Introduction to Research Methodology

1.1 What is Research Methodology?

Research methodology is a systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of

study. It comprises the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated with a
branch of knowledge, guiding researchers on how to properly conduct scientific inquiry. In short,
research methodology outlines how research is to be conducted, including the specific procedures,
tools, and techniques for data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Definition and Scope

Research: The systematic investigation into existing or new knowledge.

Methodology: The study of research methods, encompassing strategy, processes, and techniques.

The scope covers all fields of study—from social sciences and humanities to pure and applied
sciences. Each discipline may emphasize different methods but shares the same foundational
process of systematic investigation.

Key Purposes

Expanding knowledge in a discipline

Identifying and solving real-world or theoretical problems

Validating or refuting previous findings

1.2 Historical and Philosophical Foundations

Brief History

Research methods have evolved from the time of ancient philosophers (Aristotle, Plato) with
observation and logical reasoning, to the structured scientific method developed during the
Renaissance (Galileo, Newton), to today’s multidisciplinary approaches.

Research Paradigms

Positivism: Believes in an objective reality that can be measured

Interpretivism: Focuses on understanding social phenomena from the perspective of those involved
Critical Theory: Seeks to challenge and change society, not just understand it

Example: In medicine, the positivist approach dominates (e.g., clinical trials), while in sociology,
interpretivism is often used (e.g., ethnographic studies).

1.3 Types of Research

Basic vs. Applied

Basic Research: Expands fundamental knowledge, e.g., understanding the psychological process of
memory.

Applied Research: Solves practical issues, e.g., designing a memory improvement program.

Exploratory, Descriptive, Explanatory, Evaluative

Exploratory: New topics, open-ended questions. Example: “What are the experiences of remote
workers?”

Descriptive: Documents existing phenomena. Example: Survey on working-from-home rates during

the pandemic.

Explanatory: Identifies causes and effects. Example: Analyzing if working from home increases job
satisfaction.

Evaluative: Assesses the effectiveness or value. Example: Evaluating an online training program.

Case Study: Fields of Application

Field Type Used Example

Medicine Explanatory Effects of a new drug

Education Descriptive Survey of literacy levels

Anthropology Exploratory Observing a remote tribe

Business Evaluative Assessing a marketing campaign’s ROI

1.4 Purposes and Objectives of Research

Knowledge Generation
Academic research aims to add theoretical or empirical knowledge to a field, often leading to new
theories, models, or frameworks.

Solving Practical Problems

Applied research targets real-world issues, from technological innovation to policy analysis.

Mini Case Study

A university psychology department conducts basic research on memory processes. Later, this
knowledge is used by an educational technology company to develop apps for students, illustrating
the transition from basic to applied research.

1.5 Key Terms and Concepts

Hypothesis: A testable statement predicting a relationship between variables.

Variables: Elements that can vary (independent, dependent, control)

Reliability: Consistency of measurement

Validity: Accuracy of measurement

Population and Sample

Data: Primary (original) and Secondary (existing)

Bias: Systematic error in research design or data interpretation

Ethics: Moral standards guiding research

Detailed Glossary Example

Term Definition Example

Hypothesis Guess about the outcome “Exercise improves memory.”

Variable A characteristic measured in a study Age, gender, temperature

Sample Subset of population 200 university students

1.6 The Research Process: Step-by-Step

Identifying Problem or Topic: Selects what to investigate, based on gaps or curiosity.

Literature Review: Gathers, synthesizes, and critiques relevant work.

Formulation of Objectives and Hypotheses: Clear, focused aims and predictions.

Research Design: Decides methods (qualitative/quantitative/mixed), sampling, tools.

Data Collection: Systematic gathering of information.

Data Analysis: Statistical or thematic analysis.

Interpretation and Conclusion: Contextualizes findings, answers research questions.

Reporting: Formal write-up, typically including abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion,
and references.

Sample Flow Diagram

[Insert or describe diagram with arrows from “Problem Identification” → “Reporting”.]

1.7 Ethics and Integrity in Research

Core Principles

Informed Consent: Voluntary participation with full knowledge of risks

Confidentiality: Protecting participants’ data

Avoiding Plagiarism: Citing all sources honestly

Integrity: Accurate reporting, avoiding data fabrication or manipulation

Real-World Scenario

A medical trial must have approval from an ethics committee, ensure patient confidentiality, and
honest disclosure of all results, whether positive or negative.

1.8 Research in Different Disciplines

Sciences

Emphasize experimentation and statistical analysis

Example: Double-blind randomized controlled trials in medicine

Social Sciences

Use interviews, surveys, observations

Example: Longitudinal studies of social behavior (e.g., educational attainment)

Humanities

Textual analysis, critical interpretation

Example: Analyzing themes in classical literature

Business and Education

Case studies, program evaluations

Example: Evaluating effects of new teaching strategies in classrooms

Comparative Table

Discipline Common Methods Typical Data

Biology Lab experiments, field studies Quantitative

Sociology Surveys, focus groups Qualitative

Literature Text analysis Qualitative

Business Case studies, analytics Mixed

1.9 Challenges and Best Practices

Common Challenges

Defining a precise research question

Bias in sample selection or data interpretation

Ethical concerns and approvals

Time and resource constraints

Best Practices

Stay organized using project management tools

Document all decisions and procedures

Seek mentorship and collaborate

Attend to continual professional and ethical development

1.10 Summary and Conclusions

Research methodology is foundational to all scholarly inquiry, ensuring that findings are reliable,
valid, and ethical. By systematically following robust methods and maintaining integrity, researchers
advance knowledge, inform practice, and address complex challenges in society.

References (for your bibliography/reading list)

Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches.

Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2017). Research Methods in Education.

Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques.

Additional academic journals and discipline-specific texts as needed.