Research is an integral part of every small and big business. It is important for an organization to look into new areas and find new ways to expand their business. Research can be defined as a systematic approach to study new fields, new material, or to look for new dimensions in an existing field.
Research methods and research methodology are the two terms associated with research which are confused by many people.
The research method is research methods are used to define the topic of the research and to establish a deeper understanding about it whereas, research methodology is a systematic approach to collect and evaluate data in the research process.
Let us learn about both these terms in detail and also learn how these terms are different from each other.
Table of Contents
What is the Research method?
The research method consists of all the techniques and method which are employed by a researcher in a research process to find the solution to the research problem. The sole purpose of research methods is to find the solution.
Research methods can be of two types qualitative research methods and quantitative research methods.
Qualitative research methods
The qualitative research method consists of open-ended and conversational research methods. The qualitative research method is used to collect in-depth and detailed data about the research topic.
Qualitative research methods are designed in such a way that reveals about the behavior and perception of people under research.
Data collected from qualitative research methods are descriptive. Therefore, it is easy to draw inferences from it. Qualitative research methods are widely used in the social and behavioral sciences.
Methods like a focus group, one-on-one interviews, case study research, ethnographic research, observation research, and record-keeping are the various methods used in qualitative research. Click here to learn about the different methods used in qualitative research in detail.
Quantitative research methods
Quantitative research methods are those methods where a systematic approach is used to collect quantifiable of data by performing computational, mathematical, or statistical techniques. The data collected through quantitative research methods are usually in numerical form.
The proper outcome can be deduced by analyzing the data in a systematic form. The results obtained through quantitative research methods are statistical, logical, and unbiased.
These research methods are applied to a group of the population, which represents the entire population.
Methods like survey research, cross-sectional surveys, longitudinal surveys, correlational research, causal-comparative research, experimental research, are primary data collection methods in quantitative research methods whereas the data collected from methods such as educational institutions, public libraries, data available on internet, government and non-government resources, and commercial information resources, etc. are the secondary data collection methods in quantitative research methods. Click here to learn more about quantitative research methods.
What is Research methodology?
The research methodology is referred to the study of methods and to establish an understanding of why these methods were used for the research. Research methodology provides a logical explanation behind the steps taken in the research.
Research methodology explains the means using which results were obtained in the research.
Research methodology provides guidance for the research process. The main objectives of research methodologies are concerned with the following aspects:
- Suitable research methods for the research problem.
- Determine the accuracy of the outcome of opted research methods.
- And, finally, to make sure that research methods are efficient enough.
A well-defined methodology gives an explanation why a particular research methodological approach is used for the research, in what order and how research methods were applied to get the results of the research, what were the data collection methods, and explain the data analysis and procedures thoroughly.
Key Differences between Research Method and Research Methodology
| Research Method | Research Methodology |
|---|---|
| Research methods are the methods used by researchers to collect data to conduct research on a particular research topic. | A Research methodology is systematic approach to solve the research problem and to reach a new conclusion. |
| The objective of the research method is to find the solution. | The objective of the research methodology is to determine the solution by applying correct procedures of research. |
| Research methods are useful to apply during the latter stage of the research process. | Research methodologies are applied in the initial stage of the research being conducted. |
| Research methods are small part of research methodology. | A Research methodology is a multi-dimensional concept. |
| Research methods consist of various techniques where various studies and experiments are used to conduct research and reach an appropriate conclusion. | Research methodologies are used applied during the initial stage of the research to explain the purpose of chosen methods and how they will serve its function. |
| Research methods consist of different investigation techniques. | Research methodologies is a systematic strategy to achieve the decided objective. |
| Research method encompasses of carrying out an experiment, survey, test and so on. | Research methodology encompasses different techniques which are used during the performance of the experiment, surveys, and test, etc. |
Conclusion
A research methodology is concerned with the systematic approach to solving a research problem by applying appropriate research methods. A clear research methodology is important for the consistency and accuracy of the outcome produced by the research methods.
Research methods are a small part of the whole research methodology process. Research methods are used to find a solution to the research problem. Research methods are the primary course to conduct research, and research methodology is all about the utilization of research methods.
In the end, we can say that both research methods and methodologies are an important part of research and important for each other’s existence.
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Research methodology is ascience which deals about allover research procedures or steps.whereas research methods focus on a specific methods or techniques.