Chapter Three Research Methodology of a dissertation is dedicated to the research design and methodology, providing a detailed account of how the study was designed, conducted, and analyzed.
This chapter is of paramount importance as it elucidates the systematic approach employed to address the research questions or hypotheses.
The researcher outlines the research design, including whether it is experimental, observational, or another form, and clarifies the target population and sampling methods.
Additionally, the research design and methodology explores specifics of the data collection methods, research instruments used, and the techniques employed for data analysis. Ethical considerations, validity, reliability, and limitations are also thoroughly discussed.
Chapter Three Research Methodology acts as a roadmap, offering transparency and clarity on the methods chosen, thereby ensuring the credibility and rigor of the research findings. It serves as a foundation upon which the entire research project stands, guiding the reader through the intricacies of the research process and providing a comprehensive understanding of the study’s methodology.
Research Method vs Research Methodology
Research methods refer to the specific techniques, procedures, or processes used to collect and analyze data in a research study. Methods focus on the practical aspects of data collection and analysis, including surveys, experiments, interviews, observations, and statistical procedures. Researchers choose methods based on the nature of their research questions, the type of data needed, and the overall design of the study. If a researcher conducts interviews and administers surveys to gather data, these are considered specific research methods.
Research methodology, a study of research methods, is the overarching framework that guides the entire research process. It encompasses the philosophy, principles, and logic behind the choice of research methods. Methodology involves the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods used, aiming to ensure the validity and reliability of the research. Methodology includes the research philosophy, approach, design, and strategies for data collection and analysis. If a researcher adopts a qualitative approach, employs case study design, and justifies these choices based on the epistemological stance, this falls under the research methodology.
Research Design and Methodology- Scope and Context
The scope and context of the research design and methodology in a dissertation define the boundaries and circumstances within which the research will be conducted. The scope outlines the parameters of the study, such as the specific research questions, objectives, and the population or sample under consideration. It sets the limits for what the research will cover. On the other hand, the context provides the broader framework within which the study is situated. This includes the theoretical foundations, relevant literature, and the overall research landscape that informs and supports the chosen methodology. Together, the scope and context of the methodology establish the framework for conducting the research and ensure that it aligns with the objectives and principles of the study.
While it is the standard that this chapter is traditionally dedicated to the research design and methodology, specific section headings may vary based on institutional requirements and the research nature. It’s crucial to recognize that the methodology serves as the engine propelling a robust research report. Every step taken should be justified by evidence and aligned with established research principles. Before exploring the specifics, it’s essential to differentiate between research methodology and research method. Research designs were discussed in Health Science Research Methods; you may review them here.
Chapter Three Research Methodology- Roadmap
The Introduction
The aim of this introduction is to provide an overview of chapter three. A number of elements must be addressed in the introduction to effectively orient the reader to the methodology chapter. This ensures a clear understanding of the research approach and objectives.
Begin the by providing an overview of the research topic and reiterating its significance within the broader field. This contextualization reminds the reader of the research problem or question being addressed. Establish a connection with the preceding chapters, particularly Chapter 2 (Literature Review). Highlight how the literature review informed the choice of research methods, addressing gaps identified and aligning with existing knowledge. Briefly restate the research problem or question(s). This reinforcement helps the reader maintain focus on the central inquiry throughout the chapter. If applicable, remind the reader of the hypotheses formulated based on the literature review. This reinforces the direction of the research.
Clearly outline the objectives of the research methods chapter. Mention whether the chapter aims to describe the research design, explain the sampling strategy, detail data collection methods, or discuss ethical considerations. Provide a concise rationale for the chosen research methodology. Explain why a particular research design, sampling method, or data collection approach was deemed most suitable for addressing the research questions. Give the reader an outline of how the chapter is structured. Highlight the key sections, such as research design, population/sample, data collection, and ethical considerations, indicating the logical flow of information.
The Research Design
This section should not only serve as a declaration of the chosen methodology but should also function as a mini-literature review, demonstrating your understanding of the broader methodological landscape. Your goal is to persuade the reader that your selected methodology is the most robust and appropriate for your specific research context he scope and context of the research design and methodology in a dissertation.
The Chosen Methodology
Begin by clearly stating the specific methodology chosen for the study. For instance, if using a qualitative approach, specify if it is a case study, phenomenology, grounded theory, etc. In a quantitative approach, clarify if it’s an experimental, survey, or correlational design. Review the research designs here. The chosen design should align with the conceptual framework, research theory and/or model discussed in chapter two, the literature review.
Recall this Research Title from Previous Chapters:
“A cross-sectional analysis of urban obesity: Investigating the Impact of Access to Nutritious Food and Physical Activity Opportunities on Obesity Rates among Adults (18-65) in Low-Income Neighborhoods of Kingston and St. Andrew.”
Exploring with this example below:
In the pursuit of investigating the impact of access to nutritious food and physical activity opportunities on obesity rates among adults aged 18-65 in low-income neighborhoods of Kingston and St. Andrew, a quantitative research approach is selected. The quantitative methodology offers a systematic means of collecting and analyzing numerical data, thereby facilitating a rigorous cross-sectional analysis of urban obesity. This approach aligns with the need for precise measurements and statistical scrutiny to uncover patterns and relationships between key variables.
Explanation of the Methodology
Provide a comprehensive explanation of the chosen methodology. Detail its key characteristics, principles, and processes. Define key terms associated with the methodology to ensure readers understand the terminology used throughout the chapter. Use examples or hypothetical scenarios to illustrate how the methodology will be applied in the context of your study. Research methods or approaches were discussed here; click the link to review these approaches. All assertions in this sections should be supported by literature and referenced appropriately.
Continuing with this example below- explaning and Rationalizing the chosen method:
The chosen research design is a cross-sectional analysis, providing a snapshot of the population’s characteristics and behaviors at a specific moment. This design is particularly suited to explore the relationships between variables such as access to nutritious food, physical activity opportunities, and obesity rates within the target demographic. Employing a stratified random sampling technique ensures a representative selection across age groups, genders, and specific low-income neighborhoods. Data will be collected through structured surveys and geographic information system (GIS) mapping to objectively assess environmental factors. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics and regression analyses, will be applied to interpret the quantitative data comprehensively. Rigorous measures for validity and reliability, ethical considerations, and the use of established scales enhance the robustness and credibility of the research design. This meticulous articulation in Chapter 3 ensures a transparent and systematic execution of the chosen methodology, contributing to the study’s overall coherence and rigor.
Knowledge Shown of other Methodologies
Demonstrate awareness of alternative methodologies relevant to your research. Briefly mention other approaches, explaining their characteristics. Research approaches were discussed here. Showcase a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and limitations of various methodologies. Illustrate how your chosen methodology aligns with the nature of your research questions and overall study goals.
Reason for the Chosen Methodology
Articulate a compelling rationale for selecting the chosen methodology over others. Emphasize the unique advantages your chosen methodology offers in addressing your research questions or objectives. Discuss how the selected methodology aligns with the nature of the study, the characteristics of the sample, and the overall research context. Highlight how the chosen methodology provides a more suitable framework for exploring the phenomenon under investigation. Research paradigms or research philosophies discussed here as well as the chosen conceptual framework will help to you articulate the rationale for the chosen method. Below is an example of the research philosophies maybe applied to a quantitative, qualitative, and a mixed method research approach.
Research Paradigm- Positivism
Quantitative research is closely aligned with the positivist philosophy. Positivism emphasizes objectivity, measurement, and the pursuit of universal laws governing human behavior. Researchers in quantitative studies often adopt a positivist perspective, aiming to uncover objective truths through systematic observation and measurement. Positivism assumes that there is an objective reality that can be studied and measured, and it seeks to establish causal relationships between variables. The data collected in quantitative research are typically numerical and analyzed using statistical methods to identify patterns and relationships. You may also discussed how the quantitative research is situated within the ontological or epistemological philosophies. Additional details on the research philosophies are here.
Research Paradigm- Constructivism and Interpretivism
Qualitative research is rooted in constructivism and interpretivism. Constructivism posits that reality is socially constructed through individual experiences and interactions. In qualitative research, researchers explore the subjective meanings, perspectives, and interpretations of participants. Interpretivism, on the other hand, emphasizes understanding the context and complexity of human experiences. Qualitative researchers aim to delve deep into the lived experiences of individuals, often using open-ended interviews, observations, and content analysis to capture rich, context-specific data. Qualitative research acknowledges the multiple realities and perspectives that individuals bring to a situation, focusing on understanding the world from the participants’ viewpoints.
Research Paradigm- Pragmatism
Pragmatism serves as the philosophical foundation for mixed methods research. Pragmatism asserts that the usefulness and applicability of knowledge are paramount. Researchers employing a mixed methods approach believe that combining both quantitative and qualitative methods provides a more comprehensive understanding of research questions. Pragmatism emphasizes the importance of using whatever methods are most appropriate for answering a particular research question, without rigid adherence to a specific philosophical stance. Mixed methods researchers value both quantitative precision and qualitative depth, recognizing that the integration of diverse data sources can yield a more holistic and nuanced understanding of complex phenomena.
Population and Sample
This section provides a comprehensive overview of the population and sampling strategy adopted for the study. The researcher begins by detailing key aspects of the population, such as its size, source, nature, and the criteria for site selection. A justification for choosing the specific site(s) is articulated, shedding light on the relevance of the selected location(s) to the research objectives.
Provide an estimate of the population size, offering a clear understanding of the scale of the group under study. The sampling frame must be explicitly defined, and both inclusion and exclusion criteria may be used. Additionally, you must elucidate and rationalize the sample size determination with literature evidence(s); guidelines for sample size determination are provided here. Rationalizing the chosen sample size offers transparency into the decision-making process. The sampling technique to be employed is described in detail, elucidating the methodological approach to selecting participants or subjects.
For instance, in a scenario involving a secondary high school in an inner-city community with poor academic performance and a high incidence of aggressive behaviour, the researcher might justify the selection based on observed characteristics and the need to address specific issues.
In the context of participant description, this section goes beyond numerical details into the demographic composition of the population. Factors such as sex, age cohort, and any other relevant characteristics are systematically presented. For quantitative research, the inclusion of a table summarizing the population and sample sizes enhances clarity and facilitates a quick grasp of the study’s scale. This meticulous detailing ensures a robust understanding of the study’s context and the rationale behind population and sample selection.
Instrumentation
Clearly specify the types of instruments employed (e.g., questionnaire, interview script, observation checklist, survey, etc.). Instrument-Matched designs are covered here.
Provide a thorough description of each instrument, including its purpose and how it aligns with the research objectives.
Specify the number of questions/items in each instrument. Detail what each item in the instrument assesses. If applicable, explain the scoring system for each item.
Discuss how the instruments have been validated and provide information on their validity measures.
Include details on the reliability of the instruments. Describe any pilot testing conducted to refine or validate the instruments before the main study.
If modifications were made to existing instruments, reference the original instrument(s), outline the changes and the rationale behind them.
Specify the period during which data will be collected using these instruments. Use visualization techniques; these may be presented as part of an appendix.
Detail the step-by-step procedures for administering and collecting data using each instrument. Provide a copy of each instrument in the appendices.
If applicable, specify the measurement scales (nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio) associated with quantitative items.
Address any ethical considerations related to the use of these instruments. Rationalize any likely deviations from philosophical principles and acceptable research practices.
Data Collection Procedures
Outline the Steps to Collect Data from Participants
- Provide a step-by-step description of how data will be collected.
- Include specifics on approaching participants, introducing the study, and obtaining consent.
- Detail the sequence of activities during data collection (e.g., administering surveys, conducting interviews).
- Mention any pilot testing conducted to refine the procedure.
Clarify the Role of the Researcher in Data Collection Process
- Clearly define the researcher’s responsibilities during data collection.
- Specify the level of involvement, whether it’s direct interaction with participants, overseeing data collectors, or managing data collection platforms.
- Highlight any training or standardization procedures undertaken to ensure consistency.
Address Ethical Considerations Related to the Collection of Data or Interaction with Participants
- Emphasize the importance of ethical conduct throughout data collection.
- Explain how informed consent will be obtained from participants, ensuring they understand the study’s purpose, procedures, and their rights.
- Describe mechanisms to protect participant privacy and confidentiality.
- Discuss procedures for handling any unexpected ethical issues that may arise during data collection.
Recording and Storing Data
Recording Data
Specify the mode of data recording, such as audio recordings, written notes, video recordings, or electronic surveys.
Detail the tools or technology used for recording and their appropriateness for the study.
If using structured instruments, discuss how responses will be systematically recorded.
Storing Data
Describe the method of storing collected data, considering security and confidentiality.
Outline whether data will be anonymized or pseudonymized.
Specify where and how physical records (if any) will be stored securely.
If using digital platforms or databases, address data encryption, access controls, and regular backups.
Ensuring Confidentiality
Elaborate on steps taken to ensure participant data remains confidential.
Discuss who will have access to the collected data and under what conditions.
Detail any measures in place to protect against data breaches or unauthorized access.
Include information on the duration for which data will be stored and the eventual disposal process.
Data Analysis Techniques
Start with an Overview of the Data Analysis Section
- Present a concise introduction to the data analysis section.
- Clearly state the purpose and objectives of data analysis.
- Briefly highlight the key elements readers can expect in this section.
The Overview should Align Data Analyses with the Research Questions or Hypotheses
- Emphasize the alignment between data analysis and the research questions or hypotheses.
- Clarify how each data analysis component contributes to addressing the research objectives.
- Provide a roadmap for readers to follow the logical progression of the analysis.
Recall this Research Title from Previous Chapters:
“A cross-sectional analysis of urban obesity: Investigating the Impact of Access to Nutritious Food and Physical Activity Opportunities on Obesity Rates among Adults (18-65) in Low-Income Neighborhoods of Kingston and St. Andrew.”
Let us look at some information we could include in the overview:
The data analysis for the study, involves a comprehensive examination of both quantitative and qualitative data. This mixed-methods approach is designed to provide a holistic understanding of the complex factors influencing obesity rates in the specified demographic. The quantitative aspect employs statistical methods to analyze numerical data collected through surveys, focusing on identifying patterns, correlations, and statistical significance. Concurrently, the qualitative component utilizes thematic analysis to explore nuanced insights from interviews and open-ended survey responses, contributing a deeper understanding of participants’ perspectives. This integrated approach ensures a robust analysis that addresses both the quantitative metrics and the qualitative richness of the data, allowing for a comprehensive interpretation of the research outcomes.
Data Analysis Techniques
Adhering to ethical principles is essential for the credibility and reliability of research outcomes. Research ethics boards and institutional review boards (IRBs) are often established to review and approve research proposals, ensuring they meet ethical standards before the research is conducted.
Ethics refers to the principles and standards of conduct that guide researchers in their work. Research ethics involve a set of guidelines and norms designed to ensure the protection of the rights, well-being, and dignity of all individuals involved in the research process. Ethical considerations are crucial for maintaining integrity, transparency, and trust in the research community. Key areas of focus include:
- Informed Consent
- Confidentiality
- Avoiding Harm
- Fair Treatment
- Honesty and Integrity
- Disclosing Conflicts of Interest
The research methodology should explicitly elucidate the principles of research ethics and the strategies employed to uphold them. Axiology, in essence, concentrates on the application of these ethical principles within the research design. This involves a comprehensive examination of how values, such as honesty, integrity, and respect for participants, are incorporated into the overall structure of the research. By highlighting the ethical framework and demonstrating its practical implementation, the research methodology ensures transparency and adherence to ethical standards throughout the research process.
Informed consent serves as a cornerstone of ethical research practices, covering various dimensions of ethics in research. Firstly, it upholds the principle of respect for autonomy by ensuring that individuals have the freedom to make voluntary and informed decisions about their participation in research. Through the informed consent process, researchers provide participants with comprehensive information about the study purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, confidentiality measures, and their rights, empowering them to make autonomous choices based on their understanding.
Secondly, informed consent addresses the principle of beneficence by safeguarding participants from potential harm and maximizing potential benefits. By disclosing potential risks and benefits transparently, researchers enable participants to weigh the potential outcomes and make decisions in their best interest. Additionally, informed consent contributes to the principle of non-maleficence by minimizing the risk of harm through clear communication and ensuring that participants are not coerced or unduly influenced to participate against their will.
Furthermore, informed consent promotes justice by ensuring equitable access to information and opportunities for participation across diverse populations, thus addressing issues of fairness and inclusivity in research endeavors. Overall, informed consent serves as a comprehensive mechanism for upholding ethical principles, fostering transparency, trust, and respect for individuals’ rights and well-being in the research process.
Ethical dilemmas can significantly impact the research process by posing challenges to the integrity, validity, and credibility of the study. For example, ethical dilemmas may arise when balancing the need for obtaining informed consent with preserving participant confidentiality, or when addressing potential conflicts of interest among researchers or stakeholders. Let us explore some of these issues:
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a significant ethical concern in academic research, involving the presentation of someone else’s ideas without proper attribution. It undermines academic integrity by falsely attributing competence to individuals who present copied ideas as their own, violating intellectual property rights and misrepresenting original contributions. Plagiarism manifests in various forms, including verbatim copying, improper paraphrasing, and failure to acknowledge sources. Such practices erode trust in the academic community and diminish researcher credibility and findings’ validity. Adhering to ethical standards of attribution and citation is essential to maintain academic integrity and prevent plagiarism.
Deception
When conducting research involving participants, ethical considerations dictate that deception and covert approaches should be avoided. Deception involves misleading participants about the nature or purpose of the study, which undermines their autonomy and can lead to trust violations. Similarly, covert approaches, where participants are unaware they are being studied, raise ethical concerns regarding informed consent and transparency. Such practices compromise the integrity of the research process and may harm participants’ well-being. Researchers should prioritize honesty, transparency, and respect for participants’ autonomy to uphold ethical standards and ensure the ethical conduct of their studies
Consent
When conducting research involving participants, obtaining informed consent is paramount, especially when dealing with sensitive issues or vulnerable populations like children. Consent should be obtained from relevant authorities, such as schools or parents, depending on the context and the age of the participants. In the case of children, parental consent is crucial, particularly when exploring sensitive topics like sexual matters, intimate home life, drug usage, or exposure to weapons. Researchers must prioritize the protection and well-being of participants by ensuring proper consent procedures are followed, maintaining confidentiality, and adhering to ethical guidelines throughout the research process.
Falsifying Evidence
Falsifying data and misrepresenting findings in research is highly unethical and undermines the integrity of the study. Novice researchers may feel pressured to manipulate data to confirm their hypotheses, but this practice is irresponsible and compromises the validity of the research. Using inappropriate methods to handle data or misrepresenting results, such as using percentages to inflate the significance of findings with small sample sizes, is deceptive and violates ethical principles. Researchers must uphold honesty and transparency in reporting their findings, accurately representing the data collected without distortion or manipulation. Maintaining integrity in research ensures trustworthiness and credibility in the scientific community
Protecting the interests of participants in research is paramount, involving safeguarding confidentiality, privacy, and anonymity. Balancing the public’s “right to know” with individual privacy rights requires careful consideration, especially in small communities like the Caribbean where information sources are limited. Unethical behavior erodes trust within communities, hindering future research endeavors. Researchers must prioritize the well-being of participants and cultivate a respectful and protective environment. Building trust with participants is essential for meaningful research, necessitating a commitment to ethical conduct and upholding the dignity and rights of those involved in the study.
Limitations
- Identify potential limitations in the research design.
- Discuss any constraints on the study, such as time or resource limitations.
Example
Identifying potential limitations in the research design is essential for maintaining transparency and acknowledging constraints that may impact the study’s outcomes. A potential limitation in this research could be related to the cross-sectional design, which captures a snapshot of data at a specific point in time. This design may limit the ability to establish causal relationships. Additionally, constraints such as budgetary limitations and the geographical scope of the study, focusing on Kingston and St. Andrew, might impact the generalizability of findings to other regions.
Assumptions
- Explicitly state any assumptions made during the research.
- Clarify how these assumptions may impact the findings.
Example
Articulating assumptions is crucial for contextualizing the study’s framework. Assumptions may include the expectation that participants provide accurate and truthful information during interviews and surveys. Another assumption could be that the selected measures for access to nutritious food and physical activity opportunities are valid indicators of the constructs being measured. Clearly stating these assumptions allows readers to understand the foundational principles guiding the research. It’s important to acknowledge that assumptions, if inaccurate, may introduce bias and affect the study’s validity.
Conclusions
- Summarizing the methodology chapter involves highlighting key decisions made in the research design.
- The comprehensive overview of the chosen methods for data collection and analysis provides a clear roadmap for readers.
- Concluding with a brief overview of what readers can expect in subsequent chapters sets the stage for the broader research narrative, fostering continuity and coherence in the research journey.
- This chapter serves as the foundation upon which subsequent chapters build, ensuring a robust and well-informed exploration of the research problem.
A scoping review is a type of literature review that seeks to map the existing literature on a broad topic, identifying key concepts, theories, evidence sources, and research gaps. While research designs such as: systematic reviews and metanalyses focus on answering specific research questions with a narrow scope, scoping reviews aim to explore the breadth of literature on a broader subject, providing an overview of the available evidence without necessarily assessing the quality of individual studies. Scoping reviews are particularly useful when a research area is complex, diverse, or not well-defined, helping researchers identify the key themes and gaps in existing literature. They are valuable in the early stages of research to inform the development of systematic reviews or research agendas. Click on the Icon to review details relating to the design of this type of literature review.
Summary
Research methodology provides an overview of the chosen research approach highlighting its alignment with the research questions or hypotheses.
The research design section outlines the overall plan for conducting the study, detailing the structure, and strategy. The rationale behind the chosen design, whether it’s experimental, observational, or a mix of both is crucial for validity and reliability.
Addressing the who and how of the study, this section describes the target population, the sampling frame, and the chosen sampling technique. It also rationalizes the selected sample size based on considerations such as confidence levels and margin of error.
Outlining the step-by-step process of gathering data, this section clarifies the researcher’s role, ethical considerations (such as informed consent), and details on the instruments or methods employed, like questionnaires, interviews, or observations.
Focusing on the quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis, this section specifies statistical tests or qualitative approaches used. It rationalizes the chosen methods, discusses software applications if applicable, and aligns the analysis with the research questions.
When applicable, this section explains how mixed-methods data will be integrated, discussing the rationale for choosing a mixed-methods design and detailing strategies like triangulation to enhance the validity of findings.
This final section acknowledges potential limitations in the research design, discusses constraints, explicitly states assumptions made, and provides a summary of key decisions. It concludes by offering an overview of what readers can anticipate in subsequent chapters.
Health Science Research Methods
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Research Methods Chapter One Introduction
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Research Methods Chapter Two Literature Review
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Research Methods Chapter Four Data Analysis and Results
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References
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101.
Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2014). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook. Sage Publications.
Pallant, J. (2020). SPSS survival manual. McGraw-Hill Education.
Tabachnick, B. G., & Fidell, L. S. (2019). Using multivariate statistics. Pearson.
Published: 2024-2-15; Updated: 2024-3-25