Research Methodology
Tutorial five
Methodology
1) Research Design
A)Quantitative Research Design
• It is all about numbers and data that can be measured. It uses statistical methods to analyze data and often
aims to find patterns, make predictions, or test hypotheses.
• Examples of Methods: Surveys, experiments, and standardized tests.
• Data: The data is usually in the form of numbers and is analyzed mathematically.
•Why Use It: If you want to answer questions like "How many?" or "What is the relationship between X and Y?"
then a quantitative approach is helpful. It provides measurable, often generalizable results.
•Examples of Methods: Surveys, experiments, and standardized tests.
1) Research Design
B) Qualitative Research Design
• Qualitative research focuses on understanding ideas, experiences, or meanings. It’s used to
explore complex topics where detailed insight is needed rather than numerical data.
• Examples of Methods: Interviews, focus groups, observations, and case studies.
• Data: The data is usually in the form of words, images, or objects and is analyzed by identifying
themes or patterns.
• Why Use It: If you want to answer questions like "Why does this happen?" or "How do people feel
about X?" then qualitative research is ideal. It helps to understand deeper insights and
perspectives.
2) Sampling
• Explanation: Sampling is the process of selecting individuals or groups to participate in
the study. Researchers usually can’t include everyone in the population, so they select a
sample that represents the larger group.
•Types: There are various sampling methods, like random sampling (everyone has an
equal chance) or purposive sampling (specific individuals are chosen based on particular
characteristics).
•Why It Matters: A good sample helps ensure that findings are generalizable to the larger
population. The sampling method impacts the accuracy and validity of the results.
3) Data Collection Methods
•Explanation: This part describes how the data will be gathered, such as through surveys,
interviews, focus groups, observations, or experiments.
•Why It Matters: Different methods suit different types of research questions. For example,
surveys are efficient for gathering broad, generalizable data, while interviews allow for
deeper, qualitative insights.
4) Data Analysis Techniques
•Explanation: Once the data is collected, researchers need methods to analyze it. This could
include statistical analysis for quantitative data or thematic analysis for qualitative data.
•Why It Matters: The choice of analysis technique should align with the research questions and the
type of data collected. For instance, analyzing numerical data requires statistical tools, while
understanding themes in interview data requires coding and interpretation.
For example, if your study is quantitative, you need to state which statistical tests you will use
(e.g.regression, correlation,etc…) and which software (e.g. SPSS, R,etc…) and justify your choices.
Deadlines
1. Full Literature Review deadline: 27th of Nov
Submit the entire literature review – should be 7-10 pages excluding references, cover page etc.
2. Methodology Submission 4th of Dec
3.Final Draft Submission 18th of Dec