A Guide to Choosing an Appropriate Research Methodology
Tagged: Dissertation Writing
For a dissertation to be successful, a suitable research methodology is essential. Research methodology is the primary approach for connecting conceptual research questions to relevant and feasible empirical research. A research methodology helps obtain data for analysis, which helps answer the research question.
There are various types of research methodology, which helps the researcher to determine the kind of analysis they will do to obtain the results. It specifies what data is necessary, how it will be collected and analyzed, and how it will answer the research objectives. There are three broad approaches to research methodology: qualitative, quantitative or mixed method research methodology.
A research methodology must be easy to understand, and the information must help to answer the research question. Check out our study guide on how to write a dissertation methodology for guidance on writing one.
The following section discusses how to choose a suitable research methodology for your Master’s dissertation:
- State your research objectives and comprehend the research problem
- Examine the available literature
- Decide which approach will help answer your research question
- Choose the most suitable data collection method
- Sampling strategy
- Ethical considerations
- Data Analysis
- Consider the practicality of the study
The first step in planning your research is to specify its precise goals and objectives. You can better match your methodology with your goals by clearly stating your objectives. Understand the research problem you want to answer, which will serve as a basis for choosing the best research methodology.
Conduct a thorough literature review to identify relevant research and approaches in your field. Reading the literature will help you comprehend the benefits and drawbacks of various research approaches and which strategies have effectively answered similar research questions.
Decide whether your study requires quantitative, qualitative, or mixed method research. Quantitative research is concerned with gathering and analyzing numerical data, whereas qualitative research is concerned with understanding subjective experiences and meaning. Consider which strategy best fits your study aims and the type of data you want to collect. Research is often based on frameworks known as research paradigms. For more information on research paradigms, check out our blog on Different philosophical paradigms used in a dissertation research methodology.
Determine which data collection strategy would be best suited for your research. Surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis of existing data are employed in quantitative methods. Interviews, focus groups, observations, and document analysis are all examples of qualitative data collection methods. Methods should be chosen per your study objectives, data type and accessible resources.
Choose the best sampling approach for your research. The sampling strategy in qualitative research differs from that of quantitative research. Consider whether your study calls for probability or non-probability sampling techniques. Methods of probability sampling, such as simple random sampling or stratified sampling, ensure that every participant from the specified population has an equal chance of being selected for the study. When access to the population is limited or specific subgroups must be targeted, non-probability sampling methods such as convenience sampling or snowball sampling may be more suited.
Make sure that your research methodology follows ethical standards and rules. Protect the rights and anonymity of study participants, acquire informed consent, and minimise potential harm. Consult appropriate ethical norms and get approval from institutional review boards or ethics committees.
Determine the analytical approaches that will be used to analyse your data. Quantitative data may necessitate statistical analysis using software such as SPSS or Excel, whereas qualitative data may necessitate thematic analysis, content analysis, or discourse analysis. Fields like engineering and technology may require data modelling and software development. Consider the tools and software packages regularly used in your field, then select approaches corresponding to your research objectives.
Consider practical limitations like time, budget, and available resources. Check that the methodology you have chosen is feasible and aligns with your research’s timeline, money, and expertise.
Always remember choosing a suitable research methodology is an iterative process, and making refinements is not uncommon. As new ideas emerge during the process, continuously analyze the applicability of the research methodology you have chosen.
For more guidance on how a research methodology is written in various fields, check out our research methodologyexamples.
