Research methods
Research methods are systematic techniques employed by researchers to conduct scientific investigations across various fields, including natural sciences, social sciences, and education. The primary objective of research is to discover new facts, prove or refine theories, and develop plans of action based on gathered results. Research can be categorized into two main types: applied research, which seeks solutions to real-world problems, and basic research, which aims to expand knowledge without immediate practical applications.
Researchers utilize various methods, broadly classified into quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Quantitative research involves testing hypotheses through measurable variables and data analysis, often employing statistical techniques to establish cause-and-effect relationships. In contrast, qualitative research focuses on understanding human behavior and social phenomena through observation and interpretation, allowing for a more subjective approach to uncovering patterns and themes. Mixed methods research combines elements of both quantitative and qualitative approaches, leveraging the strengths of each to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research question.
Overall, research methods are essential for systematically investigating questions, collecting data, and drawing informed conclusions, making them a critical cornerstone of scientific inquiry and knowledge advancement.
Research methods
Research methods are techniques used by individuals to perform scientific investigations following systematic processes. These investigations are conducted by researchers, who can be specialists in a number of different fields. Researchers seek to discover facts, prove or revise theories, or develop plans of action based on results.
Overview
Research is a careful investigation in a discipline or branch of knowledge. Research is conducted in many fields of study, including the natural sciences (such as chemistry, physics, biology, etc.), the social sciences (such as history, economics, politics, etc.), the behavioral sciences (psychology, sociology, anthropology, etc.), education, and many others. Research can be conducted in laboratories, workplaces, field settings, the outdoors, or just about anywhere.
Research is conducted to learn new facts or discover answers to scientific questions. Some research is undertaken to find solutions to real-world problems. This type of research is called applied research. Other research is conducted in the simple pursuit of knowledge, independent of any real-world concern. This type of research is called basic or fundamental research.
Research involves defining a question or problem; creating a hypothesis, or a proposed explanation; collecting and organizing data using one or more selected research methods; and evaluating the data to draw conclusions.
Many different research methods are available. The research method used defines how the research is conducted and how data is collected. Most research methods can be placed into three broad categories: quantitative methods, qualitative methods, and mixed methods.
Quantitative Research Methods
Quantitative research involves testing a hypothesis by examining the relationship between or among a set of defined variables. Variables are elements, features, or factors that can vary or change. These variables are measurable or quantifiable (able to be counted or computed in some way). The variables may be measured against each other or against a constant, which is an element, a feature, or a factor that does not change.
Quantitative researchers collect quantitative data and then examine it following statistical procedures. Statistics is the practice of analyzing numerical data to determine relationships or draw conclusions about a whole from a representative sample. For example, researchers might draw conclusions about people who live in a particular geographic area based on a sampling of the population.
Quantitative research methods vary greatly by field but have the following similar characteristics:
- The research starts with a hypothesis; the researcher collects and examines data to determine whether the hypothesis is correct.
- The researcher is generally separate from the participants.
- The researcher and the results are considered to be objective, or based on facts rather than on feelings or opinions.
- The research focuses on cause-and-effect relationships, making predictions, and/or drawing conclusions.
Examples of quantitative research methods include surveys and laboratory experiments.
Qualitative Research Methods
Qualitative research involves collecting qualitative data, or data that can be observed rather than numerically measured. Qualitative researchers seek to gain understanding of a certain population, organization, event, and so on. They look for structure, order, and patterns among a particular group of participants. Their purpose is to learn more about how groups operate in particular settings.
Unlike quantitative researchers, qualitative researchers do not measure or manipulate variables. Instead, they allow meaning to emerge from the research participants. Qualitative research methods vary greatly by discipline but generally have the following characteristics in common:
- Researchers seek to understand and interpret social interactions through firsthand experiences, truthful reporting of their observations, and accurate quotes from participants.
- Researchers look for patterns, features, and/or themes among the participants in the group.
- Researchers are generally known to or involved with the research participants to some degree.
- Some subjectivity, or judgments shaped by personal opinions and feelings, is expected because the research is conducted by and on people, who are subjective by nature.
Examples of qualitative research methods include case studies, mail or telephone surveys, in-person interviews, and participant/field observations.
Mixed Methods Approach
A mixed methods approach involves elements or characteristics of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. This mixing of methods can take a variety of forms, depending on the field of study.
In mixed methods research, a researcher uses a qualitative research method for one phase of a study and a quantitative research method for another phase of the same study. For example, a researcher might conduct a quantitative experiment and then conduct qualitative interviews with participants to determine their feelings about the experimental phase.
In mixed methods research, the research team mixes elements of both qualitative and quantitative methods in a stage of the study or across multiple research stages. For example, a research team might conduct a survey and use a questionnaire that includes both quantitative questions (measurable data) and qualitative items (how the participants experience or feel about the measurable item). Another way the two might mix is to collect qualitative data from a group of participants and then attempt to measure that data in some meaningful way.
Bibliography
Cresswell, John. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. SAGE Publications, Inc., 2014.
Johnson, Burke, and Christensen, Larry. “Chapter 2: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Research.” Educational Research Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Approaches. 5th ed. SAGE Publications, Inc., 2013.
"Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data in Research: What's the Difference?" Fullstory, 6 Oct. 2021, www.fullstory.com/blog/qualitative-vs-quantitative-data/. Accessed 30 July 2024.
Mcleod, Saul. "Qualitative vs Quantitative Research Methods & Data Analysis." Simply Psychology, 18 Dec. 2023, www.simplypsychology.org/qualitative-quantitative.html. Accessed 30 July 2024.
"What Are Research Methods?" Pfeiffer Library, Tiffin University, 2 Aug. 2022, library.tiffin.edu/researchmethodologies/whatareresearchmethods. Accessed 30 July 2024.
“What Is Basic Research?” Third Annual Report of the National Science Foundation, National Science Foundation, 1953, http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/1953/annualreports/ar‗1953‗sec6.pdf. Accessed 30 July 2024.
"What is Mixed Methods Research?" Dovetail, 20 Feb. 2023, dovetail.com/research/mixed-methods-research/. Accessed 30 July 2024.