanding and misuse.
- Quantitative research methodology
This research methodology evaluates the significance of the study idea. This is a numerically based systematic research process. Laboratory experiments, econometric and mathematical computations, surveys, simulations, and other methods are part of the quantitative research methodology.
In quantitative research methodology, the important factor is the measurement, quantity, or amount. The analysis and measurement of data and the interaction between variables are critical components of quantitative research techniques. It entails a quantitative study that quantifies attitude, behavior, and performance. This strategy simplifies data interpretation.
It necessitates approaches that you can apply on a greater scale. You can efficiently convert the data collected for use in quantitative research methods into graphs or charts. As a result, an interpreter will have a tough time influencing it. The data in question can be evaluated numerically using this method.
The findings of quantitative research can be evaluated and comprehended. As the name implies, the quantitative method collects and analyses data in numerical form. Adopting this type of research methodology necessitates large-scale and representative data sets. This approach is relatively costly.
- Descriptive research methodology
Descriptive research methodology uses analysis to outline the characteristics of the population or issues under consideration. This descriptive methodology is more concerned with the “what” of the research topic than with the “why.”
Since the researcher has no control over the variables in this research design, they can only describe the facts as they happened or are happening. Observations, surveys, and case studies are the most common approaches used in descriptive research.
In descriptive research, you can use several variables to explain the facts. It can analyze unquantifiable themes and events, is naturally observable, and is faster than quantitative experiments.
- Analytical research methodology
In analytical research methodology, the research is based on facts that have already been proven. Researchers often do more research to find more information that backs up and verifies what they already know. It also helps come up with new ideas about the research subject.
Analytical research uses small details to make hypotheses that are more likely to be true. The analytical study shows why a claim is true in this way. There are many ways to do this research, such as meta-analysis, scientific or literary trials, and finding out what the public thinks.
In this methodology, the researcher also evaluates the information critically. Depending on the study’s goal, the analytical methodology also often uses quantitative methods.
- Applied research methodology
Applied research methodology employs action research that focuses on a single topic and generalizes its findings. The researcher considers the variables constant and makes predictions, making the methodology simple to locate in applied research.
Applied research aims to resolve a pressing problem affecting society or a business/industrial organization. Applied research is regarded as a non-systematic investigation. A business, government entity, or individual typically performs this study to address a specific issue.
- Fundamental research methodology
The most important parts of fundamental research methodology are developing a theory and making generalizations. It tries to find facts that will be used in many different ways and add to what is already known in a certain field.
Several fields are linked together, and the goal is to figure out how to change old things or make something new. You can find a summary written in everyday language and use logical conclusions in your research. Examples of fundamental research are research on the generalization of human behaviour or pure mathematics.
- Exploratory research methodology
The foundation of exploratory research methodology is theories and their explanations. Its sole purpose is to research the study questions rather than to propose concrete and conclusive solutions to existing challenges. Rather than providing clear evidence, exploratory research expands our understanding of the subject.
The structure is flawed, but the approaches provide a versatile and exploratory approach. The hypothesis is not tested, and the results are not useful to the outside world. The findings are usually on a similar topic, which aids in the improvement of the research.
Although large-sample research work can be quantitative, most exploratory research is qualitative. Due to its flexibility and open-ended nature, it is also known as interpretive research or a grounded theory method.
- Conceptual research methodology
This research is about an idea or theory that is hard to explain. It is used by thinkers and philosophers who want to develop a new idea or look at what they already know differently.
Conceptual research is a method in which the research is done by looking at and making sense of the information that already exists on a given topic. It doesn’t include doing any experiments in the real world.
Famous philosophers have often used this thinking methodology to develop new ideas and insights about how the world works. It is also used to look at the ones already there from a different angle. Philosophers came up with the ideas so they could observe their surroundings and sort, study, and sum up the information they had.
- Mixed-method approach methodology
The mixed method approach methodology combines quantitative and qualitative methods to provide alternative viewpoints, provide a complete picture, and present multiple findings. The quantitative methodology delivers definitive facts and data, whereas the qualitative methodology focuses on the human element.
This methodology yields intriguing outcomes since it provides precise and exploratory data.
- Empirical research methodology
Empirical research is a style of research methodology that relies on verifiable data to generate findings. In other words, the evidence used in this kind of research is purely based on scientific data collection or observation methods.
Depending on the data sample, that is, numerical or non-numerical data, you can use qualitative or quantitative observation methods in empirical research. A scientific study is conducted as part of empirical research to determine the experimental probability of the research variables.
- Theoretical research methodology
Theoretical research methodology, commonly referred to as pure or basic research, focuses on developing knowledge, regardless of its practical use. Here, data collecting is utilized to produce new general concepts to understand a particular topic better or solve a theoretical research question.
Results of this kind are frequently aimed toward the creation of theories. They are usually based on documentary analysis, the construction of mathematical formulas, and the reflection of high-level scholars.
- Conclusive research methodology
The objective of conclusive research methodology is to answer the research question. A well-considered structure facilitates the formulation and solution of hypotheses and provides the results. Here, the results are generic.
It is essential to determine the research objectives and data requirements for this study, as conclusive research findings typically serve a particular purpose. Using a conclusive research methodology, the outcomes of exploratory studies can be confirmed and quantified.
Typically, a conclusive research methodology employs quantitative data collection and analysis techniques. Conclusive research frequently uses a deductive research strategy.
Benefits of using different types of research methodologies
Here are some advantages of using different types of research methodologies:
- A topic’s critical analysis analyzes and verifies the investigation. This enables the researcher to do more accurate research on the experiment
- Quantitative methods produce outcomes in the form of numerical data that you may use to further research. Without going into detail, results can be generated using numbers
- Mixed methods research helps researchers escape the limits of a single methodology to define results
- Genuine research supports researchers in defining the research area and expanding their understanding
In conclusion
The various types of research methodologies on this blog serve as a starting point for any student struggling with research methodologies. This blog provides a comprehensive plan that helps keep researchers on track, making the process simple, efficient, and manageable.
These types will assist you in selecting the methodology that best serves your objectives. Choosing the best research methodology and writing a research paper can be difficult. This article contains the answers to your questions regarding research methodology types.