Research is an integral part of every small and big business.

It is important for an
organization to look into new areas and find new ways to expand their business. Research
can be defined as a systematic approach to study new fields, new material, or to look for
new dimensions in an existing field.

Research methods and research methodology are the two terms associated with research
which are confused by many people.

The research method is research methods are used to define the topic of the research and
to establish a deeper understanding about it whereas, research methodology is a
systematic approach to collect and evaluate data in the research process.

Let us learn about both these terms in detail and also learn how these terms are different
from each other

What is the Research method?

The research method consists of all the techniques and method which are employed by a
researcher in a research process to find the solution to the research problem. The sole
purpose of research methods is to find the solution.

Research methods can be of two types qualitative research methods and quantitative

research methods.

Qualitative research methods

 
The qualitative research method consists of open-ended and conversational research
methods. The qualitative research method is used to collect in-depth and detailed data
about the research topic.

Qualitative research methods are designed in such a way that reveals about the behavior
and perception of people under research.

Data collected from qualitative research methods are descriptive. Therefore, it is easy to
draw inferences from it. Qualitative research methods are widely used in the social
and behavioral sciences.

Methods like a focus group, one-on-one interviews, case study

research, ethnographic research, observation research, and record-keeping are the various
methods used in qualitative research. Click here to learn about the different methods used
in qualitative research in detail.

Quantitative research methods

Quantitative research methods are those methods where a systematic approach is used to
collect quantifiable of data by performing computational, mathematical, or statistical
techniques. The data collected through quantitative research methods are usually in
numerical form.

The proper outcome can be deduced by analyzing the data in a systematic form. The
results obtained through quantitative research methods are statistical, logical, and
unbiased.

These research methods are applied to a group of the population, which represents the
entire population.

Methods like survey research, cross-sectional surveys, longitudinal surveys, correlational

research, causal-comparative research, experimental research, are primary data collection
methods in quantitative research methods whereas the data collected from methods such
as educational institutions, public libraries, data available on internet, government and non-
government resources, and commercial information resources, etc. are the secondary data
collection methods in quantitative research methods. Click here to learn more about
quantitative research methods.

What is Research methodology?

The research methodology is referred to the study of methods and to establish an

understanding of why these methods were used for the research. Research methodology
provides a logical explanation behind the steps taken in the research.
Research methodology explains the means using which results were obtained in the
research.

Research methodology provides guidance for the research process. The main objectives of
research methodologies are concerned with the following aspects:

1. Suitable research methods for the research problem.

2. Determine the accuracy of the outcome of opted research
methods.
3. And, finally, to make sure that research methods are efficient
enough.

A well-defined methodology gives an explanation why a particular research methodological

approach is used for the research, in what order and how research methods were applied to
get the results of the research, what were the data collection methods, and explain the data
analysis and procedures thoroughly.

Key Differences between Research Method and Research Methodology

RESEARCH RESEARCH

METHOD METHODOLOGY

Research A Research

methods are methodology is

the methods systematic

used by approach to solve

researchers to the research

collect data to problem and to

conduct reach a new

research on a conclusio
RESEARCH RESEARCH

METHOD METHODOLOGY

particular

research topic.

The objective of The objective of

the research the research

method is to find methodology is to

the solution. determine the

solution by

applying correct

procedures of

research.

Research Research

methods are methodologies are

useful to apply applied in the initial

during the latter stage of the

stage of the research being

research
RESEARCH RESEARCH

METHOD METHODOLOGY

process. conducted.

Research A Research

methods are methodology is a

small part of multi-dimensional

research concept.

methodology.

Research Research

methods methodologies are

consist of used applied during

various the initial stage of the

techniques research to explain

where various the purpose of

studies and chosen methods and

experiments how they will serve its

are used to function.

conduct
RESEARCH RESEARCH

METHOD METHODOLOGY

research and

reach an

appropriate

conclusion.

Research Research

methods methodologies is a

consist of systematic strategy to

different achieve the decided

investigation objective.

techniques.

Research Research

method methodology

encompasses encompasses

of carrying out different techniques

an which are used during

experiment, the performance of
 RESEARCH RESEARCH

METHOD METHODOLOGY

survey, test the experiment,

and so on. surveys, and test, etc.

Conclusion

A research methodology is concerned with the systematic approach to solving a research

problem by applying appropriate research methods. A clear research methodology is
important for the consistency and accuracy of the outcome produced by the research
methods.

Research methods are a small part of the whole research methodology process. Research
methods are used to find a solution to the research problem. Research methods are the
primary course to conduct research, and research methodology is all about the utilization of
research methods.

In the end, we can say that both research methods and methodologies are an important
part of research and important for each other’s existence.