Research methodology is one of the most vital aspects of a research paper, as it covers the underlying methods and procedures adopted by the researcher to conduct the study. It allows the reader to have a clear understanding about how the study was conducted and how the research objectives were met. A professional expert from EduHelpHub would agree that based on the research methodology, one can also ascertain the validity and legitimacy of a research work. The quality and details of your methodology holds a lot of weight in the grading of your research paper. So, it is important for any higher education student to learn how to right a good research methodology. So, without further delay let us get right into it.
Structure of The Research Methodology
As described earlier, the research methodology section contains the process of research employed by the researcher to carry out their study. In general, the methodology usually focuses on the data collection and sampling process. Here, the researcher discusses about the sources from which they have collected the required data, and the actual process of collecting the said data. For example, a researcher can highlight that they have collected quantitative data by conducting a survey, which was carried out on a 50 people sample group. One can even go further to elaborate the sampling process, such as stratified random sampling, convenience sampling, or snowball sampling. It can also include the actual process of data collection, such as sending a Likert scale-based questionnaire to the sample group via email. Even though a research methodology mostly contains the process of data collection and sampling, it can also include a lot of other details such as logical reasoning, philosophies, strategies, and more. For a full-scale research methodology, the experts at PenMyPaper would prefer to use the Research Onion model.
Research Onion Model
The research onion model was popularized by Saunders and is now a widely accepted model for research methodology among college and university students. This model breaks down the methodology in various sections such as research philosophy, research approach, research strategies, research choices, time horizon, and data collection.
Research Philosophy: The research philosophy highlights the way a researcher has used and inferred the gathered data. Usually, a research work can follow one of the three different philosophies, which are positivism, realism and interpretivism. Your choice of philosophy should clearly justify your chosen research objectives.
Research Approach: The research approach determines the logical reasoning adopted by the researcher. Usually, a researcher chooses between deductive and inductive reasoning. In case of deductive reasoning, the researcher seeks to confirm or validate their own findings, by comparing with existing body of knowledge. However, in case of inductive reasoning, the research seeks to develop a new theory based on their own findings. So, based on what you are trying to achieve, you need to choose one of the approaches and justify that choice.
Research Strategy: The research strategy determines the source from where you have gathered your required data. Your source of data can be primary or secondary in nature. Primary data are collected directly from the respondents, either by survey or by observation. On the other hand, the secondary data is collected from previously published data or literatures, such as case studies, journal articles, managementpaper, annual report of companies, etc.
Research Choices: The research choice focuses on the nature of data that is used by the researcher. Based on the nature, the data can be quantitative or qualitative in nature. The quantitative data are numerical in nature and can undergo mathematical or statistical calculations, whereas the qualitative data are non-numerical in nature and cannot participate in any calculations. These are usually descriptive in nature. Unlike qualitative data, the quantitative data needs in-depth analysis to extract the necessary information.
Time Horizon: The time horizon determines the time frame in which the study has been conducted. There are two different time horizons such as cross-sectional and longitudinal. In a cross-sectional time horizon, the research is conducted in a small time frame, where time has no effect on the result. Contrarily, in a longitudinal time horizon the study is carried out over a span of time, where time has a significant effect on the result.
Final Words
The methodology of a research paper largely depends on the type of study that you want to conduct. You will always need help with some assignment which may be of any grade and any syllabus Academic writing service Birmingham will be your best choice. Your choice will depend on the research objectives that you are trying to achieve. Always remember that no matter which methodology you choose for your study, you should be able to justify the choice. A well justified methodology is a really good methodology.
