An Assignment

On
Types of Research Methodology

Course Title- Research Methodology

Course code- LJ 4107

Submitted to- Submitted by-

Professor Dr. Md. Waliul Md. Shahrier Alam
Hasanat Student ID- 192805
Head 4th Year, 1st Term
Law Discipline Law Discipline
& Khulna University
Dean
Law School
Khulna University

Date of Submission: 27th March, 2023

Introduction

Research methodology is the set of procedures, techniques, and methods used to conduct
research. It is a crucial aspect of research that enables researchers to collect, analyze, and
interpret data in a systematic and organized manner. There are various types of research
methodologies, and each methodology has its unique set of strengths and weaknesses. Several
categories are used to categorize research methods. A general categorization, the study's
nature, its objective, its research strategy, and the data type are among them. The research
methodology is often used in interviews and case studies. In certain studies, the researcher
mixes a lot of techniques and only a couple of techniques 1. In this assignment, I will explore
different types of research methodologies and their descriptions.

1. Quantitative Research
As the name suggests, Quantitative data relies on quantifying a certain amount or quantity
of a specific phenomenon. It focuses on gathering and analyzing numerical data and can
be used to find averages and patterns or to predict outcomes 2. Quantitative Research falls
within the two primary categories of research and relies on numbers. It draws a conclusion
using tables, facts, and graphs. Many scientific and field-based studies primarily use this
form of research. It makes it possible to analyze the data thoroughly, use larger sample
sizes, and derive more general conclusions about our target audience. Quantitative
research has a financial component to take into account because it might be expensive.

2. Qualitative Research
It refers to the non-numerical elements in the research. Qualitative research comes to the
rescue when the researcher cannot grasp the information or data in terms of numbers.
Though not as reliable as Quantitative research, qualitative research helps to form a better
summary of theories in the data. Moreover, this type of research is interested in
discovering the motivating factors behind human behavior, i.e., why people act or think in
a particular way 3. Through this research, one can understand the variables driving people
to behave in a certain way or which govern their inclinations toward one specific thing. It

1
Pedamkar P, “Types of Research Methodology: Top 11 Types Types of Research” (EDUCBAMarch 16,
2023) https://www.educba.com/types-of-research-methodology/ accessed March 22, 2023

2
Rangaiah M, “Different Types of Research Methods” (Analytics Steps)
https://www.analyticssteps.com/blogs/different-types-research-methods accessed March 22, 2023

3
Mcleod S, “Qualitative vs Quantitative Research: Differences, Examples & Methods” (Simply
PsychologyMarch 16, 2023) https://simplypsychology.org/qualitative-quantitative.html accessed March 25,
2023
 enables a more in-depth exploration of attitudes and behavior because it’s more intimate
and can go into specifics to comprehend their thoughts and actions better to formulate or
examine a hypothesis.
A common technique for qualitative analysis is the case study method, which entails
thorough observation of a social unit and focuses on the in-depth study. The case study
emphasizes the detailed examination of a smaller set of circumstances and their
interactions. Finding the elements that collectively account for the behavior patterns of the
provided unit is the goal of the case study method 4.

3. Descriptive Research
Descriptive research is a type of analysis that outlines the features of the population or
issues under study. This descriptive methodology focuses on the “what” of the research
problem more than the “why.” Since the researcher cannot influence the variables in this
research design, they can only report the facts precisely as they occurred or are occurring.
The primary methods used in descriptive research include observations, surveys, and case
studies. One can use many variables in descriptive research to explain the facts.
Its advantages include a) being effective at analyzing topics and issues that cannot rely on
numbers, b) being observable in an unaltered natural environment, and c) taking less time
than quantitative experiments.

4. Analytical Research
Analytical research uses proven facts to form the basis for the research. Researchers
frequently research to find supporting data that strengthens and authenticates their earlier
findings. Also, it helps to develop new concepts related to the research subject. Thus,
analytical research combines minute details to produce more tenable hypotheses. The
analytical study thus explains why a claim is valid. There are various ways to conduct this
research, including meta-analysis, literary or scientific trials, and learning about public
opinion5.
Moreover, the researcher carries out a critical evaluation of the material in this method.
Analytical methods also often make use of quantitative methods.

4
Busetto L, Wick W and Gumbinger C, “How to Use and Assess Qualitative Research Methods - Neurological
Research and Practice” (BioMed CentralMay 27, 2020)
https://neurolrespract.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42466-020-00059-z accessed March 25, 2023

5
Writer S, “What Is Analytical Research?” (Reference2020)
https://www.reference.com/business-finance/analytical-research-94534a536bf460 accessed March 25, 2023
 5. Applied Research
Action research that only studies one domain and usually generalizes the findings is called
applied research. The researcher regards the variables as constant and the researcher
forecasts, making the methods easy to find in applied research. Applied research aims to
solve a current issue facing society or a business/industrial organization. Applied research
is considered non-systematic inquiry; a business, government body, or individual typically
conducts this research to address a particular issue.

6. Fundamental Research
The formulation of a theory and generalizations are the primary concerns of fundamental
research. It seeks to discover facts with a wide range of applications, supplementing the
ideas already known in a specific field or industry. Several domains are connected, and the
aim is to discover how one can change traditional things or develop something new. One
can find the summary in everyday language and apply logical findings in the research.
Some examples of fundamental research are research on the generalization of human
behavior or research on pure mathematics 6.

7. Exploratory Research
Theories and their explanation are the basis of Exploratory Research. Its goal is only to
investigate the study questions, not to provide definitive and conclusive solutions to
current problems. Exploratory research seeks to increase our understanding of the issue
rather than offering conclusive evidence. The structure is improper, and the methods offer
a flexible and investigative approach. Therefore, one does not test the hypothesis, and the
results do not help the outside world. The findings are usually a related topic, which helps
improve the research. Exploratory research is usually qualitative, but a large-sample
exploratory study can also be quantitative. Due to its flexible and open-ended nature, it is
often known as interpretive research or a grounded theory approach.

8. Experimental Research
Experimental research methodology involves the manipulation of variables to test a
hypothesis. It is one of the most rigorous and controlled forms of research methodology,
and it enables researchers to draw causal relationships between variables. The key feature
of experimental research methodology is the random assignment of participants to
different groups to control for extraneous variables that might affect the study’s outcome.
Survey research methodology involves the collection of data through questionnaires,

6
Dudovskiy J, “Data Analysis, Sampling,” An ultimate guide to writing a dissertation in Business Studies: A
step-by-step assistance, vol 1 (2nd ednsn 2022)
 interviews, and online surveys 7. It is used to collect data on the attitudes, opinions, and
behaviors of a specific group of people. Survey research methodology is cost-effective and
can generate large amounts of data in a relatively short period. However, it is subject to
sampling bias and requires careful design and administration of the survey.

9. Case Study Research

Case study research methodology involves the in-depth analysis of a particular case or
phenomenon. It is often used in social science research to understand complex social
phenomena in their natural setting. Case study research methodology allows researchers to
explore the nuances and complexities of a specific case in great detail. However, it is
subject to researcher bias and may not be representative of the general population 8.

10.Correlational Research
Correlational research methodology involves the measurement of the relationship between
two or more variables. It is used to identify the strength and direction of the relationship
between variables, but it does not establish causality. Correlational research methodology
is useful when experimental research is not feasible and is subject to the potential for
third-variable problems.

11. Ethnographic Research

Ethnographic research methodology involves the study of a particular culture or group of
people. It is often used in anthropology and sociology to understand the beliefs, practices,
and customs of a specific group. Ethnographic research methodology requires researchers
to spend an extended period in the field to gather data through participant observation,
interviews, and document analysis.

12. Action Research

Action research methodology involves the collaboration of researchers and practitioners to
identify and address practical problems in real-world settings. It is often used in education
and social work to improve practice and policy. Action research methodology is iterative

7
“Libguides: Research Methods: What Are Research Methods?” (What are research methods? - Research
Methods - LibGuides at University of Newcastle Library) https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/researchmethods
accessed March 22, 2023

8
espinoza daniel, “Research Guides: Research Methods Guide: Research Design & Method” (Research Design &
Method - Research Methods Guide - Research Guides at Virginia TechSeptember 21, 2018)
https://guides.lib.vt.edu/researchmethods/design-method accessed March 25, 2023
 and cyclical, with researchers and practitioners working together to develop and
implement interventions 9.

13. Phenomenological Research

Phenomenological research methodology involves the study of the subjective experience
of a particular phenomenon. It is often used in psychology and nursing to understand the
lived experience of individuals. Phenomenological research methodology requires
researchers to conduct in-depth interviews and analyze data to identify themes and
patterns.

14. Grounded theory Research

Grounded theory research methodology involves the development of a theory from data
collected through observation and interviews. It is often used in sociology and nursing to
understand social processes and interactions. Grounded theory research methodology
requires researchers to constantly compare data and refine their theories based on new
data10.

Conclusion

In conclusion, research methodology is a crucial aspect of research that enables

researchers to collect, analyze, and interpret data in a systematic and organized manner.
There are various types of research methodologies, each with its unique strengths and
weaknesses. The choice of research methodology depends on the research question, the
data that needs to be collected, and the resources available. By understanding the different
types of research methodologies, researchers can select the appropriate methodology to
answer their research question and generate valid and reliable data.

9
“Action Research - Research-Methodology” (Research) https://research-methodology.net/research-
methods/action-research/ accessed March 22, 2023

10
Corbin J and Strauss A, “Grounded Theory Research: Procedures, Canons and Evaluative Criteria” (1990)
19 Zeitschrift für Soziologie 418
 Bibliography
Websites-
1. “Types of Research Methodology: Top 11 Types Types of Research” https://www.educba.com/types-
of-research-methodology/
2. “Different Types of Research Methods” (Analytics Steps)
https://www.analyticssteps.com/blogs/different-types-research-methods
3. “Qualitative vs Quantitative Research: Differences, Examples & Methods” (Simply Psychology)
https://simplypsychology.org/qualitative-quantitative.html
4. , “How to Use and Assess Qualitative Research Methods - Neurological Research and Practice”
https://neurolrespract.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42466-020-00059-z
5. “What Is Analytical Research?” https://www.reference.com/business-finance/analytical-research-
94534a536bf460
6. “Libguides: Research Methods: What Are Research Methods?”
https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/researchmethods
7. “Research Guides: Research Methods Guide: Research Design & Method”
https://guides.lib.vt.edu/researchmethods/design-method
8. “Action Research - Research-Methodology”
https://research-methodology.net/research-methods/action-research/

Books-
1. Dudovskiy J, “Data Analysis, Sampling,” An ultimate guide to writing a dissertation in Business
Studies: A step-by-step assistance, vol 1 (2nd ed. 2022)

Journals-
1. Corbin J and Strauss A, “Grounded Theory Research: Procedures, Canons and Evaluative Criteria”
(1990) 19 Zeitschrift für Soziologie 418