Research

Methodology:
Methods and
Techniques
Research methodology is a structured approach used to identify, collect,
analyse, and interpret data for research purposes. It lays the foundation for
how researchers approach problems, organize their research, and present
their findings. In academic research, methodology encompasses the
underlying principles and strategies that guide the entire research process.
This includes decisions about which methods and techniques will be used to
gather data, how to analyse it, and how to draw conclusions.
By Nadimpally Kavya Sree
24LLM31
Overview of Research Methodology
Research methodology refers to the specific procedures or techniques used to identify, select, process, and analyse information
about a topic. It serves as the blueprint for the research process, helping the researcher design the study, gather data, and reach
conclusions.

Quantitative Research Qualitative Research Mixed Methods

This approach focuses on numerical This methodology is used for This approach combines both
data and the statistical analysis of exploring phenomena in-depth, aiming quantitative and qualitative research
variables. It is often used in scientific, to understand human behaviour, methodologies to take advantage of
social, and medical research where experiences, or social processes. It the strengths of both approaches.
the goal is to quantify relationships, involves non-numerical data, such as
test hypotheses, and establish interviews, observations, and textual
patterns and generalizations. analysis, and is often used in fields
such as anthropology, sociology, and
psychology.
Quantitative Research Methods
Quantitative research methods are employed when researchers seek to measure the quantity, frequency, or impact of a phenomenon, often
aiming to develop generalizable findings that can be applied to larger populations. Key features of quantitative research include hypothesis
testing, the use of variables, and statistical analysis.

1 Survey Method 2 Experimental Method

Surveys can take many forms, such as online In experimental research, the researcher manipulates one
questionnaires, telephone interviews, and paper-based or more variables (independent variables) to observe their
forms. They are useful for collecting data from a large effect on another variable (dependent variable). This
group of people in a relatively short time. method is particularly useful for establishing cause-and-
effect relationships.

3 Correlational Method 4 Statistical Techniques

In correlational research, the goal is to determine whether Quantitative research heavily relies on statistical
and how two or more variables are related. While techniques for data analysis, including descriptive statistics,
correlation does not imply causation, researchers may use inferential statistics, and regression analysis.
this method to identify patterns or trends in data.
Qualitative Research Methods
Qualitative research methods are focused on understanding human experiences, behaviours, and social phenomena in a more detailed
and contextual manner. They emphasize depth over breadth and are often used in exploratory research, theory development, or
understanding complex social processes.

Case Study Method Ethnographic

Method
A case study is an in-depth exploration of a particular Ethnography is a research method rooted in anthropology and
individual, group, event, or situation over a period. Case involves the researcher immersing themselves in the culture or
studies allow researchers to examine the complexity and community they are studying. The aim is to understand the
context of real-life situations. social practices and interactions of people within their natural
environments.

Phenomenological Grounded Theory

Method
Phenomenology is a qualitative research approach that aims Grounded theory involves building a theory based on data
to explore how individuals experience a particular collected from the field rather than testing an existing theory.
phenomenon. This method focuses on understanding people's The goal is to develop a conceptual framework or theory that
lived experiences and how they make sense of those explains a process, phenomenon, or pattern identified during
experiences. the research.
Mixed Methods
Research
Mixed methods research combines elements of both quantitative and qualitative
approaches. This methodology allows researchers to gain a fuller, more nuanced
understanding of a research problem by collecting both numerical data (for statistical
analysis) and narrative data (for deeper insights).

Convergent Design
Both quantitative and qualitative data are collected simultaneously,
analysed separately, and then compared to look for convergence or
divergence.

Explanatory Sequential
Design
Quantitative data is collected first, followed by qualitative data to explain or
interpret the quantitative findings.

Exploratory Sequential
Design
Qualitative data is collected first to explore a phenomenon, followed by
quantitative data collection to test or generalize the findings.
Advantages of Mixed
Methods
By combining both data types, researchers gain both breadth
(through quantitative data) and depth (through qualitative insights).
Mixed methods allow for triangulation, where multiple data sources
or methods are used to validate findings, increasing the credibility
of the results.

Comprehensive Gaining both breadth and

Understanding depth of understanding.

Triangulation Validating findings through

multiple data sources and
methods.
Data Collection Techniques
Effective data collection is crucial to the success of any research project. The choice of technique often depends on the research
design, the type of data needed, and the context of the study.

Interviews Surveys and Observation Document and Content

Questionnaires Analysis
Interviews, whether Observation involves
structured, semi-structured, These tools are used in both watching subjects in their Researchers analyse
or unstructured, are one of qualitative and quantitative natural environment. This existing documents, texts, or
the most common methods research. They can be can be either participatory media content to draw
for gathering qualitative distributed in person, by (where the researcher takes insights or identify patterns.
data. mail, over the phone, or part in the activities) or non- This method is particularly
online, and can include both participatory (where the common in historical and
closed- and open-ended researcher simply observes media studies.
questions. without involvement).
Conclusion
The choice of research methodology is a critical aspect of any study, as it shapes how data is collected, analysed,
and interpreted. Quantitative methods provide numerical data that allow for statistical analysis and generalization,
while qualitative methods offer a deeper, more detailed understanding of human experiences and social phenomena.
Mixed methods research combines both approaches to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a research
question.
Effective research relies not only on choosing the appropriate methods and techniques but also on ensuring that data
collection, analysis, and interpretation are carried out systematically and rigorously. Whether through surveys, case
studies, experiments, or interviews, research methods provide the tools necessary to explore questions and generate
knowledge that can advance our understanding of the world.