Writing Methodology in Research

• Methodology


  The section of the research paper where you inform the readers of the research design as well as the data-gathering procedures
• Methodology is an integral part of any research. A flawed methodology can lead to inaccurate results and wrong conclusions.
• Subsections of Methodology

  • Instruments/Materials/Equipment
  • Analysis of Data
  • Participants/Sources of Data
  • Procedure
  • Setting
  • Research Design
• Research Design


  The plan or structure for conducting a study. It involves outlining the overall strategy and procedures for collecting and analyzing data in order to answer research questions or test hypotheses.
• Qualitative Research


  A type of research that involves the gathering of nonnumerical data. It is concerned with finding out meaning and gathering descriptions. This type of research is usually done in small-scale and gives the researcher an insider's perspective on why something happens.
• Quantitative Research


  A type of research that uses numerical data to identify trends and causal or correlative relationships among variables. Unlike qualitative research, quantitative research can be done on a much larger scale. Further, it requires the use of statistics to interpret data.
• Mixed Methods


  It is also possible for research to be both qualitative and quantitative. This means that both qualitative and quantitative data-gathering procedures are employed in the research.
• Setting


  The researcher indicates the date, time, and place when and where the study was conducted.
• Participants/Sources of Data


  If the researcher involved people in the study, then he or she would provide a demographic profile of the participants, such as age, socioeconomic status, level of education, social status, etc. Additionally, a description of the sampling method (how the participants were selected) is often given as well.
• Population


  In statistics, population refers to the whole set of items from which data can be drawn for a statistical study. It could be a group of people, a collection of objects that serves as the data pool for a study.
• Sample


  A sample is a smaller, more manageable subset of a larger group. A subset of a larger population that shares the characteristics of that population.
• Probability Sampling Methods

  • Simple Random Sampling
  • Systematic Sampling
  • Stratified Sampling
  • Cluster Sampling
• Non-Probability Sampling Methods

  • Convenience Sampling
  • Snowball Sampling
  • Purposive Sampling
  • Quota Sampling
• Simple Random Sampling


  In this case, each individual is selected entirely by chance, with each member of the population having an equal chance, or probability, of being chosen. Simple random sampling allows the sampling error to be determined while also reducing selection bias.
• Systematic Sampling


  Systematic sampling is similar to simple random sampling, but it is usually a bit simpler to carry out. Every member of the population is listed with a number, but instead of randomly generating numbers, individuals are chosen at regular intervals.
• Stratified Sampling


  A stratified sampling approach divides the entire population into smaller groups to finish the sampling procedure. The small group is formed based on a few demographic characteristics. After dividing the population into smaller groups, researchers select a random sample.
• Cluster Sampling


  A cluster or group of people is produced from the population set using the clustered sampling method. The group shares significant qualities. They also have the same likelihood of being included in the sample. The population cluster is selected using basic random sampling in this manner.
• Convenience Sampling


  A convenience sampling approach selects samples directly from the population because they are readily available to the researcher. The samples are simple to select, and the researcher did not select a sample that represented the entire population.
• Snowball Sampling


  Snowball sampling is also known as a chain-referral sampling method. In this procedure, the samples exhibit difficult-to-find characteristics. So, each recognized member of a population is asked to locate the remaining sampling units. These sampling units belong to the same intended population.
• Purposive Sampling


  This type of sampling, also known as judgement sampling, involves the researcher using their expertise in selecting a sample that is most relevant to the research objectives.
• Quota Sampling


  Quota sampling is a non-probability sampling strategy in which researchers select a convenience sample of individuals who represent a population. Researchers chose these people based on specific characteristics or features. They decide and set quotas to ensure that market research samples are useful in data collection.
• Instruments/Materials/Equipment


  The researcher gives a description of the instruments, materials, and/or equipment used to gather data, such as a survey questionnaire.
• Procedure


  The researcher describes chronologically and in vivid detail how data gathering was done. Additionally, it may include details such as getting permission from certain people, doing pre-testing, giving rewards or incentives, etc.
• Analysis of Data


  The researcher describes how the data was analyzed and what statistical tools and methods were used.
• Descriptive Data Analysis


  Descriptive statistics is used to describe data. It aids in understanding the specifics of your data by summarizing it and identifying patterns within a certain data sample. Descriptive statistics are presented statistically in the text and/or tables of the document, or graphically in its figures.
• Percentage Distribution


  Formula: % = ƒ/n x 100, where % = means percentage, ƒ = means frequency, n = means number of cases or total sum
• Lesson: Writing Methodology using the IMRD Format

  March 12, 2024
• Multiple Choice


  The most commonly used survey question type. They allow you to respond to choose one or more answers from a prepared list. Your respondents will find it easier to complete the survey because the answer possibilities are fixed. Perhaps most importantly, you will receive standardized survey replies that offer clean data for analysis.
• Likert Scale


  The Likert scale (usually) offers five alternative responses to a statement or question, allowing respondents to express their positive-to-negative degree of agreement or sentiment about the question or statement.
• Lesson: Writing Methodology using IMRD Format

  March 15, 2024