Factors to Consider While Choosing the Right Research Methodology

Posted by on Jan 2, 2019 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Research methodology is a scientific and logical technique that helps you decide on an appropriate research method to collect data. When you start your research, the first question that hits your mind is “What type of research do I need to meet my research objectives?” Selecting a research methodology is one of the most critical factors that can make or break your research project. Following are the factors to be considered while deciding your research methodology:  

 

Research Goal

Think of your research goals. Consider what your research project wants to accomplish which will help you to decide the research design. Do you need to find out all the information at one fell swoop, or you want to conduct follow-up research? If you have an outline of the information that you need at the end of the research project, you will be able to use the right methodology to choose the right research method.  

 

Statistical significance

Another essential factor to consider while choosing the research methodology is statistical results. If you need clear and highly data-driven research results or statistical answers, you will need quantitative data. However, if your research questions are based on the understanding of reasons, opinions, perceptions and motivations, your data will be less statistical and more thematic.

 

Quantitative vs qualitative data

Your research methodology will decide whether you need qualitative or quantitative or both methods. If you want to capture insights into a problem to develop ideas for a solution, you will use qualitative data. You will use qualitative tools such as open-ended interviews to collect data from the target audience. However, if you have any questions, quantitative tools such as surveys can be the best approach to achieve desired results.

 

Sample size

While considering a research methodology, the sample size is an important consideration. How big does your sample size need to be to determine answers to research questions and meet research objectives? Will you prefer surveying 50 or 1000 people. If you need a large sample size, you do not need time-consuming methods such as face-to-face interviews.

 

Timing

The availability of time is another crucial factor that comes into play at the time of deciding on research methodology. If you need results within the research frame, you might consider using tools and techniques that allow data collection in just a few days. For instance, random or convenience sampling can be your preferred data collection technique. However, if your prescribed data collection period is relatively long, you can organise in-person interviews with your samples.  

 

All in all, choosing the right research methodology is quintessential for any research in any subject domain.

 

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