This article is on research methodology, the discussion is tailored around; the meaning of research methodology, the research methods, the components and the complete ingredients of the subject matter “research methodology”.

If you’ve been confused about what research methodology is, then worry no more, this article is sure to provide you with the basic necessary information you require to start your research journey at this point in time…

A Brief Overview:

Research methodology is also known as research approach, some people refer to it as research methods. It is found in chapter three of undergraduate research projects and in chapters four and five of postgraduate level thesis and dissertations, however, this depends on the discipline and institution’s presentation format.

The research methodology represents a guide to the methods that a researcher or student will adopt to determine the area or site to study, the ideal population to study, the size that should be studied, the technique for sampling a population, and the method of sourcing data, how the data will be gathered, presenting style of all data collected, and choice of formats for analyzing the said data.

Meaning of Research Methodology

Research methodology is the principles, philosophical framework, and research strategies that explain a research’s direction. It represents the work plan that a researcher adopts as a wheel to organizing the methods and techniques used in a study and applying the chosen methods and techniques to develop an ideal research purpose, and objectives for a particular study.

Research methodology has to do with the methods used in achieving a desired research outcome. These methods include; direct observation, survey, test, experiment, questionnaire, personal interview, comparative, descriptive, analytic and exploratory methods among others.

A research methodology helps the researcher adopt either qualitative or quantitative research methods or both (mixed research) in collecting data from respondents in the study area.

The methodology adopted also indicates the researcher’s intent on the data collection approach and the sources (primary or secondary data sources) of gathering the data from the study area or respondents.

The primary sources of data collection are direct observation, interviews and the use of questionnaires (closed and open-ended types). In contrast, the secondary sources involve data from published and unpublished materials (literature) such as journals, books in the libraries, lecture notes, the internet, thesis and dissertations, conference papers, and archives among other sources.

What to Include in Research Methodology

Generally, the research methodology comprises a comprehensive description and application of; the research design (of which survey research is popular amongst students), population of study, sample size, sampling techniques adopted, re-statement of the research problem, description of the study area, sources of data collection, the measurement instruments used, method of data collection, method of data presentation and analysis, reliability and validation of research and the general research structure.

What Are the Types of Research Methodology?

Research methodology is divided into three types namely; qualitative research, quantitative research and mixed method.

Format for Quantitative Research Proposal

Introduction:

Background of the study

Statement of the problem

Purpose of the study

Research objectives

Hypotheses

Definition of terms

Theoretical framework

Significance of the study

Methodology:

Description of the population and sample

Research design

Data collection methods

Data analysis

Format for Qualitative Research Proposal

Introduction:

An explanation of the issues

The study’s objective

Questions and sub-questions for research

Definition of relevant terms

Boundaries and restrictions

The study’s significance

Methodology:

Premises and justification for a qualitative design

The styles of design that are employed

The researcher’s role

Methods used to collect data

Procedures for data analysis

Techniques for validation

The study’s findings and their connection to theory and literature

Difference between qualitative and quantitative research

Conclusion:

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