Research Methods
Definition: Research methods are the specific techniques and procedures you use to collect and analyze data in your research. They are the tools you use to conduct research.
Focus: The how of research – how you will gather and analyze data.
Examples:
Surveys: Using questionnaires to collect data from a group.
Experiments: Manipulating variables in a controlled setting to test cause and effect.
Interviews: Conducting structured or unstructured conversations to gather in-depth information.
Observations: Systematically watching and recording behaviors or phenomena.
Case Studies: In-depth analysis of a single case (individual, group, event, organization).
Statistical Analysis: Using mathematical techniques to analyze numerical data.
Content Analysis: Analyzing the content of texts, images, or other media.
Historical Analysis: Examining past events and documents.
Research Methodology
Definition: Research methodology is the overall strategy or approach you take to conduct your research. It's the systematic framework guiding your entire research process. It's the philosophy behind your choice of methods.
Focus: The why of research – why you are using particular methods and why they are the most appropriate for your research question and objectives.
It encompasses:
Philosophical Underpinnings: Discussing the overall approach (e.g., positivism, interpretivism, pragmatism).
Research Design: The overall plan for your research (e.g., experimental design, survey design, case study design, qualitative design, quantitative design, mixed methods design).
Justification of Methods: Explaining why you chose specific methods and why they are suitable for your research question.
Sampling Strategy: How you will select participants or data sources.
Data Collection Procedures: Detailed steps on how you will collect your data using chosen methods.
Data Analysis Procedures: Detailed steps on how you will analyze your collected data.
Ethical Considerations: Addressing ethical issues related to your research.
Validity and Reliability: Ensuring the rigor and trustworthiness of your research.
Analogy to Understand the Difference:
Imagine you are planning to bake a cake:
Research Methods are like the baking tools and techniques you will use:
Using a whisk to mix ingredients.
Using measuring cups and spoons.
Setting the oven temperature.
Using a cake pan.
Research Methodology is like the cake recipe and your reasoning for choosing that recipe and those techniques:
Choosing a chocolate cake recipe (your overall research approach).
Explaining why you chose a chocolate cake recipe instead of a vanilla cake (justifying your research design).
Listing the ingredients and steps in the recipe (your data collection and analysis plan).
Explaining why you are using specific ingredients and baking steps to get a delicious chocolate cake (justifying your methods for your research question).
In Simple Terms:
Methods = Tools and Techniques (the "how")
Methodology = Overall Approach and Rationale (the "why")
You use research methods to gather and analyze data, but your research methodology justifies why you chose those particular methods and how they fit into your overall research strategy to answer your research question effectively and ethically.