research methodology objective type questions with answers

Research Methodology Quiz | MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)

In order to enhance your understanding of research methodology, we have made thought-provoking quiz featuring multiple-choice questions.

This quiz served as a tool to assess your knowledge and comprehension of various research techniques and methodologies. Each question presented unique scenarios, challenging you to analyze and select the most appropriate methodological approach.

The quiz aimed to sharpen your critical thinking skills and reinforce our grasp on essential concepts in the realm of research. By actively participating in this exercise, we deepened your appreciation for the significance of selecting the right research methods to achieve reliable and meaningful results.

Other articles

Please read through some of our other articles with examples and explanations if you’d like to learn more about research methodology.

• PLS-SEM model
• Principal Components Analysis
• Multivariate Analysis
• Friedman Test
• Chi-Square Test (Χ²)
• Effect Size

 Methodology

• Research Methodology Quiz MCQ
• Research Methods
• Quantitative Research
• Qualitative Research
• Case Study Research
• Survey Research
• Conclusive Research
• Descriptive Research
• Cross-Sectional Research
• Theoretical Framework
• Conceptual Framework
• Triangulation
• Grounded Theory
• Quasi-Experimental Design
• Mixed Method
• Correlational Research
• Randomized Controlled Trial
• Stratified Sampling
• Ethnography
• Ghost Authorship
• Secondary Data Collection
• Primary Data Collection
• Ex-Post-Facto
• Table of Contents
•   Dissertation Topic
• Thesis Statement
• Research Proposal
• Research Questions
• Research Problem
• Research Gap
• Types of Research Gaps
• Operationalization of Variables
• Literature Review
• Research Hypothesis
• Questionnaire
• Reliability
• Measurement of Scale
• Sampling Techniques
• Acknowledgements

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100 Questions (and Answers) About Research Methods

• Neil J. Salkind
• Description

"How do I create a good research hypothesis?"

"How do I know when my literature review is finished?"

"What is the difference between a sample and a population?"

"What is power and why is it important?"

In an increasingly data-driven world, it is more important than ever for students as well as professionals to better understand the process of research. This invaluable guide answers the essential questions that students ask about research methods in a concise and accessible way.

See what’s new to this edition by selecting the Features tab on this page. Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email [email protected] . Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html .

For assistance with your order: Please email us at [email protected] or connect with your SAGE representative.

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"This is a concise text that has good coverage of the basic concepts and elementary principles of research methods. It picks up where many traditional research methods texts stop and provides additional discussion on some of the hardest to understand concepts."

"I think it’s a great idea for a text (or series), and I have no doubt that the majority of students would find it helpful. The material is presented clearly, and it is easy to read and understand. My favorite example from those provided is on p. 7 where the author provides an actual checklist for evaluating the merit of a study. This is a great tool for students and would provide an excellent “practice” approach to learning this skill. Over time students wouldn’t need a checklist, but I think it would be invaluable for those students with little to no research experience."

I already am using 3 other books. This is a good book though.

Did not meet my needs

I had heard good things about Salkind's statistics book and wanted to review his research book as well. The 100 questions format is cute, and may provide a quick answer to a specific student question. However, it's not really organized in a way that I find particularly useful for a more integrated course that progressively develop and builds upon concepts.

comes across as a little disorganized, plus a little too focused on psychology and statistics.

This text is a great resource guide for graduate students. But it may not work as well with undergraduates orienting themselves to the research process. However, I will use it as a recommended text for students.

Key Features

· The entire research process is covered from start to finish: Divided into nine parts, the book  guides readers from the initial asking of questions, through the analysis and interpretation of data, to the final report

· Each question and answer provides a stand-alone explanation: Readers gain enough information on a particular topic to move on to the next question, and topics can be read in any order

· Most questions and answers supplement others in the book: Important material is reinforced, and connections are made between the topics

· Each answer ends with referral to three other related questions: Readers are shown where to go for additional information on the most closely related topics

Sample Materials & Chapters

Question #16: Question #16: How Do I Know When My Literature Review Is Finished?

Question #32: How Can I Create a Good Research Hypothesis?

Question #40: What Is the Difference Between a Sample and a Population, and Why

Question #92: What Is Power, and Why Is It Important?

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By gkseries see more questions, research methodology objective type questions & answers | research methodology quiz.

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Free download in PDF Research Methodology Objective type Questions(MCQs) & Answers. These quiz questions on Research Methodology are very useful for PhD entrance Test.

View Answer

Answer: All of the above

Answer: (i),(ii)and(iii)

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Answer: He is not versatile in his interest and even in his native abilities

Answer: Questionnaire

Answer: Cluster sampling

Answer: Quota sample

Answer: Systematic sampling technique

Answer: (a) and (c) both

Answer: Evaluation

Answer: A random sample

Answer: Yes basically, but with major variation in many cases

Answer: Directing students in development of experiences

Answer: All of these

Answer: Real life situations

Answer: Stratified random sampling

Answer: Statistic

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Research Methodology MCQ with Answers

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Table of Contents

Research Methodology MCQ Questions Set-1

1. In “ RESEARCH ”  “R” means

2. In the word “RESEARCH”  “A” means

(A) Articulate

(C) Article

(D) None of the above

3. Research is derived from

(D) Japanizes

4. Who defined “Research” as “systematized effort to gain new knowledge”

(A)Tom & Zerry

(B) Redman and Mory

(C) F.W Taylor

(D) Ross Taylor

5. Which of the following is the Objective of the Research?

(A) To become familiar with a phenomenon

(B) To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables

(C)To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with it is associated with something else.

(D) All of the above

6. Research is basically

(A) a methodology of enquiry

(B) search of truth

(C) a systematic exploration of facts

7. A test of research aptitude for candidates of the UGC NET, is aimed at

(A) providing basic idea of search to the candidates

(B) Screening the persons having scientific bent of mind

(C) providing a database of ‘future’ scientists of the country to the Government

(D) putting obstacles to the candidates

8. The main purpose of research in education is to

(A)-help in individual’s personal growth 

(B) increase the social prestige of an individual

(C) increase individual’s market value of jobs 

(D) help the individual to become an eminent educationist

9. Where is the objective observation used?

(A) In conducting experiments

(B) In research

(C) In normal behaviour 

(D) In almost all the situations

10. Inferring about the whole population on on the basis of the observations made on a small part is called

(A) deductive inference

(B) inductive inference

(C) objective inference

(D) pseudo-inference

11. A hypothesis is a

(A) Tentative statement whose validity is still to be tested

(B) Supposition which is based on the past experiences

(C) Statement of fact

12. What do you mean by synopsis of a research project?

(A) The blue print of research

(B) Extracts from the research observations

(C) A plan of the research

(D) Summary of the findings of the research

13. Can a problem be stated?

(A) By putting forward a question

(B) Making a statment which is declarative in nature

(C) Both ‘A’ and ‘B’

14. What do you mean by an assumption?

(A) It is a framework in which research work has to be done

(B) It simplifies the logical process of arriving at the solution

(C) It is a restrictive condition

15. A null hypothesis is

(A) hypothesis of no difference

(B) Hypothesis that assigns value of zero to the variable

(C) Hypothesis of zero significance

16. The preparation of a synopsis is

(B) a science

(D) None of these

17. The advantage of sampling is

(A) time-saving

(B) capital-saving

(C) increased accurary

(D) Both ‘A’ and ‘B’

18. In case of destructive testings, the best method of research is

(A) Sampling

(B) Complete enumeration

(C) Census survey

 (D) None of the above

19. The method of Randomization involves

(A) lottery

(B) Coin method

(C) Tippit’s table of random digits

(D)All of the above

20. The advantages of random sampling is that

(A) It is free from personal biases

(B) It produces reasonably accurate results

(C) It is an economical method of data. Collection

21. Tippit table is

(A) A table of random digits

(B) Used in statistical investigations

(C) Used in sampling methods

22. The demerits of sampling methods is

(A) Existence of sampling errors

 (B) Requirements of adequately trained personnel for sample survey

 (C) Non-uniformity in sample units

23. What is the meaning of Randomization?

(A) Each and every unit of the population has an equal chance of selection in the sample

(B) The selection or non-selection of a unit of population does not affect the selection or non-selection of the other unit of the population in the sample

(C) It is a method of selection which is free from subjective biases.

24. Type-1 Error occurs when

(A) The null hypothesis is rejected even when it is true

(B) The null hypothesis is accepted even when it is false

(C) The null hypothesis as well as Alternative hypothesis, both are rejected

25. What is/are the base(s) of formulation of a Hypothesis?

(A) Reflection

(B) Deduction

(C) Observation

(D) All of these

Research Methodology MCQ Questions Set-2

1. Which is not the characteristic of research

(A) Basic Research

(B) Holistic Perspective

(C) Context Sensitivity

(D) Ex-Post Facto Research

2. The different between the Ex-Post Facto Research and Experiments research is

(B) Control

3. Ex-Post Facto Research could be

4. Part of social research is

(A) Laboratory experiment

(B) Field Experiment

(C) Survey research

5. Kotz has been divided field studies into

(A) Exploratory

(B) Hypothesis testing

(C) Both of the above

6. Which of the following is a step of research design?

 (A) Defining the problem and formulating a hypothesis

(B) Collecting data

(C) Drawing inferences from the data

7. Which of the following is the chief characteristic of sampling methods?

(A) Economy

(B) Reliability

(C) Feasibility

8. Scientific methods are used in

(A) only research projects in pure sciences

(B) social science researches

(D) Neither ‘A’ nor ‘B’

9. Which of the following is a type of hypothesis?

(A) Interrogative hypothesis

(B) Declarative hypothesis

(C) Directional hypothesis

10. Which of the following is a non-probability sampling method?

(A) Simple random sampling

(B) Systematic sampling

(C) Cluster sampling

(D) Quota sampling

11. In which of the following cases, the formation of hypothesis may not be necessary?

(A) Investigative historical studies

(B) Experimental studies

(C) Normative studies

(D) Survey studies

12. A researcher divides the whole population in different parts and then fixes the no. of units from each of the parts that are to be included in the sample. The method of sampling used by him is

(A) Stratified random sampling

(B) Cluster sampling

(C) Quota sampling

13. For the population with finite size which of the following sampling method is generally preferred?

(A) Cluster sampling

(B) Area sampling

(C) Preposive sampling

(D) Systematic sampling

14. A research is based on

 (A) Ideas of the scientists

(B) Experiments

(C) Scientific method

(D) Some general principles

15. The scientific study of the historical back ground of the events to determine its bearing on the present conditions is called

(A) Philosophical research

(B) Action research

(C) Experimental research

(D) Historical research

16. Research and Development (R&D) has now become the index of development of country because

(A) R&D reflect the true economic and social conditions prevailing in a country

(B) R&D targets the human development

(C) R&D can improve the standard of living of the people in a country

17. The word ‘unscientific means

(A) Prejudices and biases

(B) Useless arguments

(C) Not being in harmony

18. Who put forward the statement, “Research is an honest effort carried out through insight”?

19. The Data of research is, generally

(A) Qualitative only

(B) Quantitative only

20. Which of the following is a paramount requirement of a Researcher?

(A) Scientific thinking

(B) Scientific feeling

(C) Scientific behaviour

(D) Scientific attitude

21. A research aims at

(A) Verifying the existing knowledge

(B) Acquiring new knowledge

(C) Filling the missing links in the existing Knowledge

 (D) All of the above

22. Longitudinal approach of Research deals with

(A) Short-term researches

(B) Long-term researches

(C) Horizontal researches

23. Action research means

(A) A longitudinal research

(B) An applied research

(C) Research which are initiated to solve the immediate problems

24. Why Yamuna Action Plan’, is an Action Research Plan?

(A) It has a definite goals and objectives

(B) It is to be finished in a pre-determined schedule

(C) It has a definite socio-economic objective

25. Which of the following Researches emphasise primarily the factual aims?

(A) Philosophical researches

(B) Historical researches

(C) Theoretical researches

(D) Behavioral researches

Research Methodology MCQ Questions Set-3

1. A successful research requirements

(A) Planning

(B) Guidance

2. Which of the following is the research purpose?

(A) To study a phenomenon or to achieve a new insight in to it

(B)To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with

(C) To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship, between variables

3. Which is the Design of sampling?

(A) Probability selection

(B) Purposive Methods

(C) Mixed Sample

4. Survey research methods come under

(A) Pre-empirical research methods

(B) Descriptive research methods

(C) Experimental research methods

5. Ethical principle is available in which report

(A) Belmont Report

(B) Finance report

(C) Research Report

6. The logic of induction is very much related with

(A) The logic of sampling

(B) The logic of controlled variable

(C) The logic of observation

7. The aims of research

(A) are descriptive in nature

(B) are founded on human values

(C) cause-effect-relatedness

8. The aims of research is/are

(A) Verification

(B) Fact finding

(C) Theoretical development

9. Objective or unbiased observation is most vital in

(A) All walks of life

(B) Performing experiments

(C) Normal behaviour

(D) Research methods

10. The reporting of Research findings should be done

(A) by the scientists themselves

(B) in a scientific and effective way

(C) through internet

(D) through scientific journals

11. Reliability of a research result implies its

(A) Verifiability

(B) Validity

(C) Uniqueness

(D) Usefulness

12. Watson and Mcgrath defined research as

(A) An intellectual exercise

(B) Using exploratory methods

(C) Using scientific methods

13. A research is

(A) A serious and investigative study

(B) Being illuminated

(C) Based on standarized conclusions

14. A person who is repeating the same mistakes again and again without trying to rectify it, is

(A) A foolish person

 (B) An excellent researcher

(C) An excellent forgetter

(D) An insane person

 15. In Hindi, the word “Anusandhan’

(A) Praying to achieve

(B) Attaining an aim

(C) Being goal-directed

(D) Following an aim

16. The word “Research” means

(A) To know

(C) To move

(D) To innovate

17. Social research can be divided into

(A) Two categories

(B) Three categories

(C) Four categories

(D) Five categories

18. Which of the following is/are categories of social research?

(B) Field experiment

19. Which of the following is/are types of field studies?

(A) Exploratory testing

20. Survey research studies

(B) Populations

(C) Circumstances

(D) Processes

21. Evaluation research is concerned with

(A) What are we doing?

(B) Why are we doing?

(C)  How well are we doing?

22. Action research is a type of

 (A) Applied research

 (B) Quality research

(C) Working research

(D) Survey research

23. Which of the following is the key factor in determining the success of group research?

(B) Organization

(C) Researcher

(D) Creativity

24. Which of the following have a direct bearing on research tools and techniques?

(A) Concepts

 (B) Knowledge

(C) Aspirations

25. The aim of group research is to achieve integration on

(A) Conceptual level

(B) Technical level

(C) Human level

Research Methodology MCQ Questions Set-4

1. The evolution of operation research could be associated within well-known development of

(A) Industrial organization

(B) Institutional organization

(C) Small scale organization

(D) Traditional organization

2. The problem and techniques can be classified broadly into

(A) Inventory control

(B) Game theory

(C) Network analysis

(D)All of these

3. Which of the following is/are essential requirement/s to carry out a successful research

(C) Experts

4. Which of the following has a great impact mind of the researcher?

(A) References

 (B) Finance

(C) Journals

(D) Library

5. Which of the following is the first step in a research process?

(A) Selecting a topic

(B) Formulating research problem

(C) Development of a hypothesis

6. Hypothesis relate generally or specifically

(A) Variables to variables

(B) Constant to variables

(C) Variables to constant

(D) Constant to constant.

7. The source of hypotheses may be based

(A) Chance-intuition

(B) Expectation

 (D) None of these

8. Research design is

(B) A structure

(C) An strategy

9. Which of the following is/are purposes of the research design?

(A) Providing answers of research questions

 (B) Controling the variance

10. In which of the following selection depends on chance?

(B) Purposive method

(C) Mixed sample

11. In the purposive method of sampling design, items are selected according to

(A) Law of probability

(B) Personal judgement

(C) Law of certainty

12. If samples are taken concerning all probable characteristics then there are

(A) No chances of any error

(B) More chances of error

(C) Lesser chances of more errors

13. Primary data for the research process can be collected through

(A) Experiment

 14. A belief becomes a scientific truth when it is

(A) Established experimentally

(B) Arrived logically

15. In order to study the relationship of family size to income a researcher classifies his population into different income slabs and then takes a random sample from each slab. Which technique of sampling does he adopt?

(B) Random sampling

(C) Stratified random sampling

 16. A researcher uses statistical techniques in his problem to confirm

(A) Whether worthwhile inferences could be drawn

(B) Whether the data could be quantified

(C) Whether appropriate statistical techniques are available

(D) Whether analysis of data would be possible

17. Which of the following qualities do you consider essential for a research scientist?

(A) Keenness of observation

(B) Persistence

(C) Logical reasoning

18. With which of the following propositions about research you do not agree?

(A) Research improves the quality of teaching

(B) Research contributes to social progress of the country

(C) Research is a joy in itself

(D) Research leads to finding solution

19. Which of the following is/are essential for communicating a research work?

(A) Command over language

(B) Conclusions drawn

(C) Procedure followed

20. A researcher should consider himself as

(A) Open minded and radical

(B) A status-quo maintainer

(C) Fairly knowledgeable

(D) Entirely dependent on the teacher

Research Methodology MCQ Questions Set-5

1. A good researcher lays his hands on

(A) A specific area and tries to understand it great details in

(B) A specific area and tries to understand it in minute details

(C) Several areas and tries to understand them at basic level

(D) Any area of his interest

2. The research is always

(A) Verifying the old knowledge

(B) Exploring the new knowledge

3. The research that applies the laws at the time of field study to draw more and more clear ideas about the problem is

(A) Action research

(B) Experimental research

(C) Applied research

4. Which of the following process is not needed in experimental research?

(A) Observation

(B) Reference collection

(C) Controlling

(D) Manipulation

5. A research problem is not feasible only when

(A) It consists of independent and dependent variables

(B) It is researchable

(C) It has utality and relevance

(D) It is new and adds something to knowledge

6. Research methods can be put into which of the following category?

(A) Pre-empirical research

(B) Descriptive methods

(C)Experimental method

7. Choosing a specific behaviour and counting its occurrences comes under

(A) Correctional research

(B) Naturalistic observation

8. Determining the relationships between two or more variables comes under

(A) Naturalistic observation

(B) Correctional research

(D) Action research

9. Participant observation is the process of immersing yourself in the study of

(A) Processes

(D) Methods

10. A research method ‘ethnography’ is the process of describing a

(A) Culture

(B) way of life

11. Which of the following is an way of doing social science research?

(A) Case study

(B) Game study

(C) Plan study

(D) Process study

12. Dramaturgical interviewing is a technique of doing research by

(A) case study

(B) Role playing

(C) Planning

(D) Sampling

13. Which of the following is the goal of evaluation research?

(A) Situation-based decision making

(B) People-based decision making

(C) Data-based decision making

(D) Trend-based decision making

14. Under the evaluation research which type/s of decision is/are made?

(A) Need assessment

(B) Process evaluation

(C) Context evaluation

15. Usually which type of questions is asked during interviews?

(A) Close-ended

(B) Natural

(C) Open-ended

(D) Puzzling

16. Which of the following is not a component of ethical research?

(A) Competence

(B) Voluntariness

(C) Consent

(D) Suitability

17. Which of the following completes the research process?

(A) Research note

(B) Report writing

(C) Summary writing

(D) Preface writing

18. Which of the following is a suggested outline for report writing?

(A) Prefatory material

(B) Primary material

(C) Supplementary material

(D) Analytic material

19. Which of the following is the most eye catching part of the research report?

(A) Summary

(B) Conclusion

(C) Preface

(D) Glossary of terms

20. A research report is the presentation of

(A) Positive evidences.

(B) Negative evidences

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Research Methodology

Student resources, multiple choice questions.

Research: A Way of Thinking

The Research Process: A Quick Glance

Reviewing the Literature

Formulating a Research Problem

Identifying Variables

Constructing Hypotheses

The Research Design

Selecting a Study Design

Selecting a Method of Data Collection

Collecting Data Using Attitudinal Scales

Establishing the Validity and Reliability of a Research Instrument

Selecting a Sample

Writing a Research Proposal

Considering Ethical Issues in Data Collection

Processing Data

Displaying Data

Writing a Research Report

What is Research Methodology? Definition, Types, and Examples

Research methodology 1,2 is a structured and scientific approach used to collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative or qualitative data to answer research questions or test hypotheses. A research methodology is like a plan for carrying out research and helps keep researchers on track by limiting the scope of the research. Several aspects must be considered before selecting an appropriate research methodology, such as research limitations and ethical concerns that may affect your research.

The research methodology section in a scientific paper describes the different methodological choices made, such as the data collection and analysis methods, and why these choices were selected. The reasons should explain why the methods chosen are the most appropriate to answer the research question. A good research methodology also helps ensure the reliability and validity of the research findings. There are three types of research methodology—quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method, which can be chosen based on the research objectives.

What is research methodology ?

A research methodology describes the techniques and procedures used to identify and analyze information regarding a specific research topic. It is a process by which researchers design their study so that they can achieve their objectives using the selected research instruments. It includes all the important aspects of research, including research design, data collection methods, data analysis methods, and the overall framework within which the research is conducted. While these points can help you understand what is research methodology, you also need to know why it is important to pick the right methodology.

Why is research methodology important?

Having a good research methodology in place has the following advantages: 3

• Helps other researchers who may want to replicate your research; the explanations will be of benefit to them.
• You can easily answer any questions about your research if they arise at a later stage.
• A research methodology provides a framework and guidelines for researchers to clearly define research questions, hypotheses, and objectives.
• It helps researchers identify the most appropriate research design, sampling technique, and data collection and analysis methods.
• A sound research methodology helps researchers ensure that their findings are valid and reliable and free from biases and errors.
• It also helps ensure that ethical guidelines are followed while conducting research.
• A good research methodology helps researchers in planning their research efficiently, by ensuring optimum usage of their time and resources.

Writing the methods section of a research paper? Let Paperpal help you achieve perfection

Types of research methodology.

There are three types of research methodology based on the type of research and the data required. 1

• Quantitative research methodology focuses on measuring and testing numerical data. This approach is good for reaching a large number of people in a short amount of time. This type of research helps in testing the causal relationships between variables, making predictions, and generalizing results to wider populations.
• Qualitative research methodology examines the opinions, behaviors, and experiences of people. It collects and analyzes words and textual data. This research methodology requires fewer participants but is still more time consuming because the time spent per participant is quite large. This method is used in exploratory research where the research problem being investigated is not clearly defined.
• Mixed-method research methodology uses the characteristics of both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in the same study. This method allows researchers to validate their findings, verify if the results observed using both methods are complementary, and explain any unexpected results obtained from one method by using the other method.

What are the types of sampling designs in research methodology?

Sampling 4 is an important part of a research methodology and involves selecting a representative sample of the population to conduct the study, making statistical inferences about them, and estimating the characteristics of the whole population based on these inferences. There are two types of sampling designs in research methodology—probability and nonprobability.

• Probability sampling

In this type of sampling design, a sample is chosen from a larger population using some form of random selection, that is, every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. The different types of probability sampling are:

• Systematic —sample members are chosen at regular intervals. It requires selecting a starting point for the sample and sample size determination that can be repeated at regular intervals. This type of sampling method has a predefined range; hence, it is the least time consuming.
• Stratified —researchers divide the population into smaller groups that don’t overlap but represent the entire population. While sampling, these groups can be organized, and then a sample can be drawn from each group separately.
• Cluster —the population is divided into clusters based on demographic parameters like age, sex, location, etc.
• Convenience —selects participants who are most easily accessible to researchers due to geographical proximity, availability at a particular time, etc.
• Purposive —participants are selected at the researcher’s discretion. Researchers consider the purpose of the study and the understanding of the target audience.
• Snowball —already selected participants use their social networks to refer the researcher to other potential participants.
• Quota —while designing the study, the researchers decide how many people with which characteristics to include as participants. The characteristics help in choosing people most likely to provide insights into the subject.

What are data collection methods?

During research, data are collected using various methods depending on the research methodology being followed and the research methods being undertaken. Both qualitative and quantitative research have different data collection methods, as listed below.

Qualitative research 5

• One-on-one interviews: Helps the interviewers understand a respondent’s subjective opinion and experience pertaining to a specific topic or event
• Document study/literature review/record keeping: Researchers’ review of already existing written materials such as archives, annual reports, research articles, guidelines, policy documents, etc.
• Focus groups: Constructive discussions that usually include a small sample of about 6-10 people and a moderator, to understand the participants’ opinion on a given topic.
• Qualitative observation : Researchers collect data using their five senses (sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing).

Quantitative research 6

• Sampling: The most common type is probability sampling.
• Interviews: Commonly telephonic or done in-person.
• Observations: Structured observations are most commonly used in quantitative research. In this method, researchers make observations about specific behaviors of individuals in a structured setting.
• Document review: Reviewing existing research or documents to collect evidence for supporting the research.
• Surveys and questionnaires. Surveys can be administered both online and offline depending on the requirement and sample size.

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What are data analysis methods.

The data collected using the various methods for qualitative and quantitative research need to be analyzed to generate meaningful conclusions. These data analysis methods 7 also differ between quantitative and qualitative research.

Quantitative research involves a deductive method for data analysis where hypotheses are developed at the beginning of the research and precise measurement is required. The methods include statistical analysis applications to analyze numerical data and are grouped into two categories—descriptive and inferential.

Descriptive analysis is used to describe the basic features of different types of data to present it in a way that ensures the patterns become meaningful. The different types of descriptive analysis methods are:

• Measures of frequency (count, percent, frequency)
• Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode)
• Measures of dispersion or variation (range, variance, standard deviation)
• Measure of position (percentile ranks, quartile ranks)

Inferential analysis is used to make predictions about a larger population based on the analysis of the data collected from a smaller population. This analysis is used to study the relationships between different variables. Some commonly used inferential data analysis methods are:

• Correlation: To understand the relationship between two or more variables.
• Cross-tabulation: Analyze the relationship between multiple variables.
• Regression analysis: Study the impact of independent variables on the dependent variable.
• Frequency tables: To understand the frequency of data.
• Analysis of variance: To test the degree to which two or more variables differ in an experiment.

Qualitative research involves an inductive method for data analysis where hypotheses are developed after data collection. The methods include:

• Content analysis: For analyzing documented information from text and images by determining the presence of certain words or concepts in texts.
• Narrative analysis: For analyzing content obtained from sources such as interviews, field observations, and surveys. The stories and opinions shared by people are used to answer research questions.
• Discourse analysis: For analyzing interactions with people considering the social context, that is, the lifestyle and environment, under which the interaction occurs.
• Grounded theory: Involves hypothesis creation by data collection and analysis to explain why a phenomenon occurred.
• Thematic analysis: To identify important themes or patterns in data and use these to address an issue.

How to choose a research methodology?

Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a research methodology: 8

• Research objectives, aims, and questions —these would help structure the research design.
• Review existing literature to identify any gaps in knowledge.
• Check the statistical requirements —if data-driven or statistical results are needed then quantitative research is the best. If the research questions can be answered based on people’s opinions and perceptions, then qualitative research is most suitable.
• Sample size —sample size can often determine the feasibility of a research methodology. For a large sample, less effort- and time-intensive methods are appropriate.
• Constraints —constraints of time, geography, and resources can help define the appropriate methodology.

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How to write a research methodology .

A research methodology should include the following components: 3,9

• Research design —should be selected based on the research question and the data required. Common research designs include experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, descriptive, and exploratory.
• Research method —this can be quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method.
• Reason for selecting a specific methodology —explain why this methodology is the most suitable to answer your research problem.
• Research instruments —explain the research instruments you plan to use, mainly referring to the data collection methods such as interviews, surveys, etc. Here as well, a reason should be mentioned for selecting the particular instrument.
• Sampling —this involves selecting a representative subset of the population being studied.
• Data collection —involves gathering data using several data collection methods, such as surveys, interviews, etc.
• Data analysis —describe the data analysis methods you will use once you’ve collected the data.
• Research limitations —mention any limitations you foresee while conducting your research.
• Validity and reliability —validity helps identify the accuracy and truthfulness of the findings; reliability refers to the consistency and stability of the results over time and across different conditions.
• Ethical considerations —research should be conducted ethically. The considerations include obtaining consent from participants, maintaining confidentiality, and addressing conflicts of interest.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the key components of research methodology?

A1. A good research methodology has the following key components:

• Research design
• Data collection procedures
• Data analysis methods
• Ethical considerations

Q2. Why is ethical consideration important in research methodology?

A2. Ethical consideration is important in research methodology to ensure the readers of the reliability and validity of the study. Researchers must clearly mention the ethical norms and standards followed during the conduct of the research and also mention if the research has been cleared by any institutional board. The following 10 points are the important principles related to ethical considerations: 10

• Participants should not be subjected to harm.
• Respect for the dignity of participants should be prioritized.
• Full consent should be obtained from participants before the study.
• Participants’ privacy should be ensured.
• Confidentiality of the research data should be ensured.
• Anonymity of individuals and organizations participating in the research should be maintained.
• The aims and objectives of the research should not be exaggerated.
• Affiliations, sources of funding, and any possible conflicts of interest should be declared.
• Communication in relation to the research should be honest and transparent.
• Misleading information and biased representation of primary data findings should be avoided.

Q3. What is the difference between methodology and method?

A3. Research methodology is different from a research method, although both terms are often confused. Research methods are the tools used to gather data, while the research methodology provides a framework for how research is planned, conducted, and analyzed. The latter guides researchers in making decisions about the most appropriate methods for their research. Research methods refer to the specific techniques, procedures, and tools used by researchers to collect, analyze, and interpret data, for instance surveys, questionnaires, interviews, etc.

Research methodology is, thus, an integral part of a research study. It helps ensure that you stay on track to meet your research objectives and answer your research questions using the most appropriate data collection and analysis tools based on your research design.

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• Research methodologies. Pfeiffer Library website. Accessed August 15, 2023. https://library.tiffin.edu/researchmethodologies/whatareresearchmethodologies
• Types of research methodology. Eduvoice website. Accessed August 16, 2023. https://eduvoice.in/types-research-methodology/
• The basics of research methodology: A key to quality research. Voxco. Accessed August 16, 2023. https://www.voxco.com/blog/what-is-research-methodology/
• Sampling methods: Types with examples. QuestionPro website. Accessed August 16, 2023. https://www.questionpro.com/blog/types-of-sampling-for-social-research/
• What is qualitative research? Methods, types, approaches, examples. Researcher.Life blog. Accessed August 15, 2023. https://researcher.life/blog/article/what-is-qualitative-research-methods-types-examples/
• What is quantitative research? Definition, methods, types, and examples. Researcher.Life blog. Accessed August 15, 2023. https://researcher.life/blog/article/what-is-quantitative-research-types-and-examples/
• Data analysis in research: Types & methods. QuestionPro website. Accessed August 16, 2023. https://www.questionpro.com/blog/data-analysis-in-research/#Data_analysis_in_qualitative_research
• Factors to consider while choosing the right research methodology. PhD Monster website. Accessed August 17, 2023. https://www.phdmonster.com/factors-to-consider-while-choosing-the-right-research-methodology/
• What is research methodology? Research and writing guides. Accessed August 14, 2023. https://paperpile.com/g/what-is-research-methodology/
• Ethical considerations. Business research methodology website. Accessed August 17, 2023. https://research-methodology.net/research-methodology/ethical-considerations/

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• Knowledge Base

Methodology

Research Methods | Definitions, Types, Examples

Research methods are specific procedures for collecting and analyzing data. Developing your research methods is an integral part of your research design . When planning your methods, there are two key decisions you will make.

First, decide how you will collect data . Your methods depend on what type of data you need to answer your research question :

• Qualitative vs. quantitative : Will your data take the form of words or numbers?
• Primary vs. secondary : Will you collect original data yourself, or will you use data that has already been collected by someone else?
• Descriptive vs. experimental : Will you take measurements of something as it is, or will you perform an experiment?

Second, decide how you will analyze the data .

• For quantitative data, you can use statistical analysis methods to test relationships between variables.
• For qualitative data, you can use methods such as thematic analysis to interpret patterns and meanings in the data.

Table of contents

Methods for collecting data, examples of data collection methods, methods for analyzing data, examples of data analysis methods, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research methods.

Data is the information that you collect for the purposes of answering your research question . The type of data you need depends on the aims of your research.

Qualitative vs. quantitative data

Your choice of qualitative or quantitative data collection depends on the type of knowledge you want to develop.

For questions about ideas, experiences and meanings, or to study something that can’t be described numerically, collect qualitative data .

If you want to develop a more mechanistic understanding of a topic, or your research involves hypothesis testing , collect quantitative data .

You can also take a mixed methods approach , where you use both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Primary vs. secondary research

Primary research is any original data that you collect yourself for the purposes of answering your research question (e.g. through surveys , observations and experiments ). Secondary research is data that has already been collected by other researchers (e.g. in a government census or previous scientific studies).

If you are exploring a novel research question, you’ll probably need to collect primary data . But if you want to synthesize existing knowledge, analyze historical trends, or identify patterns on a large scale, secondary data might be a better choice.

Descriptive vs. experimental data

In descriptive research , you collect data about your study subject without intervening. The validity of your research will depend on your sampling method .

In experimental research , you systematically intervene in a process and measure the outcome. The validity of your research will depend on your experimental design .

To conduct an experiment, you need to be able to vary your independent variable , precisely measure your dependent variable, and control for confounding variables . If it’s practically and ethically possible, this method is the best choice for answering questions about cause and effect.

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Your data analysis methods will depend on the type of data you collect and how you prepare it for analysis.

Data can often be analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. For example, survey responses could be analyzed qualitatively by studying the meanings of responses or quantitatively by studying the frequencies of responses.

Qualitative analysis methods

Qualitative analysis is used to understand words, ideas, and experiences. You can use it to interpret data that was collected:

• From open-ended surveys and interviews , literature reviews , case studies , ethnographies , and other sources that use text rather than numbers.
• Using non-probability sampling methods .

Qualitative analysis tends to be quite flexible and relies on the researcher’s judgement, so you have to reflect carefully on your choices and assumptions and be careful to avoid research bias .

Quantitative analysis methods

Quantitative analysis uses numbers and statistics to understand frequencies, averages and correlations (in descriptive studies) or cause-and-effect relationships (in experiments).

You can use quantitative analysis to interpret data that was collected either:

• During an experiment .
• Using probability sampling methods .

Because the data is collected and analyzed in a statistically valid way, the results of quantitative analysis can be easily standardized and shared among researchers.

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If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• Chi square test of independence
• Statistical power
• Descriptive statistics
• Degrees of freedom
• Pearson correlation
• Null hypothesis
• Double-blind study
• Case-control study
• Research ethics
• Data collection
• Hypothesis testing
• Structured interviews

Research bias

• Hawthorne effect
• Unconscious bias
• Recall bias
• Halo effect
• Self-serving bias
• Information bias

Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings.

Quantitative methods allow you to systematically measure variables and test hypotheses . Qualitative methods allow you to explore concepts and experiences in more detail.

In mixed methods research , you use both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods to answer your research question .

A sample is a subset of individuals from a larger population . Sampling means selecting the group that you will actually collect data from in your research. For example, if you are researching the opinions of students in your university, you could survey a sample of 100 students.

In statistics, sampling allows you to test a hypothesis about the characteristics of a population.

The research methods you use depend on the type of data you need to answer your research question .

• If you want to measure something or test a hypothesis , use quantitative methods . If you want to explore ideas, thoughts and meanings, use qualitative methods .
• If you want to analyze a large amount of readily-available data, use secondary data. If you want data specific to your purposes with control over how it is generated, collect primary data.
• If you want to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables , use experimental methods. If you want to understand the characteristics of a research subject, use descriptive methods.

Methodology refers to the overarching strategy and rationale of your research project . It involves studying the methods used in your field and the theories or principles behind them, in order to develop an approach that matches your objectives.

Methods are the specific tools and procedures you use to collect and analyze data (for example, experiments, surveys , and statistical tests ).

In shorter scientific papers, where the aim is to report the findings of a specific study, you might simply describe what you did in a methods section .

In a longer or more complex research project, such as a thesis or dissertation , you will probably include a methodology section , where you explain your approach to answering the research questions and cite relevant sources to support your choice of methods.

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