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15 Types of Research Methods

15 Types of Research Methods

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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types of research methods, explained below

Research methods refer to the strategies, tools, and techniques used to gather and analyze data in a structured way in order to answer a research question or investigate a hypothesis (Hammond & Wellington, 2020).

Generally, we place research methods into two categories: quantitative and qualitative. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, which we can summarize as:

  • Quantitative research can achieve generalizability through scrupulous statistical analysis applied to large sample sizes.
  • Qualitative research achieves deep, detailed, and nuance accounts of specific case studies, which are not generalizable.

Some researchers, with the aim of making the most of both quantitative and qualitative research, employ mixed methods, whereby they will apply both types of research methods in the one study, such as by conducting a statistical survey alongside in-depth interviews to add context to the quantitative findings.

Below, I’ll outline 15 common research methods, and include pros, cons, and examples of each .

Types of Research Methods

Research methods can be broadly categorized into two types: quantitative and qualitative.

  • Quantitative methods involve systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques, providing an in-depth understanding of a specific concept or phenomenon (Schweigert, 2021). The strengths of this approach include its ability to produce reliable results that can be generalized to a larger population, although it can lack depth and detail.
  • Qualitative methods encompass techniques that are designed to provide a deep understanding of a complex issue, often in a specific context, through collection of non-numerical data (Tracy, 2019). This approach often provides rich, detailed insights but can be time-consuming and its findings may not be generalizable.

These can be further broken down into a range of specific research methods and designs:

Primarily Quantitative MethodsPrimarily Qualitative methods
Experimental ResearchCase Study
Surveys and QuestionnairesEthnography
Longitudinal StudiesPhenomenology
Cross-Sectional StudiesHistorical research
Correlational ResearchContent analysis
Causal-Comparative ResearchGrounded theory
Meta-AnalysisAction research
Quasi-Experimental DesignObservational research

Combining the two methods above, mixed methods research mixes elements of both qualitative and quantitative research methods, providing a comprehensive understanding of the research problem . We can further break these down into:

  • Sequential Explanatory Design (QUAN→QUAL): This methodology involves conducting quantitative analysis first, then supplementing it with a qualitative study.
  • Sequential Exploratory Design (QUAL→QUAN): This methodology goes in the other direction, starting with qualitative analysis and ending with quantitative analysis.

Let’s explore some methods and designs from both quantitative and qualitative traditions, starting with qualitative research methods.

Qualitative Research Methods

Qualitative research methods allow for the exploration of phenomena in their natural settings, providing detailed, descriptive responses and insights into individuals’ experiences and perceptions (Howitt, 2019).

These methods are useful when a detailed understanding of a phenomenon is sought.

1. Ethnographic Research

Ethnographic research emerged out of anthropological research, where anthropologists would enter into a setting for a sustained period of time, getting to know a cultural group and taking detailed observations.

Ethnographers would sometimes even act as participants in the group or culture, which many scholars argue is a weakness because it is a step away from achieving objectivity (Stokes & Wall, 2017).

In fact, at its most extreme version, ethnographers even conduct research on themselves, in a fascinating methodology call autoethnography .

The purpose is to understand the culture, social structure, and the behaviors of the group under study. It is often useful when researchers seek to understand shared cultural meanings and practices in their natural settings.

However, it can be time-consuming and may reflect researcher biases due to the immersion approach.

Pros of Ethnographic ResearchCons of Ethnographic Research
1. Provides deep cultural insights1. Time-consuming
2. Contextually relevant findings2. Potential researcher bias
3. Explores dynamic social processes3. May

Example of Ethnography

Liquidated: An Ethnography of Wall Street  by Karen Ho involves an anthropologist who embeds herself with Wall Street firms to study the culture of Wall Street bankers and how this culture affects the broader economy and world.

2. Phenomenological Research

Phenomenological research is a qualitative method focused on the study of individual experiences from the participant’s perspective (Tracy, 2019).

It focuses specifically on people’s experiences in relation to a specific social phenomenon ( see here for examples of social phenomena ).

This method is valuable when the goal is to understand how individuals perceive, experience, and make meaning of particular phenomena. However, because it is subjective and dependent on participants’ self-reports, findings may not be generalizable, and are highly reliant on self-reported ‘thoughts and feelings’.

Pros of Phenomenological ResearchCons of Phenomenological Research
1. Provides rich, detailed data1. Limited generalizability
2. Highlights personal experience and perceptions2. Data collection can be time-consuming
3. Allows exploration of complex phenomena3. Requires highly skilled researchers

Example of Phenomenological Research

A phenomenological approach to experiences with technology  by Sebnem Cilesiz represents a good starting-point for formulating a phenomenological study. With its focus on the ‘essence of experience’, this piece presents methodological, reliability, validity, and data analysis techniques that phenomenologists use to explain how people experience technology in their everyday lives.

3. Historical Research

Historical research is a qualitative method involving the examination of past events to draw conclusions about the present or make predictions about the future (Stokes & Wall, 2017).

As you might expect, it’s common in the research branches of history departments in universities.

This approach is useful in studies that seek to understand the past to interpret present events or trends. However, it relies heavily on the availability and reliability of source materials, which may be limited.

Common data sources include cultural artifacts from both material and non-material culture , which are then examined, compared, contrasted, and contextualized to test hypotheses and generate theories.

Pros of Historical ResearchCons of Historical Research
1. 1. Dependent on available sources
2. Can help understand current events or trends2. Potential bias in source materials
3. Allows the study of change over time3. Difficult to replicate

Example of Historical Research

A historical research example might be a study examining the evolution of gender roles over the last century. This research might involve the analysis of historical newspapers, advertisements, letters, and company documents, as well as sociocultural contexts.

4. Content Analysis

Content analysis is a research method that involves systematic and objective coding and interpreting of text or media to identify patterns, themes, ideologies, or biases (Schweigert, 2021).

A content analysis is useful in analyzing communication patterns, helping to reveal how texts such as newspapers, movies, films, political speeches, and other types of ‘content’ contain narratives and biases.

However, interpretations can be very subjective, which often requires scholars to engage in practices such as cross-comparing their coding with peers or external researchers.

Content analysis can be further broken down in to other specific methodologies such as semiotic analysis, multimodal analysis , and discourse analysis .

Pros of Content AnalysisCons of Content Analysis
1. Unobtrusive data collection1. Lacks contextual information
2. Allows for large sample analysis2. Potential coder bias
3. Replicable and reliable if done properly3. May overlook nuances

Example of Content Analysis

How is Islam Portrayed in Western Media?  by Poorebrahim and Zarei (2013) employs a type of content analysis called critical discourse analysis (common in poststructuralist and critical theory research ). This study by Poorebrahum and Zarei combs through a corpus of western media texts to explore the language forms that are used in relation to Islam and Muslims, finding that they are overly stereotyped, which may represent anti-Islam bias or failure to understand the Islamic world.

5. Grounded Theory Research

Grounded theory involves developing a theory  during and after  data collection rather than beforehand.

This is in contrast to most academic research studies, which start with a hypothesis or theory and then testing of it through a study, where we might have a null hypothesis (disproving the theory) and an alternative hypothesis (supporting the theory).

Grounded Theory is useful because it keeps an open mind to what the data might reveal out of the research. It can be time-consuming and requires rigorous data analysis (Tracy, 2019).

Pros of Grounded Theory ResearchCons of Grounded Theory Research
1. Helps with theory development1. Time-consuming
2. Rigorous data analysis2. Requires iterative data collection and analysis
3. Can fill gaps in existing theories3. Requires skilled researchers

Grounded Theory Example

Developing a Leadership Identity   by Komives et al (2005) employs a grounded theory approach to develop a thesis based on the data rather than testing a hypothesis. The researchers studied the leadership identity of 13 college students taking on leadership roles. Based on their interviews, the researchers theorized that the students’ leadership identities shifted from a hierarchical view of leadership to one that embraced leadership as a collaborative concept.

6. Action Research

Action research is an approach which aims to solve real-world problems and bring about change within a setting. The study is designed to solve a specific problem – or in other words, to take action (Patten, 2017).

This approach can involve mixed methods, but is generally qualitative because it usually involves the study of a specific case study wherein the researcher works, e.g. a teacher studying their own classroom practice to seek ways they can improve.

Action research is very common in fields like education and nursing where practitioners identify areas for improvement then implement a study in order to find paths forward.

Pros of Action ResearchCons of Action Research
1. Addresses real-world problems and seeks to find solutions.1. It is time-consuming and often hard to implement into a practitioner’s already busy schedule
2. Integrates research and action in an action-research cycle.2. Requires collaboration between researcher, practitioner, and research participants.
3. Can bring about positive change in isolated instances, such as in a school or nursery setting.3. Complexity of managing dual roles (where the researcher is also often the practitioner)

Action Research Example

Using Digital Sandbox Gaming to Improve Creativity Within Boys’ Writing   by Ellison and Drew was a research study one of my research students completed in his own classroom under my supervision. He implemented a digital game-based approach to literacy teaching with boys and interviewed his students to see if the use of games as stimuli for storytelling helped draw them into the learning experience.

7. Natural Observational Research

Observational research can also be quantitative (see: experimental research), but in naturalistic settings for the social sciences, researchers tend to employ qualitative data collection methods like interviews and field notes to observe people in their day-to-day environments.

This approach involves the observation and detailed recording of behaviors in their natural settings (Howitt, 2019). It can provide rich, in-depth information, but the researcher’s presence might influence behavior.

While observational research has some overlaps with ethnography (especially in regard to data collection techniques), it tends not to be as sustained as ethnography, e.g. a researcher might do 5 observations, every second Monday, as opposed to being embedded in an environment.

Pros of Qualitative Observational ResearchCons of Qualitative Observational Research
1. Captures behavior in natural settings, allowing for interesting insights into authentic behaviors. 1. Researcher’s presence may influence behavior
2. Can provide rich, detailed data through the researcher’s vignettes.2. Can be time-consuming
3. Non-invasive because researchers want to observe natural activities rather than interfering with research participants.3. Requires skilled and trained observers

Observational Research Example

A researcher might use qualitative observational research to study the behaviors and interactions of children at a playground. The researcher would document the behaviors observed, such as the types of games played, levels of cooperation , and instances of conflict.

8. Case Study Research

Case study research is a qualitative method that involves a deep and thorough investigation of a single individual, group, or event in order to explore facets of that phenomenon that cannot be captured using other methods (Stokes & Wall, 2017).

Case study research is especially valuable in providing contextualized insights into specific issues, facilitating the application of abstract theories to real-world situations (Patten, 2017).

However, findings from a case study may not be generalizable due to the specific context and the limited number of cases studied (Walliman, 2021).

Pros of Case Study ResearchCons of Case Study Research
1. Provides detailed insights1. Limited generalizability
2. Facilitates the study of complex phenomena2. Can be time-consuming
3. Can test or generate theories3. Subject to observer bias

See More: Case Study Advantages and Disadvantages

Example of a Case Study

Scholars conduct a detailed exploration of the implementation of a new teaching method within a classroom setting. The study focuses on how the teacher and students adapt to the new method, the challenges encountered, and the outcomes on student performance and engagement. While the study provides specific and detailed insights of the teaching method in that classroom, it cannot be generalized to other classrooms, as statistical significance has not been established through this qualitative approach.

Quantitative Research Methods

Quantitative research methods involve the systematic empirical investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques (Pajo, 2022). The focus is on gathering numerical data and generalizing it across groups of people or to explain a particular phenomenon.

9. Experimental Research

Experimental research is a quantitative method where researchers manipulate one variable to determine its effect on another (Walliman, 2021).

This is common, for example, in high-school science labs, where students are asked to introduce a variable into a setting in order to examine its effect.

This type of research is useful in situations where researchers want to determine causal relationships between variables. However, experimental conditions may not reflect real-world conditions.

Pros of Experimental ResearchCons of Experimental Research
1. Allows for determination of causality1. Might not reflect real-world conditions
2. Allows for the study of phenomena in highly controlled environments to minimize research contamination.2. Can be costly and time-consuming to create a controlled environment.
3. Can be replicated so other researchers can test and verify the results.3. Ethical concerns need to be addressed as the research is directly manipulating variables.

Example of Experimental Research

A researcher may conduct an experiment to determine the effects of a new educational approach on student learning outcomes. Students would be randomly assigned to either the control group (traditional teaching method) or the experimental group (new educational approach).

10. Surveys and Questionnaires

Surveys and questionnaires are quantitative methods that involve asking research participants structured and predefined questions to collect data about their attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, or characteristics (Patten, 2017).

Surveys are beneficial for collecting data from large samples, but they depend heavily on the honesty and accuracy of respondents.

They tend to be seen as more authoritative than their qualitative counterparts, semi-structured interviews, because the data is quantifiable (e.g. a questionnaire where information is presented on a scale from 1 to 10 can allow researchers to determine and compare statistical means, averages, and variations across sub-populations in the study).

Pros of Surveys and QuestionnairesCons of Surveys and Questionnaires
1. Data can be gathered from larger samples than is possible in qualitative research. 1. There is heavy dependence on respondent honesty
2. The data is quantifiable, allowing for comparison across subpopulations2. There is limited depth of response as opposed to qualitative approaches.
3. Can be cost-effective and time-efficient3. Static with no flexibility to explore responses (unlike semi- or unstrcutured interviewing)

Example of a Survey Study

A company might use a survey to gather data about employee job satisfaction across its offices worldwide. Employees would be asked to rate various aspects of their job satisfaction on a Likert scale. While this method provides a broad overview, it may lack the depth of understanding possible with other methods (Stokes & Wall, 2017).

11. Longitudinal Studies

Longitudinal studies involve repeated observations of the same variables over extended periods (Howitt, 2019). These studies are valuable for tracking development and change but can be costly and time-consuming.

With multiple data points collected over extended periods, it’s possible to examine continuous changes within things like population dynamics or consumer behavior. This makes a detailed analysis of change possible.

a visual representation of a longitudinal study demonstrating that data is collected over time on one sample so researchers can examine how variables change over time

Perhaps the most relatable example of a longitudinal study is a national census, which is taken on the same day every few years, to gather comparative demographic data that can show how a nation is changing over time.

While longitudinal studies are commonly quantitative, there are also instances of qualitative ones as well, such as the famous 7 Up study from the UK, which studies 14 individuals every 7 years to explore their development over their lives.

Pros of Longitudinal StudiesCons of Longitudinal Studies
1. Tracks changes over time allowing for comparison of past to present events.1. Is almost by definition time-consuming because time needs to pass between each data collection session.
2. Can identify sequences of events, but causality is often harder to determine.2. There is high risk of participant dropout over time as participants move on with their lives.

Example of a Longitudinal Study

A national census, taken every few years, uses surveys to develop longitudinal data, which is then compared and analyzed to present accurate trends over time. Trends a census can reveal include changes in religiosity, values and attitudes on social issues, and much more.

12. Cross-Sectional Studies

Cross-sectional studies are a quantitative research method that involves analyzing data from a population at a specific point in time (Patten, 2017). They provide a snapshot of a situation but cannot determine causality.

This design is used to measure and compare the prevalence of certain characteristics or outcomes in different groups within the sampled population.

A visual representation of a cross-sectional group of people, demonstrating that the data is collected at a single point in time and you can compare groups within the sample

The major advantage of cross-sectional design is its ability to measure a wide range of variables simultaneously without needing to follow up with participants over time.

However, cross-sectional studies do have limitations . This design can only show if there are associations or correlations between different variables, but cannot prove cause and effect relationships, temporal sequence, changes, and trends over time.

Pros of Cross-Sectional StudiesCons of Cross-Sectional Studies
1. Quick and inexpensive, with no long-term commitment required.1. Cannot determine causality because it is a simple snapshot, with no time delay between data collection points.
2. Good for descriptive analyses.2. Does not allow researchers to follow up with research participants.

Example of a Cross-Sectional Study

Our longitudinal study example of a national census also happens to contain cross-sectional design. One census is cross-sectional, displaying only data from one point in time. But when a census is taken once every few years, it becomes longitudinal, and so long as the data collection technique remains unchanged, identification of changes will be achievable, adding another time dimension on top of a basic cross-sectional study.

13. Correlational Research

Correlational research is a quantitative method that seeks to determine if and to what degree a relationship exists between two or more quantifiable variables (Schweigert, 2021).

This approach provides a fast and easy way to make initial hypotheses based on either positive or  negative correlation trends  that can be observed within dataset.

While correlational research can reveal relationships between variables, it cannot establish causality.

Methods used for data analysis may include statistical correlations such as Pearson’s or Spearman’s.

Pros of Correlational ResearchCons of Correlational Research
1. Reveals relationships between variables1. Cannot determine causality
2. Can use existing data2. May be
3. Can guide further experimental research3. Correlation may be coincidental

Example of Correlational Research

A team of researchers is interested in studying the relationship between the amount of time students spend studying and their academic performance. They gather data from a high school, measuring the number of hours each student studies per week and their grade point averages (GPAs) at the end of the semester. Upon analyzing the data, they find a positive correlation, suggesting that students who spend more time studying tend to have higher GPAs.

14. Quasi-Experimental Design Research

Quasi-experimental design research is a quantitative research method that is similar to experimental design but lacks the element of random assignment to treatment or control.

Instead, quasi-experimental designs typically rely on certain other methods to control for extraneous variables.

The term ‘quasi-experimental’ implies that the experiment resembles a true experiment, but it is not exactly the same because it doesn’t meet all the criteria for a ‘true’ experiment, specifically in terms of control and random assignment.

Quasi-experimental design is useful when researchers want to study a causal hypothesis or relationship, but practical or ethical considerations prevent them from manipulating variables and randomly assigning participants to conditions.

Pros Cons
1. It’s more feasible to implement than true experiments.1. Without random assignment, it’s harder to rule out confounding variables.
2. It can be conducted in real-world settings, making the findings more applicable to the real world.2. The lack of random assignment may of the study.
3. Useful when it’s unethical or impossible to manipulate the independent variable or randomly assign participants.3. It’s more difficult to establish a cause-effect relationship due to the potential for confounding variables.

Example of Quasi-Experimental Design

A researcher wants to study the impact of a new math tutoring program on student performance. However, ethical and practical constraints prevent random assignment to the “tutoring” and “no tutoring” groups. Instead, the researcher compares students who chose to receive tutoring (experimental group) to similar students who did not choose to receive tutoring (control group), controlling for other variables like grade level and previous math performance.

Related: Examples and Types of Random Assignment in Research

15. Meta-Analysis Research

Meta-analysis statistically combines the results of multiple studies on a specific topic to yield a more precise estimate of the effect size. It’s the gold standard of secondary research .

Meta-analysis is particularly useful when there are numerous studies on a topic, and there is a need to integrate the findings to draw more reliable conclusions.

Some meta-analyses can identify flaws or gaps in a corpus of research, when can be highly influential in academic research, despite lack of primary data collection.

However, they tend only to be feasible when there is a sizable corpus of high-quality and reliable studies into a phenomenon.

Pros Cons
Increased Statistical Power: By combining data from multiple studies, meta-analysis increases the statistical power to detect effects.Publication Bias: Studies with null or negative findings are less likely to be published, leading to an overestimation of effect sizes.
Greater Precision: It provides more precise estimates of effect sizes by reducing the influence of random error.Quality of Studies: of a meta-analysis depends on the quality of the studies included.
Resolving Discrepancies: Meta-analysis can help resolve disagreements between different studies on a topic.Heterogeneity: Differences in study design, sample, or procedures can introduce heterogeneity, complicating interpretation of results.

Example of a Meta-Analysis

The power of feedback revisited (Wisniewski, Zierer & Hattie, 2020) is a meta-analysis that examines 435 empirical studies research on the effects of feedback on student learning. They use a random-effects model to ascertain whether there is a clear effect size across the literature. The authors find that feedback tends to impact cognitive and motor skill outcomes but has less of an effect on motivational and behavioral outcomes.

Choosing a research method requires a lot of consideration regarding what you want to achieve, your research paradigm, and the methodology that is most valuable for what you are studying. There are multiple types of research methods, many of which I haven’t been able to present here. Generally, it’s recommended that you work with an experienced researcher or research supervisor to identify a suitable research method for your study at hand.

Hammond, M., & Wellington, J. (2020). Research methods: The key concepts . New York: Routledge.

Howitt, D. (2019). Introduction to qualitative research methods in psychology . London: Pearson UK.

Pajo, B. (2022). Introduction to research methods: A hands-on approach . New York: Sage Publications.

Patten, M. L. (2017). Understanding research methods: An overview of the essentials . New York: Sage

Schweigert, W. A. (2021). Research methods in psychology: A handbook . Los Angeles: Waveland Press.

Stokes, P., & Wall, T. (2017). Research methods . New York: Bloomsbury Publishing.

Tracy, S. J. (2019). Qualitative research methods: Collecting evidence, crafting analysis, communicating impact . London: John Wiley & Sons.

Walliman, N. (2021). Research methods: The basics. London: Routledge.

Chris

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Research methods--quantitative, qualitative, and more: overview.

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About Research Methods

This guide provides an overview of research methods, how to choose and use them, and supports and resources at UC Berkeley. 

As Patten and Newhart note in the book Understanding Research Methods , "Research methods are the building blocks of the scientific enterprise. They are the "how" for building systematic knowledge. The accumulation of knowledge through research is by its nature a collective endeavor. Each well-designed study provides evidence that may support, amend, refute, or deepen the understanding of existing knowledge...Decisions are important throughout the practice of research and are designed to help researchers collect evidence that includes the full spectrum of the phenomenon under study, to maintain logical rules, and to mitigate or account for possible sources of bias. In many ways, learning research methods is learning how to see and make these decisions."

The choice of methods varies by discipline, by the kind of phenomenon being studied and the data being used to study it, by the technology available, and more.  This guide is an introduction, but if you don't see what you need here, always contact your subject librarian, and/or take a look to see if there's a library research guide that will answer your question. 

Suggestions for changes and additions to this guide are welcome! 

START HERE: SAGE Research Methods

Without question, the most comprehensive resource available from the library is SAGE Research Methods.  HERE IS THE ONLINE GUIDE  to this one-stop shopping collection, and some helpful links are below:

  • SAGE Research Methods
  • Little Green Books  (Quantitative Methods)
  • Little Blue Books  (Qualitative Methods)
  • Dictionaries and Encyclopedias  
  • Case studies of real research projects
  • Sample datasets for hands-on practice
  • Streaming video--see methods come to life
  • Methodspace- -a community for researchers
  • SAGE Research Methods Course Mapping

Library Data Services at UC Berkeley

Library Data Services Program and Digital Scholarship Services

The LDSP offers a variety of services and tools !  From this link, check out pages for each of the following topics:  discovering data, managing data, collecting data, GIS data, text data mining, publishing data, digital scholarship, open science, and the Research Data Management Program.

Be sure also to check out the visual guide to where to seek assistance on campus with any research question you may have!

Library GIS Services

Other Data Services at Berkeley

D-Lab Supports Berkeley faculty, staff, and graduate students with research in data intensive social science, including a wide range of training and workshop offerings Dryad Dryad is a simple self-service tool for researchers to use in publishing their datasets. It provides tools for the effective publication of and access to research data. Geospatial Innovation Facility (GIF) Provides leadership and training across a broad array of integrated mapping technologies on campu Research Data Management A UC Berkeley guide and consulting service for research data management issues

General Research Methods Resources

Here are some general resources for assistance:

  • Assistance from ICPSR (must create an account to access): Getting Help with Data , and Resources for Students
  • Wiley Stats Ref for background information on statistics topics
  • Survey Documentation and Analysis (SDA) .  Program for easy web-based analysis of survey data.

Consultants

  • D-Lab/Data Science Discovery Consultants Request help with your research project from peer consultants.
  • Research data (RDM) consulting Meet with RDM consultants before designing the data security, storage, and sharing aspects of your qualitative project.
  • Statistics Department Consulting Services A service in which advanced graduate students, under faculty supervision, are available to consult during specified hours in the Fall and Spring semesters.

Related Resourcex

  • IRB / CPHS Qualitative research projects with human subjects often require that you go through an ethics review.
  • OURS (Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships) OURS supports undergraduates who want to embark on research projects and assistantships. In particular, check out their "Getting Started in Research" workshops
  • Sponsored Projects Sponsored projects works with researchers applying for major external grants.
  • Next: Quantitative Research >>
  • Last Updated: Sep 6, 2024 8:59 PM
  • URL: https://guides.lib.berkeley.edu/researchmethods

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Research Methods | Definition, Types, Examples

Research methods are specific procedures for collecting and analysing data. Developing your research methods is an integral part of your research design . When planning your methods, there are two key decisions you will make.

First, decide how you will collect data . Your methods depend on what type of data you need to answer your research question :

  • Qualitative vs quantitative : Will your data take the form of words or numbers?
  • Primary vs secondary : Will you collect original data yourself, or will you use data that have already been collected by someone else?
  • Descriptive vs experimental : Will you take measurements of something as it is, or will you perform an experiment?

Second, decide how you will analyse the data .

  • For quantitative data, you can use statistical analysis methods to test relationships between variables.
  • For qualitative data, you can use methods such as thematic analysis to interpret patterns and meanings in the data.

Table of contents

Methods for collecting data, examples of data collection methods, methods for analysing data, examples of data analysis methods, frequently asked questions about methodology.

Data are the information that you collect for the purposes of answering your research question . The type of data you need depends on the aims of your research.

Qualitative vs quantitative data

Your choice of qualitative or quantitative data collection depends on the type of knowledge you want to develop.

For questions about ideas, experiences and meanings, or to study something that can’t be described numerically, collect qualitative data .

If you want to develop a more mechanistic understanding of a topic, or your research involves hypothesis testing , collect quantitative data .

Qualitative
Quantitative .

You can also take a mixed methods approach, where you use both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Primary vs secondary data

Primary data are any original information that you collect for the purposes of answering your research question (e.g. through surveys , observations and experiments ). Secondary data are information that has already been collected by other researchers (e.g. in a government census or previous scientific studies).

If you are exploring a novel research question, you’ll probably need to collect primary data. But if you want to synthesise existing knowledge, analyse historical trends, or identify patterns on a large scale, secondary data might be a better choice.

Primary
Secondary

Descriptive vs experimental data

In descriptive research , you collect data about your study subject without intervening. The validity of your research will depend on your sampling method .

In experimental research , you systematically intervene in a process and measure the outcome. The validity of your research will depend on your experimental design .

To conduct an experiment, you need to be able to vary your independent variable , precisely measure your dependent variable, and control for confounding variables . If it’s practically and ethically possible, this method is the best choice for answering questions about cause and effect.

Descriptive
Experimental

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Research methods for collecting data
Research method Primary or secondary? Qualitative or quantitative? When to use
Primary Quantitative To test cause-and-effect relationships.
Primary Quantitative To understand general characteristics of a population.
Interview/focus group Primary Qualitative To gain more in-depth understanding of a topic.
Observation Primary Either To understand how something occurs in its natural setting.
Secondary Either To situate your research in an existing body of work, or to evaluate trends within a research topic.
Either Either To gain an in-depth understanding of a specific group or context, or when you don’t have the resources for a large study.

Your data analysis methods will depend on the type of data you collect and how you prepare them for analysis.

Data can often be analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. For example, survey responses could be analysed qualitatively by studying the meanings of responses or quantitatively by studying the frequencies of responses.

Qualitative analysis methods

Qualitative analysis is used to understand words, ideas, and experiences. You can use it to interpret data that were collected:

  • From open-ended survey and interview questions, literature reviews, case studies, and other sources that use text rather than numbers.
  • Using non-probability sampling methods .

Qualitative analysis tends to be quite flexible and relies on the researcher’s judgement, so you have to reflect carefully on your choices and assumptions.

Quantitative analysis methods

Quantitative analysis uses numbers and statistics to understand frequencies, averages and correlations (in descriptive studies) or cause-and-effect relationships (in experiments).

You can use quantitative analysis to interpret data that were collected either:

  • During an experiment.
  • Using probability sampling methods .

Because the data are collected and analysed in a statistically valid way, the results of quantitative analysis can be easily standardised and shared among researchers.

Research methods for analysing data
Research method Qualitative or quantitative? When to use
Quantitative To analyse data collected in a statistically valid manner (e.g. from experiments, surveys, and observations).
Meta-analysis Quantitative To statistically analyse the results of a large collection of studies.

Can only be applied to studies that collected data in a statistically valid manner.

Qualitative To analyse data collected from interviews, focus groups or textual sources.

To understand general themes in the data and how they are communicated.

Either To analyse large volumes of textual or visual data collected from surveys, literature reviews, or other sources.

Can be quantitative (i.e. frequencies of words) or qualitative (i.e. meanings of words).

Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings.

Quantitative methods allow you to test a hypothesis by systematically collecting and analysing data, while qualitative methods allow you to explore ideas and experiences in depth.

In mixed methods research , you use both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods to answer your research question .

A sample is a subset of individuals from a larger population. Sampling means selecting the group that you will actually collect data from in your research.

For example, if you are researching the opinions of students in your university, you could survey a sample of 100 students.

Statistical sampling allows you to test a hypothesis about the characteristics of a population. There are various sampling methods you can use to ensure that your sample is representative of the population as a whole.

The research methods you use depend on the type of data you need to answer your research question .

  • If you want to measure something or test a hypothesis , use quantitative methods . If you want to explore ideas, thoughts, and meanings, use qualitative methods .
  • If you want to analyse a large amount of readily available data, use secondary data. If you want data specific to your purposes with control over how they are generated, collect primary data.
  • If you want to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables , use experimental methods. If you want to understand the characteristics of a research subject, use descriptive methods.

Methodology refers to the overarching strategy and rationale of your research project . It involves studying the methods used in your field and the theories or principles behind them, in order to develop an approach that matches your objectives.

Methods are the specific tools and procedures you use to collect and analyse data (e.g. experiments, surveys , and statistical tests ).

In shorter scientific papers, where the aim is to report the findings of a specific study, you might simply describe what you did in a methods section .

In a longer or more complex research project, such as a thesis or dissertation , you will probably include a methodology section , where you explain your approach to answering the research questions and cite relevant sources to support your choice of methods.

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research types by method

How To Choose Your Research Methodology

Qualitative vs quantitative vs mixed methods.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA). Expert Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2021

Without a doubt, one of the most common questions we receive at Grad Coach is “ How do I choose the right methodology for my research? ”. It’s easy to see why – with so many options on the research design table, it’s easy to get intimidated, especially with all the complex lingo!

In this post, we’ll explain the three overarching types of research – qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods – and how you can go about choosing the best methodological approach for your research.

Overview: Choosing Your Methodology

Understanding the options – Qualitative research – Quantitative research – Mixed methods-based research

Choosing a research methodology – Nature of the research – Research area norms – Practicalities

Research methodology webinar

1. Understanding the options

Before we jump into the question of how to choose a research methodology, it’s useful to take a step back to understand the three overarching types of research – qualitative , quantitative and mixed methods -based research. Each of these options takes a different methodological approach.

Qualitative research utilises data that is not numbers-based. In other words, qualitative research focuses on words , descriptions , concepts or ideas – while quantitative research makes use of numbers and statistics. Qualitative research investigates the “softer side” of things to explore and describe, while quantitative research focuses on the “hard numbers”, to measure differences between variables and the relationships between them.

Importantly, qualitative research methods are typically used to explore and gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of a situation – to draw a rich picture . In contrast to this, quantitative methods are usually used to confirm or test hypotheses . In other words, they have distinctly different purposes. The table below highlights a few of the key differences between qualitative and quantitative research – you can learn more about the differences here.

  • Uses an inductive approach
  • Is used to build theories
  • Takes a subjective approach
  • Adopts an open and flexible approach
  • The researcher is close to the respondents
  • Interviews and focus groups are oftentimes used to collect word-based data.
  • Generally, draws on small sample sizes
  • Uses qualitative data analysis techniques (e.g. content analysis , thematic analysis , etc)
  • Uses a deductive approach
  • Is used to test theories
  • Takes an objective approach
  • Adopts a closed, highly planned approach
  • The research is disconnected from respondents
  • Surveys or laboratory equipment are often used to collect number-based data.
  • Generally, requires large sample sizes
  • Uses statistical analysis techniques to make sense of the data

Mixed methods -based research, as you’d expect, attempts to bring these two types of research together, drawing on both qualitative and quantitative data. Quite often, mixed methods-based studies will use qualitative research to explore a situation and develop a potential model of understanding (this is called a conceptual framework), and then go on to use quantitative methods to test that model empirically.

In other words, while qualitative and quantitative methods (and the philosophies that underpin them) are completely different, they are not at odds with each other. It’s not a competition of qualitative vs quantitative. On the contrary, they can be used together to develop a high-quality piece of research. Of course, this is easier said than done, so we usually recommend that first-time researchers stick to a single approach , unless the nature of their study truly warrants a mixed-methods approach.

The key takeaway here, and the reason we started by looking at the three options, is that it’s important to understand that each methodological approach has a different purpose – for example, to explore and understand situations (qualitative), to test and measure (quantitative) or to do both. They’re not simply alternative tools for the same job. 

Right – now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s look at how you can go about choosing the right methodology for your research.

Methodology choices in research

2. How to choose a research methodology

To choose the right research methodology for your dissertation or thesis, you need to consider three important factors . Based on these three factors, you can decide on your overarching approach – qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. Once you’ve made that decision, you can flesh out the finer details of your methodology, such as the sampling , data collection methods and analysis techniques (we discuss these separately in other posts ).

The three factors you need to consider are:

  • The nature of your research aims, objectives and research questions
  • The methodological approaches taken in the existing literature
  • Practicalities and constraints

Let’s take a look at each of these.

Factor #1: The nature of your research

As I mentioned earlier, each type of research (and therefore, research methodology), whether qualitative, quantitative or mixed, has a different purpose and helps solve a different type of question. So, it’s logical that the key deciding factor in terms of which research methodology you adopt is the nature of your research aims, objectives and research questions .

But, what types of research exist?

Broadly speaking, research can fall into one of three categories:

  • Exploratory – getting a better understanding of an issue and potentially developing a theory regarding it
  • Confirmatory – confirming a potential theory or hypothesis by testing it empirically
  • A mix of both – building a potential theory or hypothesis and then testing it

As a rule of thumb, exploratory research tends to adopt a qualitative approach , whereas confirmatory research tends to use quantitative methods . This isn’t set in stone, but it’s a very useful heuristic. Naturally then, research that combines a mix of both, or is seeking to develop a theory from the ground up and then test that theory, would utilize a mixed-methods approach.

Exploratory vs confirmatory research

Let’s look at an example in action.

If your research aims were to understand the perspectives of war veterans regarding certain political matters, you’d likely adopt a qualitative methodology, making use of interviews to collect data and one or more qualitative data analysis methods to make sense of the data.

If, on the other hand, your research aims involved testing a set of hypotheses regarding the link between political leaning and income levels, you’d likely adopt a quantitative methodology, using numbers-based data from a survey to measure the links between variables and/or constructs .

So, the first (and most important thing) thing you need to consider when deciding which methodological approach to use for your research project is the nature of your research aims , objectives and research questions. Specifically, you need to assess whether your research leans in an exploratory or confirmatory direction or involves a mix of both.

The importance of achieving solid alignment between these three factors and your methodology can’t be overstated. If they’re misaligned, you’re going to be forcing a square peg into a round hole. In other words, you’ll be using the wrong tool for the job, and your research will become a disjointed mess.

If your research is a mix of both exploratory and confirmatory, but you have a tight word count limit, you may need to consider trimming down the scope a little and focusing on one or the other. One methodology executed well has a far better chance of earning marks than a poorly executed mixed methods approach. So, don’t try to be a hero, unless there is a very strong underpinning logic.

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research types by method

Factor #2: The disciplinary norms

Choosing the right methodology for your research also involves looking at the approaches used by other researchers in the field, and studies with similar research aims and objectives to yours. Oftentimes, within a discipline, there is a common methodological approach (or set of approaches) used in studies. While this doesn’t mean you should follow the herd “just because”, you should at least consider these approaches and evaluate their merit within your context.

A major benefit of reviewing the research methodologies used by similar studies in your field is that you can often piggyback on the data collection techniques that other (more experienced) researchers have developed. For example, if you’re undertaking a quantitative study, you can often find tried and tested survey scales with high Cronbach’s alphas. These are usually included in the appendices of journal articles, so you don’t even have to contact the original authors. By using these, you’ll save a lot of time and ensure that your study stands on the proverbial “shoulders of giants” by using high-quality measurement instruments .

Of course, when reviewing existing literature, keep point #1 front of mind. In other words, your methodology needs to align with your research aims, objectives and questions. Don’t fall into the trap of adopting the methodological “norm” of other studies just because it’s popular. Only adopt that which is relevant to your research.

Factor #3: Practicalities

When choosing a research methodology, there will always be a tension between doing what’s theoretically best (i.e., the most scientifically rigorous research design ) and doing what’s practical , given your constraints . This is the nature of doing research and there are always trade-offs, as with anything else.

But what constraints, you ask?

When you’re evaluating your methodological options, you need to consider the following constraints:

  • Data access
  • Equipment and software
  • Your knowledge and skills

Let’s look at each of these.

Constraint #1: Data access

The first practical constraint you need to consider is your access to data . If you’re going to be undertaking primary research , you need to think critically about the sample of respondents you realistically have access to. For example, if you plan to use in-person interviews , you need to ask yourself how many people you’ll need to interview, whether they’ll be agreeable to being interviewed, where they’re located, and so on.

If you’re wanting to undertake a quantitative approach using surveys to collect data, you’ll need to consider how many responses you’ll require to achieve statistically significant results. For many statistical tests, a sample of a few hundred respondents is typically needed to develop convincing conclusions.

So, think carefully about what data you’ll need access to, how much data you’ll need and how you’ll collect it. The last thing you want is to spend a huge amount of time on your research only to find that you can’t get access to the required data.

Constraint #2: Time

The next constraint is time. If you’re undertaking research as part of a PhD, you may have a fairly open-ended time limit, but this is unlikely to be the case for undergrad and Masters-level projects. So, pay attention to your timeline, as the data collection and analysis components of different methodologies have a major impact on time requirements . Also, keep in mind that these stages of the research often take a lot longer than originally anticipated.

Another practical implication of time limits is that it will directly impact which time horizon you can use – i.e. longitudinal vs cross-sectional . For example, if you’ve got a 6-month limit for your entire research project, it’s quite unlikely that you’ll be able to adopt a longitudinal time horizon. 

Constraint #3: Money

As with so many things, money is another important constraint you’ll need to consider when deciding on your research methodology. While some research designs will cost near zero to execute, others may require a substantial budget .

Some of the costs that may arise include:

  • Software costs – e.g. survey hosting services, analysis software, etc.
  • Promotion costs – e.g. advertising a survey to attract respondents
  • Incentive costs – e.g. providing a prize or cash payment incentive to attract respondents
  • Equipment rental costs – e.g. recording equipment, lab equipment, etc.
  • Travel costs
  • Food & beverages

These are just a handful of costs that can creep into your research budget. Like most projects, the actual costs tend to be higher than the estimates, so be sure to err on the conservative side and expect the unexpected. It’s critically important that you’re honest with yourself about these costs, or you could end up getting stuck midway through your project because you’ve run out of money.

Budgeting for your research

Constraint #4: Equipment & software

Another practical consideration is the hardware and/or software you’ll need in order to undertake your research. Of course, this variable will depend on the type of data you’re collecting and analysing. For example, you may need lab equipment to analyse substances, or you may need specific analysis software to analyse statistical data. So, be sure to think about what hardware and/or software you’ll need for each potential methodological approach, and whether you have access to these.

Constraint #5: Your knowledge and skillset

The final practical constraint is a big one. Naturally, the research process involves a lot of learning and development along the way, so you will accrue knowledge and skills as you progress. However, when considering your methodological options, you should still consider your current position on the ladder.

Some of the questions you should ask yourself are:

  • Am I more of a “numbers person” or a “words person”?
  • How much do I know about the analysis methods I’ll potentially use (e.g. statistical analysis)?
  • How much do I know about the software and/or hardware that I’ll potentially use?
  • How excited am I to learn new research skills and gain new knowledge?
  • How much time do I have to learn the things I need to learn?

Answering these questions honestly will provide you with another set of criteria against which you can evaluate the research methodology options you’ve shortlisted.

So, as you can see, there is a wide range of practicalities and constraints that you need to take into account when you’re deciding on a research methodology. These practicalities create a tension between the “ideal” methodology and the methodology that you can realistically pull off. This is perfectly normal, and it’s your job to find the option that presents the best set of trade-offs.

Recap: Choosing a methodology

In this post, we’ve discussed how to go about choosing a research methodology. The three major deciding factors we looked at were:

  • Exploratory
  • Confirmatory
  • Combination
  • Research area norms
  • Hardware and software
  • Your knowledge and skillset

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. If you’d like a helping hand with your research methodology, check out our 1-on-1 research coaching service , or book a free consultation with a friendly Grad Coach.

research types by method

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Dr. Zara

Very useful and informative especially for beginners

Goudi

Nice article! I’m a beginner in the field of cybersecurity research. I am a Telecom and Network Engineer and Also aiming for PhD scholarship.

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I find the article very informative especially for my decitation it has been helpful and an eye opener.

Anna N Namwandi

Hi I am Anna ,

I am a PHD candidate in the area of cyber security, maybe we can link up

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The Examples shows by you, for sure they are really direct me and others to knows and practices the Research Design and prepration.

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I found the post very informative and practical.

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I struggle so much with designs of the research for sure!

Joyce

I’m the process of constructing my research design and I want to know if the data analysis I plan to present in my thesis defense proposal possibly change especially after I gathered the data already.

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Thank you so much this site is such a life saver. How I wish 1-1 coaching is available in our country but sadly it’s not.

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Home » Types of Research Methods

Types of Research Methods

When we talk about Types of Research Methods , we’re diving into the different ways researchers investigate and find answers to their questions. Think of research methods as tools in a toolbox, with each tool designed for a specific task.

Table of Contents

Types of Research Methods

1. Qualitative Research

Imagine you’re an explorer trying to understand the culture of a remote village. You wouldn’t just count things, like how many houses there are; instead, you’d want to know the stories, beliefs, and feelings of the people living there. That’s what Qualitative Research is like. It’s all about diving deep into experiences, emotions, and narratives to understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of human behavior. Researchers might conduct interviews, observe behaviors, or analyze texts and artworks to gather rich, detailed insights.

2. Quantitative Research

Now, imagine you’re a scientist wanting to know if a new medicine works better than an old one. You’d probably give some people the new medicine and others the old one, then count how many in each group get better. This is Quantitative Research . It deals with numbers and statistics to answer questions like ‘how many’ or ‘how much’. By collecting numerical data and analyzing it, researchers can identify patterns and relationships, often leading to generalizable findings.

3. Mixed Methods

Sometimes, just counting things or just listening to stories isn’t enough. You might need both to get the full picture. That’s where Mixed Methods come in. It’s like using both a magnifying glass and a telescope; you get to see the intricate details up close and the big picture from afar. Researchers use a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to benefit from the strengths of both, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem.

4. Descriptive Research

Let’s say you’re curious about the daily routines of high school students. In Descriptive Research , you’d observe and describe what you see without trying to change anything. This method involves detailed observations to accurately depict situations or phenomena. It’s like painting a detailed landscape where every element is noted, but you’re not trying to interpret the scene or change the landscape.

5. Experimental Research

Imagine you’re curious about whether listening to classical music while studying improves test scores. In Experimental Research , you’d create a controlled environment, divide your subjects into groups, and introduce a variable (like classical music) to one group but not the other. Then, you’d compare the outcomes. This method allows researchers to determine cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating variables and controlling for outside influences.

6. Correlational Research

Suppose you wonder if there’s a relationship between the time students spend on social media and their grades. In Correlational Research , you’d collect data on both aspects and analyze it to see if there’s a link. However, it’s crucial to remember that correlation doesn’t imply causation; just because two things are related doesn’t mean one causes the other.

7. Action Research

Imagine you’re a teacher who wants to improve student engagement in your classroom. Action Research involves identifying a problem, implementing a strategy to address it, observing the results, and adjusting your approach based on the findings. It’s a cyclical process that combines research with action, often used in education, healthcare, and organizational development to bring about change.

8. Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Research

Think of Longitudinal Research like taking a series of photographs of the same group of people every year to see how they change over time. It’s about observing the same subjects repeatedly over an extended period. On the other hand, Cross-Sectional Research is like taking a single snapshot of a diverse group at one moment in time to understand the current state of affairs. Each method has its strengths and is chosen based on the research question and available resources.

In summary, research methods are diverse, each suited to answering different types of questions. By selecting the appropriate method, researchers can gather the insights needed to advance our understanding of the world. Whether we’re exploring human behavior, testing new theories, or seeking to improve practices in various fields, these methods provide the foundation for building reliable and valuable knowledge.

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Research Methods: What are research methods?

  • What are research methods?
  • Searching specific databases

What are research methods

Research methods are the strategies, processes or techniques utilized in the collection of data or evidence for analysis in order to uncover new information or create better understanding of a topic.

There are different types of research methods which use different tools for data collection.

Types of research

  • Qualitative Research
  • Quantitative Research
  • Mixed Methods Research

Qualitative Research gathers data about lived experiences, emotions or behaviours, and the meanings individuals attach to them. It assists in enabling researchers to gain a better understanding of complex concepts, social interactions or cultural phenomena. This type of research is useful in the exploration of how or why things have occurred, interpreting events and describing actions.

Quantitative Research gathers numerical data which can be ranked, measured or categorised through statistical analysis. It assists with uncovering patterns or relationships, and for making generalisations. This type of research is useful for finding out how many, how much, how often, or to what extent.

Mixed Methods Research integrates both Q ualitative and Quantitative Research . It provides a holistic approach combining and analysing the statistical data with deeper contextualised insights. Using Mixed Methods also enables Triangulation,  or verification, of the data from two or more sources.

Finding Mixed Methods research in the Databases 

“mixed model*” OR “mixed design*” OR “multiple method*” OR multimethod* OR triangulat*

Data collection tools

Techniques or tools used for gathering research data include:

Qualitative Techniques or Tools Quantitative Techniques or Tools
: these can be structured, semi-structured or unstructured in-depth sessions with the researcher and a participant. Surveys or questionnaires: which ask the same questions to large numbers of participants or use Likert scales which measure opinions as numerical data.
: with several participants discussing a particular topic or a set of questions. Researchers can be facilitators or observers. Observation: which can either involve counting the number of times a specific phenomenon occurs, or the coding of observational data in order to translate it into numbers.
: On-site, in-context or role-play options. Document screening: sourcing numerical data from financial reports or counting word occurrences.
: Interrogation of correspondence (letters, diaries, emails etc) or reports. Experiments: testing hypotheses in laboratories, testing cause and effect relationships, through field experiments, or via quasi- or natural experiments.
: Remembrances or memories of experiences told to the researcher.  

SAGE research methods

  • SAGE research methods online This link opens in a new window Research methods tool to help researchers gather full-text resources, design research projects, understand a particular method and write up their research. Includes access to collections of video, business cases and eBooks,

Help and Information

Help and information

  • Next: Finding qualitative research >>
  • Last Updated: Aug 19, 2024 3:39 PM
  • URL: https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/researchmethods

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Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of Research

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A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of Research

research types by method

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: June 15, 2024

two researchers working in a laboratory

When embarking on a research project, selecting the right methodology can be the difference between success and failure. With various methods available, each suited to different types of research, it’s essential you make an informed choice. This blog post will provide tips on how to choose a research methodology that best fits your research goals .

We’ll start with definitions: Research is the systematic process of exploring, investigating, and discovering new information or validating existing knowledge. It involves defining questions, collecting data, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions.

Meanwhile, a research methodology is a structured plan that outlines how your research is to be conducted. A complete methodology should detail the strategies, processes, and techniques you plan to use for your data collection and analysis.

 a computer keyboard being worked by a researcher

Research Methods

The first step of a research methodology is to identify a focused research topic, which is the question you seek to answer. By setting clear boundaries on the scope of your research, you can concentrate on specific aspects of a problem without being overwhelmed by information. This will produce more accurate findings. 

Along with clarifying your research topic, your methodology should also address your research methods. Let’s look at the four main types of research: descriptive, correlational, experimental, and diagnostic.

Descriptive Research

Descriptive research is an approach designed to describe the characteristics of a population systematically and accurately. This method focuses on answering “what” questions by providing detailed observations about the subject. Descriptive research employs surveys, observational studies , and case studies to gather qualitative or quantitative data. 

A real-world example of descriptive research is a survey investigating consumer behavior toward a competitor’s product. By analyzing the survey results, the company can gather detailed insights into how consumers perceive a competitor’s product, which can inform their marketing strategies and product development.

Correlational Research

Correlational research examines the statistical relationship between two or more variables to determine whether a relationship exists. Correlational research is particularly useful when ethical or practical constraints prevent experimental manipulation. It is often employed in fields such as psychology, education, and health sciences to provide insights into complex real-world interactions, helping to develop theories and inform further experimental research.

An example of correlational research is the study of the relationship between smoking and lung cancer. Researchers observe and collect data on individuals’ smoking habits and the incidence of lung cancer to determine if there is a correlation between the two variables. This type of research helps identify patterns and relationships, indicating whether increased smoking is associated with higher rates of lung cancer.

Experimental Research

Experimental research is a scientific approach where researchers manipulate one or more independent variables to observe their effect on a dependent variable. This method is designed to establish cause-and-effect relationships. Fields like psychology , medicine, and social sciences frequently employ experimental research to test hypotheses and theories under controlled conditions. 

A real-world example of experimental research is Pavlov’s Dog experiment. In this experiment, Ivan Pavlov demonstrated classical conditioning by ringing a bell each time he fed his dogs. After repeating this process multiple times, the dogs began to salivate just by hearing the bell, even when no food was presented. This experiment helped to illustrate how certain stimuli can elicit specific responses through associative learning.

Diagnostic Research

Diagnostic research tries to accurately diagnose a problem by identifying its underlying causes. This type of research is crucial for understanding complex situations where a precise diagnosis is necessary for formulating effective solutions. It involves methods such as case studies and data analysis and often integrates both qualitative and quantitative data to provide a comprehensive view of the issue at hand. 

An example of diagnostic research is studying the causes of a specific illness outbreak. During an outbreak of a respiratory virus, researchers might conduct diagnostic research to determine the factors contributing to the spread of the virus. This could involve analyzing patient data, testing environmental samples, and evaluating potential sources of infection. The goal is to identify the root causes and contributing factors to develop effective containment and prevention strategies.

Using an established research method is imperative, no matter if you are researching for marketing , technology , healthcare , engineering, or social science. A methodology lends legitimacy to your research by ensuring your data is both consistent and credible. A well-defined methodology also enhances the reliability and validity of the research findings, which is crucial for drawing accurate and meaningful conclusions. 

Additionally, methodologies help researchers stay focused and on track, limiting the scope of the study to relevant questions and objectives. This not only improves the quality of the research but also ensures that the study can be replicated and verified by other researchers, further solidifying its scientific value.

a graphical depiction of the wide possibilities of research

How to Choose a Research Methodology

Choosing the best research methodology for your project involves several key steps to ensure that your approach aligns with your research goals and questions. Here’s a simplified guide to help you make the best choice.

Understand Your Goals

Clearly define the objectives of your research. What do you aim to discover, prove, or understand? Understanding your goals helps in selecting a methodology that aligns with your research purpose.

Consider the Nature of Your Data

Determine whether your research will involve numerical data, textual data, or both. Quantitative methods are best for numerical data, while qualitative methods are suitable for textual or thematic data.

Understand the Purpose of Each Methodology

Becoming familiar with the four types of research – descriptive, correlational, experimental, and diagnostic – will enable you to select the most appropriate method for your research. Many times, you will want to use a combination of methods to gather meaningful data. 

Evaluate Resources and Constraints

Consider the resources available to you, including time, budget, and access to data. Some methodologies may require more resources or longer timeframes to implement effectively.

Review Similar Studies

Look at previous research in your field to see which methodologies were successful. This can provide insights and help you choose a proven approach.

By following these steps, you can select a research methodology that best fits your project’s requirements and ensures robust, credible results.

Completing Your Research Project

Upon completing your research, the next critical step is to analyze and interpret the data you’ve collected. This involves summarizing the key findings, identifying patterns, and determining how these results address your initial research questions. By thoroughly examining the data, you can draw meaningful conclusions that contribute to the body of knowledge in your field. 

It’s essential that you present these findings clearly and concisely, using charts, graphs, and tables to enhance comprehension. Furthermore, discuss the implications of your results, any limitations encountered during the study, and how your findings align with or challenge existing theories.

Your research project should conclude with a strong statement that encapsulates the essence of your research and its broader impact. This final section should leave readers with a clear understanding of the value of your work and inspire continued exploration and discussion in the field.

Now that you know how to perform quality research , it’s time to get started! Applying the right research methodologies can make a significant difference in the accuracy and reliability of your findings. Remember, the key to successful research is not just in collecting data, but in analyzing it thoughtfully and systematically to draw meaningful conclusions. So, dive in, explore, and contribute to the ever-growing body of knowledge with confidence. Happy researching!

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Choosing an optimal research methodology is crucial for the success of any research project. The methodology you select will determine the type of data you collect, how you collect it, and how you analyse it. Understanding the different types of research methods available along with their strengths and weaknesses, is thus imperative to make an informed decision.

Understanding different research methods:

There are several research methods available depending on the type of study you are conducting, i.e., whether it is laboratory-based, clinical, epidemiological, or survey based . Some common methodologies include qualitative research, quantitative research, experimental research, survey-based research, and action research. Each method can be opted for and modified, depending on the type of research hypotheses and objectives.

Qualitative vs quantitative research:

When deciding on a research methodology, one of the key factors to consider is whether your research will be qualitative or quantitative. Qualitative research is used to understand people’s experiences, concepts, thoughts, or behaviours . Quantitative research, on the contrary, deals with numbers, graphs, and charts, and is used to test or confirm hypotheses, assumptions, and theories. 

Qualitative research methodology:

Qualitative research is often used to examine issues that are not well understood, and to gather additional insights on these topics. Qualitative research methods include open-ended survey questions, observations of behaviours described through words, and reviews of literature that has explored similar theories and ideas. These methods are used to understand how language is used in real-world situations, identify common themes or overarching ideas, and describe and interpret various texts. Data analysis for qualitative research typically includes discourse analysis, thematic analysis, and textual analysis. 

Quantitative research methodology:

The goal of quantitative research is to test hypotheses, confirm assumptions and theories, and determine cause-and-effect relationships. Quantitative research methods include experiments, close-ended survey questions, and countable and numbered observations. Data analysis for quantitative research relies heavily on statistical methods.

Analysing qualitative vs quantitative data:

The methods used for data analysis also differ for qualitative and quantitative research. As mentioned earlier, quantitative data is generally analysed using statistical methods and does not leave much room for speculation. It is more structured and follows a predetermined plan. In quantitative research, the researcher starts with a hypothesis and uses statistical methods to test it. Contrarily, methods used for qualitative data analysis can identify patterns and themes within the data, rather than provide statistical measures of the data. It is an iterative process, where the researcher goes back and forth trying to gauge the larger implications of the data through different perspectives and revising the analysis if required.

When to use qualitative vs quantitative research:

The choice between qualitative and quantitative research will depend on the gap that the research project aims to address, and specific objectives of the study. If the goal is to establish facts about a subject or topic, quantitative research is an appropriate choice. However, if the goal is to understand people’s experiences or perspectives, qualitative research may be more suitable. 

Conclusion:

In conclusion, an understanding of the different research methods available, their applicability, advantages, and disadvantages is essential for making an informed decision on the best methodology for your project. If you need any additional guidance on which research methodology to opt for, you can head over to Elsevier Author Services (EAS). EAS experts will guide you throughout the process and help you choose the perfect methodology for your research goals.

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Research Methodologies

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What are research methods?

Quantitative research methods, qualitative research methods, mixed method approach, selecting the best research method.

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Research methods are different from research methodologies because they are the ways in which you will collect the data for your research project.  The best method for your project largely depends on your topic, the type of data you will need, and the people or items from which you will be collecting data.  The following boxes below contain a list of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods.

  • Closed-ended questionnaires/survey: These types of questionnaires or surveys are like "multiple choice" tests, where participants must select from a list of premade answers.  According to the content of the question, they must select the one that they agree with the most.  This approach is the simplest form of quantitative research because the data is easy to combine and quantify.
  • Structured interviews: These are a common research method in market research because the data can be quantified.  They are strictly designed for little "wiggle room" in the interview process so that the data will not be skewed.  You can conduct structured interviews in-person, online, or over the phone (Dawson, 2019).

Constructing Questionnaires

When constructing your questions for a survey or questionnaire, there are things you can do to ensure that your questions are accurate and easy to understand (Dawson, 2019):

  • Keep the questions brief and simple.
  • Eliminate any potential bias from your questions.  Make sure that they do not word things in a way that favor one perspective over another.
  • If your topic is very sensitive, you may want to ask indirect questions rather than direct ones.  This prevents participants from being intimidated and becoming unwilling to share their true responses.
  • If you are using a closed-ended question, try to offer every possible answer that a participant could give to that question.
  • Do not ask questions that assume something of the participant.  The question "How often do you exercise?" assumes that the participant exercises (when they may not), so you would want to include a question that asks if they exercise at all before asking them how often.
  • Try and keep the questionnaire as short as possible.  The longer a questionnaire takes, the more likely the participant will not complete it or get too tired to put truthful answers.
  • Promise confidentiality to your participants at the beginning of the questionnaire.

Quantitative Research Measures

When you are considering a quantitative approach to your research, you need to identify why types of measures you will use in your study.  This will determine what type of numbers you will be using to collect your data.  There are four levels of measurement:

  • Nominal: These are numbers where the order of the numbers do not matter.  They aim to identify separate information.  One example is collecting zip codes from research participants.  The order of the numbers does not matter, but the series of numbers in each zip code indicate different information (Adamson and Prion, 2013).
  • Ordinal: Also known as rankings because the order of these numbers matter.  This is when items are given a specific rank according to specific criteria.  A common example of ordinal measurements include ranking-based questionnaires, where participants are asked to rank items from least favorite to most favorite.  Another common example is a pain scale, where a patient is asked to rank their pain on a scale from 1 to 10 (Adamson and Prion, 2013).
  • Interval: This is when the data are ordered and the distance between the numbers matters to the researcher (Adamson and Prion, 2013).  The distance between each number is the same.  An example of interval data is test grades.
  • Ratio: This is when the data are ordered and have a consistent distance between numbers, but has a "zero point."  This means that there could be a measurement of zero of whatever you are measuring in your study (Adamson and Prion, 2013).  An example of ratio data is measuring the height of something because the "zero point" remains constant in all measurements.  The height of something could also be zero.

Focus Groups

This is when a select group of people gather to talk about a particular topic.  They can also be called discussion groups or group interviews (Dawson, 2019).  They are usually lead by a moderator  to help guide the discussion and ask certain questions.  It is critical that a moderator allows everyone in the group to get a chance to speak so that no one dominates the discussion.  The data that are gathered from focus groups tend to be thoughts, opinions, and perspectives about an issue.

Advantages of Focus Groups

  • Only requires one meeting to get different types of responses.
  • Less researcher bias due to participants being able to speak openly.
  • Helps participants overcome insecurities or fears about a topic.
  • The researcher can also consider the impact of participant interaction.

Disadvantages of Focus Groups

  • Participants may feel uncomfortable to speak in front of an audience, especially if the topic is sensitive or controversial.
  • Since participation is voluntary, not every participant may contribute equally to the discussion.
  • Participants may impact what others say or think.
  • A researcher may feel intimidated by running a focus group on their own.
  • A researcher may need extra funds/resources to provide a safe space to host the focus group.
  • Because the data is collective, it may be difficult to determine a participant's individual thoughts about the research topic.

Observation

There are two ways to conduct research observations:

  • Direct Observation: The researcher observes a participant in an environment.  The researcher often takes notes or uses technology to gather data, such as a voice recorder or video camera.  The researcher does not interact or interfere with the participants.  This approach is often used in psychology and health studies (Dawson, 2019).
  • Participant Observation:  The researcher interacts directly with the participants to get a better understanding of the research topic.  This is a common research method when trying to understand another culture or community.  It is important to decide if you will conduct a covert (participants do not know they are part of the research) or overt (participants know the researcher is observing them) observation because it can be unethical in some situations (Dawson, 2019).

Open-Ended Questionnaires

These types of questionnaires are the opposite of "multiple choice" questionnaires because the answer boxes are left open for the participant to complete.  This means that participants can write short or extended answers to the questions.  Upon gathering the responses, researchers will often "quantify" the data by organizing the responses into different categories.  This can be time consuming because the researcher needs to read all responses carefully.

Semi-structured Interviews

This is the most common type of interview where researchers aim to get specific information so they can compare it to other interview data.  This requires asking the same questions for each interview, but keeping their responses flexible.  This means including follow-up questions if a subject answers a certain way.  Interview schedules are commonly used to aid the interviewers, which list topics or questions that will be discussed at each interview (Dawson, 2019).

Theoretical Analysis

Often used for nonhuman research, theoretical analysis is a qualitative approach where the researcher applies a theoretical framework to analyze something about their topic.  A theoretical framework gives the researcher a specific "lens" to view the topic and think about it critically. it also serves as context to guide the entire study.  This is a popular research method for analyzing works of literature, films, and other forms of media.  You can implement more than one theoretical framework with this method, as many theories complement one another.

Common theoretical frameworks for qualitative research are (Grant and Osanloo, 2014):

  • Behavioral theory
  • Change theory
  • Cognitive theory
  • Content analysis
  • Cross-sectional analysis
  • Developmental theory
  • Feminist theory
  • Gender theory
  • Marxist theory
  • Queer theory
  • Systems theory
  • Transformational theory

Unstructured Interviews

These are in-depth interviews where the researcher tries to understand an interviewee's perspective on a situation or issue.  They are sometimes called life history interviews.  It is important not to bombard the interviewee with too many questions so they can freely disclose their thoughts (Dawson, 2019).

  • Open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires: This approach means implementing elements of both questionnaire types into your data collection.  Participants may answer some questions with premade answers and write their own answers to other questions.  The advantage to this method is that you benefit from both types of data collection to get a broader understanding of you participants.  However, you must think carefully about how you will analyze this data to arrive at a conclusion.

Other mixed method approaches that incorporate quantitative and qualitative research methods depend heavily on the research topic.  It is strongly recommended that you collaborate with your academic advisor before finalizing a mixed method approach.

How do you determine which research method would be best for your proposal?  This heavily depends on your research objective.  According to Dawson (2019), there are several questions to ask yourself when determining the best research method for your project:

  • Are you good with numbers and mathematics?
  • Would you be interested in conducting interviews with human subjects?
  • Would you enjoy creating a questionnaire for participants to complete?
  • Do you prefer written communication or face-to-face interaction?
  • What skills or experiences do you have that might help you with your research?  Do you have any experiences from past research projects that can help with this one?
  • How much time do you have to complete the research?  Some methods take longer to collect data than others.
  • What is your budget?  Do you have adequate funding to conduct the research in the method you  want?
  • How much data do you need?  Some research topics need only a small amount of data while others may need significantly larger amounts.
  • What is the purpose of your research? This can provide a good indicator as to what research method will be most appropriate.
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FAQ: Research Design & Method

What is the difference between Research Design and Research Method?

Research design is a plan to answer your research question.  A research method is a strategy used to implement that plan.  Research design and methods are different but closely related, because good research design ensures that the data you obtain will help you answer your research question more effectively.

Which research method should I choose ?

It depends on your research goal.  It depends on what subjects (and who) you want to study.  Let's say you are interested in studying what makes people happy, or why some students are more conscious about recycling on campus.  To answer these questions, you need to make a decision about how to collect your data.  Most frequently used methods include:

  • Observation / Participant Observation
  • Focus Groups
  • Experiments
  • Secondary Data Analysis / Archival Study
  • Mixed Methods (combination of some of the above)

One particular method could be better suited to your research goal than others, because the data you collect from different methods will be different in quality and quantity.   For instance, surveys are usually designed to produce relatively short answers, rather than the extensive responses expected in qualitative interviews.

What other factors should I consider when choosing one method over another?

Time for data collection and analysis is something you want to consider.  An observation or interview method, so-called qualitative approach, helps you collect richer information, but it takes time.  Using a survey helps you collect more data quickly, yet it may lack details.  So, you will need to consider the time you have for research and the balance between strengths and weaknesses associated with each method (e.g., qualitative vs. quantitative).

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Types of Research Methods Explained with Examples

Research methods are the various strategies, techniques, and tools that researchers use to collect and analyze data . These methods help researchers find answers to their questions and gain a better understanding of different topics. Whether conducting experiments, surveys, or interviews, choosing the right research method is crucial for obtaining accurate and reliable results.

In the ever-evolving world of academia and professional inquiry, understanding the various research methods is crucial for anyone looking to delve into a new study or project. Research is a systematic investigation aimed at discovering and interpreting facts , plays a pivotal role in expanding our knowledge across various fields.

Table of Content

What is Research?

Types of research methods, types of research methodology, difference between qualitative and quantitative research.

This article will explore the different types of research methods , how they are used, and their importance in the world of research.

Research is the process of studying a subject in detail to discover new information or understand it better. This can be anything from studying plants or animals, to learning how people think and behave, to finding new ways to cure diseases. People do research by asking questions, collecting information, and then looking at that information to find answers or learn new things.

Research

This table provides a quick reference to understand the key aspects of each research type.

Research Methods Focus Methodology Applications
Qualitative Human behavior Interviews, Observations Social Sciences
Quantitative Data quantification Statistical Analysis Natural Sciences
Descriptive Phenomenon description Surveys, Observations Demographics
Analytical Underlying reasons Data Comparison Scientific Research
Applied Practical solutions Collaborative Research Healthcare
Fundamental Knowledge expansion Theoretical Research Physics, Math
Exploratory Undefined problems Secondary Research Product Development
Conclusive Decision-making Experiments, Testing Market Research

1. Qualitative Research

Qualitative research method is a methodological approach primarily used in fields like social sciences, anthropology, and psychology . It’s aimed at understanding human behavior and the motivations behind it. Qualitative research delves into the nature of phenomena through detailed, in-depth exploration.

Definition and Approach: Qualitative research focuses on understanding human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior. It involves in-depth analysis of non-numerical data like texts, videos, or audio recordings.

Key Features:

  • Emphasis on exploring complex phenomena
  • Involves interviews, focus groups , and observations
  • Generates rich, detailed data that are often subjective

Applications: Widely used in social sciences, marketing, and user experience research.

2. Quantitative Research

Quantitative research method is a systematic approach used in various scientific fields to quantify data and generalize findings from a sample to a larger population.

Definition and Approach: Quantitative research is centered around quantifying data and generalizing results from a sample to the population of interest. It involves statistical analysis and numerical data .

  • Relies on structured data collection instruments
  • Large sample sizes for generalizability
  • Statistical methods to establish relationships between variables

Applications: Common in natural sciences, economics, and market research.

3. Descriptive Research

Descriptive research is a type of research method that is used to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon being studied . It does not answer questions about how or why things are the way they are. Instead, it focuses on providing a snapshot of current conditions or describing what exists.

Definition and Approach: This Types of Research method aims to accurately describe characteristics of a particular phenomenon or population.

  • Provides detailed insights without explaining why or how something happens
  • Involves surveys and observations
  • Often used as a preliminary research method

Applications: Used in demographic studies, census, and organizational reporting.

4. Analytical Research

Analytical research is a type of research that s eeks to understand the underlying factors or causes behind phenomena or relationships . It goes beyond descriptive research by attempting to explain why things happen and how they happen.

Definition and Approach: Analytical research method goes beyond description to understand the underlying reasons or causes.

  • Involves comparing data and facts to make evaluations
  • Critical thinking is a key component
  • Often hypothesis-driven

Applications: Useful in scientific research, policy analysis, and business strategy.

5. Applied Research

Applied research is a type of scientific research method that aims to solve specific practical problems or address practical questions . Unlike fundamental research, which seeks to expand knowledge for knowledge’s sake, applied research is directed towards solving real-world issues .

Definition and Approach: Applied research focuses on finding solutions to practical problems.

  • Direct practical application
  • Often collaborative , involving stakeholders
  • Results are immediately applicable

Applications: Used in healthcare, engineering, and technology development.

6. Fundamental Research

Fundamental research, also known as basic research or pure research, is a type of scientific research method that aims to expand the existing knowledge base. It is driven by curiosity, interest in a particular subject, or the pursuit of knowledge for knowledge’s sake , rather than with a specific practical application in mind.

Definition and Approach: Also known as basic or pure research, it aims to expand knowledge without a direct application in mind.

  • Theoretical framework
  • Focus on understanding fundamental principles
  • Long-term in nature

Applications: Foundational in fields like physics, mathematics, and social sciences.

7. Exploratory Research

Exploratory research is a type of research method conducted for a problem that has not been clearly defined. Its primary goal is to gain insights and familiarity with the problem or to gain more information about a topic. Exploratory research is often conducted when a researcher or investigator does not know much about the issue and is looking to gather more information.

Definition and Approach: This type of research is conducted for a problem that has not been clearly defined.

  • Flexible and unstructured
  • Used to identify potential hypotheses
  • Relies on secondary research like reviewing available literature

Applications: Often the first step in social science research and product development.

8. Conclusive Research

Conclusive research, also known as confirmatory research, is a type of research method that aims to confirm or deny a hypotheses or provide answers to specific research questions. It is used to make conclusive decisions or draw conclusions about the relationships among variables.

Definition and Approach: Conclusive research is designed to provide information that is useful in decision-making.

  • Structured and methodical
  • Aims to test hypotheses
  • Involves experiments, surveys, and testing

Applications: Used in market research, clinical trials, and policy evaluations.

Here is detailed difference between the qualitative and quantitative research –

Focuses on exploring ideas, understanding concepts, and gathering insights. Involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to describe, predict, or control variables of interest.
To gain a deep understanding of underlying reasons, motivations, and opinions. To quantify data and generalize results from a sample to a larger population.
Non-numerical data such as words, images, or objects. Numerical data, often in the form of numbers and statistics.
Interviews, focus groups, observations, and review of documents or artifacts. Surveys, experiments, , and numerical measurements.
Interpretive, subjective analysis aimed at understanding context and complexity. Statistical, objective analysis focused on quantifying data and generalizing findings.
Descriptive, detailed narrative or thematic analysis. Statistical results, often presented in charts, tables, or graphs.
Generally smaller, focused on depth rather than breadth. Larger to ensure statistical significance and representativeness.
High flexibility in research design, allowing for changes as the study progresses. Structured and fixed design, with little room for changes once the study begins.
Exploratory, open-ended, and subjective. Conclusive, closed-ended, and objective.
Social sciences, humanities, psychology, and market research for understanding behaviors and experiences. Natural sciences, economics, and large-scale market research for testing hypotheses and making predictions.
Provides depth and detail, offers a more human touch and context, good for exploring new areas. Allows for a broader study, involving a greater number of subjects, and enhances generalizability of results.
Can be time-consuming, harder to generalize due to small sample size, and may be subject to researcher bias. May overlook the richness of context, less effective in understanding complex social phenomena.

Understanding the different types of research methods is crucial for anyone embarking on a research project. Each type has its unique approach, methodology, and application area, making it essential to choose the right type for your specific research question or problem. This guide serves as a starting point for researchers to explore and select the most suitable research method for their needs, ensuring effective and reliable outcomes.

Types of Research Methods – FAQs

What are the 4 main types of research methods.

There are four main types of Quantitative research:  Descriptive, Correlational, Causal-Comparative/Quasi-Experimental, and Experimental Research . attempts to establish cause- effect relationships among the variables. These types of design are very similar to true experiments, but with some key differences.

What are the 5 main purpose of research?

The primary purposes of basic research (as opposed to applied research) are  documentation, discovery, interpretation, and the research and development (R&D) of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge .

What are 7 C’s of research?

The 7 C’s define the principles that are essential for conducting rigorous and credible research. They are Curiosity, Clarity, Conciseness, Correctness, Completeness, Coherence, Credibility.
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Home » Research Methods » Qualitative Methods "How-To" Guides » Titles Available as e-Books

Qualitative Methods "How-To" Guides Edited by Patricia Leavy

This series provides researchers and students with step-by-step, practical instruction on established and emerging qualitative methods. Authors are leaders in their respective areas of expertise who demystify the research process and share innovative practices and invaluable insider advice. The basics of each method are addressed, including philosophical underpinnings, and guidance is offered on designing studies; generating, analyzing, interpreting, and representing data; and evaluating the quality of research. With accessible writing, robust examples, and ample pedagogical features, books in this series are ideal for use in courses or by individual researchers.

Titles Available as e-Books:

Re/Invention: Methods of Social Fiction

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Research Methods (Behavioural Science)

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Course details

The MA in Research Methods (Behavioural Science) is a Social Sciences & Health Faculty degree in which departments from across the University work together to deliver a tailored study programme that explores human behaviour through a research lens. It is primarily designed for students who plan to continue their graduate studies at PhD level in the broad area of behavioural science or work as a behavioural scientist or research psychologist. It is also relevant for students wishing to pursue careers in applied areas of behavioural science.

Students intending to have a career as a research psychologist need to acquire a high level of research skills at postgraduate level. Research methods training, co-ordinated through the Durham Research Methods Centre, therefore forms a central part of the MA course, including both quantitative and qualitative research methods. One third of the course is also devoted to the dissertation which may be carried out in any area of psychology related to development. The taught course modules include both generic and subject level components, providing an introduction to broad issues and methodological approaches in behavioural science and the social sciences.

Course structure

Core modules:.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Practices Across Social Research introduces the areas of contemporary social scientific research practice. You will develop an understanding of the intersection where philosophical, methodological and disciplinary contexts meet, including qualitative, quantitative, statistical, computational and historical programmes of research. You will also explore the various issues involved in the application of these methods inside and outside academia and will consider the ethical issues involved such as power and equality.

Qualitative Methods and Analysis supports your preparation for conducting qualitative research equipping you with the knowledge and skills to understand and appraise qualitative social sciences research, including different approaches to research and design and the analysis of qualitative data.

Advanced Topics in Behavioural Science covers a range of topics in the field of behavioural science including the history, background and development of research. The module offers the opportunity for a critical examination of seminal theoretical models and empirical studies, along with methodologies and techniques used for the study of behavioural science phenomena.

Quantitative Methods and Analysis develops your knowledge, critical understanding and skills in quantitative data analysis and teaches you how to use statistical techniques for exploration and description of data sets. You will also learn how to make appropriate statistical inferences about associations between social phenomena.

Advanced Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences teaches you a set of advanced statistical methods that are used across psychology and the behavioural sciences, equipping you with the skills to confidently identify appropriate statistical techniques and analyse data using relevant software across a range of different types of research.

The Dissertation enables you to design, implement, analyse and finally discuss an empirical project relevant to your field of study, giving you the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge you have acquired and to gain experience of collaborating with other researchers and undertaking research and project management. The Department provides excellent support and opportunities for conducting a significant piece of independent research.

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The course is delivered through a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical classes. Lectures provide key information on a particular topic related to research methods or behavioural science. Seminars are held in order that smaller group teaching can take place, with focused discussion on specific topics. Finally, practical and workshop classes allow you to gain direct experience, particularly in how to use statistical tools.

The balance of this type of activity varies as a function of the module. This is a one year course, with students having the summer term to work on dissertation related activities. You will typically attend approximately 12 hours a week comprising lectures, tutorials and seminars. Outside timetabled contact hours, you are also expected to undertake your own independent study to prepare for your classes and broaden your subject knowledge, as well as conduct your dissertation. Independent study is a key element to the course, with complex factors raised in lectures that do assume some prior knowledge of the topic area.

The course is divided into three parts. One third, comprising three modules, is of subject specific topics related to behavioural science. Across these modules, the material is delivered via a combination of lectures, seminars, practical workshops and discussions.

A further three modules focus on placing behavioural science in the larger framework of social science research and providing generic research skills, for example, qualitative and quantitative analysis skills.

The final third of the course is the dissertation, which reflects the culmination of learning and practical endeavours from throughout the course via the production of an independent and original body of research material. This is performed under supervision with a member of staff, with meetings varying in duration and frequency throughout the year as a function of the needs of the research project and student.

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  • What Is Qualitative Research? | Methods & Examples

What Is Qualitative Research? | Methods & Examples

Published on June 19, 2020 by Pritha Bhandari . Revised on September 5, 2024.

Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data (e.g., text, video, or audio) to understand concepts, opinions, or experiences. It can be used to gather in-depth insights into a problem or generate new ideas for research.

Qualitative research is the opposite of quantitative research , which involves collecting and analyzing numerical data for statistical analysis.

Qualitative research is commonly used in the humanities and social sciences, in subjects such as anthropology, sociology, education, health sciences, history, etc.

  • How does social media shape body image in teenagers?
  • How do children and adults interpret healthy eating in the UK?
  • What factors influence employee retention in a large organization?
  • How is anxiety experienced around the world?
  • How can teachers integrate social issues into science curriculums?

Table of contents

Approaches to qualitative research, qualitative research methods, qualitative data analysis, advantages of qualitative research, disadvantages of qualitative research, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about qualitative research.

Qualitative research is used to understand how people experience the world. While there are many approaches to qualitative research, they tend to be flexible and focus on retaining rich meaning when interpreting data.

Common approaches include grounded theory, ethnography , action research , phenomenological research, and narrative research. They share some similarities, but emphasize different aims and perspectives.

Qualitative research approaches
Approach What does it involve?
Grounded theory Researchers collect rich data on a topic of interest and develop theories .
Researchers immerse themselves in groups or organizations to understand their cultures.
Action research Researchers and participants collaboratively link theory to practice to drive social change.
Phenomenological research Researchers investigate a phenomenon or event by describing and interpreting participants’ lived experiences.
Narrative research Researchers examine how stories are told to understand how participants perceive and make sense of their experiences.

Note that qualitative research is at risk for certain research biases including the Hawthorne effect , observer bias , recall bias , and social desirability bias . While not always totally avoidable, awareness of potential biases as you collect and analyze your data can prevent them from impacting your work too much.

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Each of the research approaches involve using one or more data collection methods . These are some of the most common qualitative methods:

  • Observations: recording what you have seen, heard, or encountered in detailed field notes.
  • Interviews:  personally asking people questions in one-on-one conversations.
  • Focus groups: asking questions and generating discussion among a group of people.
  • Surveys : distributing questionnaires with open-ended questions.
  • Secondary research: collecting existing data in the form of texts, images, audio or video recordings, etc.
  • You take field notes with observations and reflect on your own experiences of the company culture.
  • You distribute open-ended surveys to employees across all the company’s offices by email to find out if the culture varies across locations.
  • You conduct in-depth interviews with employees in your office to learn about their experiences and perspectives in greater detail.

Qualitative researchers often consider themselves “instruments” in research because all observations, interpretations and analyses are filtered through their own personal lens.

For this reason, when writing up your methodology for qualitative research, it’s important to reflect on your approach and to thoroughly explain the choices you made in collecting and analyzing the data.

Qualitative data can take the form of texts, photos, videos and audio. For example, you might be working with interview transcripts, survey responses, fieldnotes, or recordings from natural settings.

Most types of qualitative data analysis share the same five steps:

  • Prepare and organize your data. This may mean transcribing interviews or typing up fieldnotes.
  • Review and explore your data. Examine the data for patterns or repeated ideas that emerge.
  • Develop a data coding system. Based on your initial ideas, establish a set of codes that you can apply to categorize your data.
  • Assign codes to the data. For example, in qualitative survey analysis, this may mean going through each participant’s responses and tagging them with codes in a spreadsheet. As you go through your data, you can create new codes to add to your system if necessary.
  • Identify recurring themes. Link codes together into cohesive, overarching themes.

There are several specific approaches to analyzing qualitative data. Although these methods share similar processes, they emphasize different concepts.

Qualitative data analysis
Approach When to use Example
To describe and categorize common words, phrases, and ideas in qualitative data. A market researcher could perform content analysis to find out what kind of language is used in descriptions of therapeutic apps.
To identify and interpret patterns and themes in qualitative data. A psychologist could apply thematic analysis to travel blogs to explore how tourism shapes self-identity.
To examine the content, structure, and design of texts. A media researcher could use textual analysis to understand how news coverage of celebrities has changed in the past decade.
To study communication and how language is used to achieve effects in specific contexts. A political scientist could use discourse analysis to study how politicians generate trust in election campaigns.

Qualitative research often tries to preserve the voice and perspective of participants and can be adjusted as new research questions arise. Qualitative research is good for:

  • Flexibility

The data collection and analysis process can be adapted as new ideas or patterns emerge. They are not rigidly decided beforehand.

  • Natural settings

Data collection occurs in real-world contexts or in naturalistic ways.

  • Meaningful insights

Detailed descriptions of people’s experiences, feelings and perceptions can be used in designing, testing or improving systems or products.

  • Generation of new ideas

Open-ended responses mean that researchers can uncover novel problems or opportunities that they wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.

Researchers must consider practical and theoretical limitations in analyzing and interpreting their data. Qualitative research suffers from:

  • Unreliability

The real-world setting often makes qualitative research unreliable because of uncontrolled factors that affect the data.

  • Subjectivity

Due to the researcher’s primary role in analyzing and interpreting data, qualitative research cannot be replicated . The researcher decides what is important and what is irrelevant in data analysis, so interpretations of the same data can vary greatly.

  • Limited generalizability

Small samples are often used to gather detailed data about specific contexts. Despite rigorous analysis procedures, it is difficult to draw generalizable conclusions because the data may be biased and unrepresentative of the wider population .

  • Labor-intensive

Although software can be used to manage and record large amounts of text, data analysis often has to be checked or performed manually.

If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

  • Chi square goodness of fit test
  • Degrees of freedom
  • Null hypothesis
  • Discourse analysis
  • Control groups
  • Mixed methods research
  • Non-probability sampling
  • Quantitative research
  • Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Research bias

  • Rosenthal effect
  • Implicit bias
  • Cognitive bias
  • Selection bias
  • Negativity bias
  • Status quo bias

Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings.

Quantitative methods allow you to systematically measure variables and test hypotheses . Qualitative methods allow you to explore concepts and experiences in more detail.

There are five common approaches to qualitative research :

  • Grounded theory involves collecting data in order to develop new theories.
  • Ethnography involves immersing yourself in a group or organization to understand its culture.
  • Narrative research involves interpreting stories to understand how people make sense of their experiences and perceptions.
  • Phenomenological research involves investigating phenomena through people’s lived experiences.
  • Action research links theory and practice in several cycles to drive innovative changes.

Data collection is the systematic process by which observations or measurements are gathered in research. It is used in many different contexts by academics, governments, businesses, and other organizations.

There are various approaches to qualitative data analysis , but they all share five steps in common:

  • Prepare and organize your data.
  • Review and explore your data.
  • Develop a data coding system.
  • Assign codes to the data.
  • Identify recurring themes.

The specifics of each step depend on the focus of the analysis. Some common approaches include textual analysis , thematic analysis , and discourse analysis .

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Publications, private and covert communications: fundamentals, methods, and applications, publication date, first quarter 2026, manuscript submission deadline, 15 april 2025, call for papers.

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With the proliferation of terminal devices in fifth-generation (5G) and upcoming sixth-generation (6G) wireless communications, modern society is becoming increasingly reliant on information transmission. Wireless communications offer convenience, but information privacy is increasingly critical and cannot be overlooked. Research into transmission security and privacy is advancing, particularly with the rise of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) era. Transmitted data often includes sensitive individual information, such as personal health and location data. In addition to ensuring the secrecy and integrity of transmitted information, there may be scenarios where a transmitter wishes to send messages over wireless networks without being detected. This is particularly important to protect the transmitter's privacy, especially in situations involving government and military operations where stealth is essential.

Private and covert communications aim to conceal the transmission's existence from adversarial wardens. They are also known as low probability of detection/intercept communications. By concealing the transmission within environmental or artificial noise, private and covert communications can offer a higher level of security to preserve the privacy compared to cryptography and physical layer security. Wardens are less likely to attempt decoding signals they are unaware of, thereby reducing the risk of detection and interception. Concealing wireless communication through covert methods has received significant research attention and has various applications. By leveraging inherent or man-made uncertainties such as background noise uncertainty, channel uncertainty, location uncertainty, artificial noise, and other factors, private and covert communications can degrade the detection performance of potential adversaries. 

Furthermore, research in private and covert communications has flourished across various applications, including cognitive radio, non-orthogonal multiple access, ultra-reliable and low-latency communications, IoT networks, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-assisted networks, remote networks, satellite networks, and more. The evolution of wireless technologies necessitates the evolution of methodologies for private and covert communications to introduce additional uncertainty and adapt to new security requirements in emerging applications and scenarios. This is crucial to counteract the increasing computational capabilities of potential adversaries.

Based on these observations, this Special Issue will provide a comprehensive collection of the state-of-the-art theory, design, optimization, and applications of private and covert communications. We solicit high-quality original research papers on topics including, but not limited to:

  • Fundamentals and methods of private and covert communications;
  • Novel uncertainty techniques for private and covert communications;
  • Information-theoretic limits of private and covert communications;
  • Tradeoff between transmission and covertness;
  • Potential attacks towards private and covert communications;
  • Privacy preservation via covert communications;
  • Multi-dimensional resource allocation for private and covert communications;
  • Private and Covert communications with imperfect channel state information;
  • Private and Covert communications towards active wardens;
  • Private and Covert communications with massive MIMO;
  • Private and Covert communications with multiple access;
  • Private and Covert communications for mmWave and Terahertz;
  • Private and Covert communications for visible optical communication;
  • Private and Covert communications with reconfigurable intelligent surfaces;
  • Private and Covert communications for integrated sensing and communication;
  • Private and Covert communications in space-air-ground-sea integrated networks;
  • Array signal processing for space-air-ground private and covert communications;
  • Private and Covert communications assisted satellite networks;
  • Private and Covert communications for UAV-assisted networks;
  • Private and Covert communications for IoT networks;
  • Artificial intelligence aided private and covert communications;
  • Other related topics for private and covert communications.

Submissions Guidelines

Prospective authors should submit their manuscripts following the IEEE JSAC  guidelines . Papers should be submitted through EDAS according to the following schedule.

Important Dates

Manuscript Submission Deadline: 15 April 2025  First Notification: 30 July 2025 Acceptance Notification: 1 November 2025 Final Manuscript Due: 15 November 2025 Planned Publication: First Quarter 2026

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Chengwen Xing Beijing Institute of Technology, China

Derrick Wing Kwan Ng University of New South Wales, Australia

Arumugam Nallanathan Queen Mary University of London, UK

George K. Karagiannidis Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Naofal Al-Dhahir University of Texas at Dallas, USA

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Research Method

Home » Research Techniques – Methods, Types and Examples

Research Techniques – Methods, Types and Examples

Table of Contents

Research Techniques

Research Techniques

Definition:

Research techniques refer to the various methods, processes, and tools used to collect, analyze, and interpret data for the purpose of answering research questions or testing hypotheses.

Methods of Research Techniques

The methods of research techniques refer to the overall approaches or frameworks that guide a research study, including the theoretical perspective, research design, sampling strategy, data collection and analysis techniques, and ethical considerations. Some common methods of research techniques are:

  • Quantitative research: This is a research method that focuses on collecting and analyzing numerical data to establish patterns, relationships, and cause-and-effect relationships. Examples of quantitative research techniques are surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis.
  • Qualitative research: This is a research method that focuses on collecting and analyzing non-numerical data, such as text, images, and videos, to gain insights into the subjective experiences and perspectives of the participants. Examples of qualitative research techniques are interviews, focus groups, and content analysis.
  • Mixed-methods research: This is a research method that combines quantitative and qualitative research techniques to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a research question. Examples of mixed-methods research techniques are surveys with open-ended questions and case studies with statistical analysis.
  • Action research: This is a research method that focuses on solving real-world problems by collaborating with stakeholders and using a cyclical process of planning, action, and reflection. Examples of action research techniques are participatory action research and community-based participatory research.
  • Experimental research : This is a research method that involves manipulating one or more variables to observe the effect on an outcome, to establish cause-and-effect relationships. Examples of experimental research techniques are randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs.
  • Observational research: This is a research method that involves observing and recording behavior or phenomena in natural settings to gain insights into the subject of study. Examples of observational research techniques are naturalistic observation and structured observation.

Types of Research Techniques

There are several types of research techniques used in various fields. Some of the most common ones are:

  • Surveys : This is a quantitative research technique that involves collecting data through questionnaires or interviews to gather information from a large group of people.
  • Experiments : This is a scientific research technique that involves manipulating one or more variables to observe the effect on an outcome, to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
  • Case studies: This is a qualitative research technique that involves in-depth analysis of a single case, such as an individual, group, or event, to understand the complexities of the case.
  • Observational studies : This is a research technique that involves observing and recording behavior or phenomena in natural settings to gain insights into the subject of study.
  • Content analysis: This is a research technique used to analyze text or other media content to identify patterns, themes, or meanings.
  • Focus groups: This is a research technique that involves gathering a small group of people to discuss a topic or issue and provide feedback on a product or service.
  • Meta-analysis: This is a statistical research technique that involves combining data from multiple studies to assess the overall effect of a treatment or intervention.
  • Action research: This is a research technique used to solve real-world problems by collaborating with stakeholders and using a cyclical process of planning, action, and reflection.
  • Interviews : Interviews are another technique used in research, and they can be conducted in person or over the phone. They are often used to gather in-depth information about an individual’s experiences or opinions. For example, a researcher might conduct interviews with cancer patients to learn more about their experiences with treatment.

Example of Research Techniques

Here’s an example of how research techniques might be used by a student conducting a research project:

Let’s say a high school student is interested in investigating the impact of social media on mental health. They could use a variety of research techniques to gather data and analyze their findings, including:

  • Literature review : The student could conduct a literature review to gather existing research studies, articles, and books that discuss the relationship between social media and mental health. This will provide a foundation of knowledge on the topic and help the student identify gaps in the research that they could address.
  • Surveys : The student could design and distribute a survey to gather information from a sample of individuals about their social media usage and how it affects their mental health. The survey could include questions about the frequency of social media use, the types of content consumed, and how it makes them feel.
  • Interviews : The student could conduct interviews with individuals who have experienced mental health issues and ask them about their social media use, and how it has impacted their mental health. This could provide a more in-depth understanding of how social media affects people on an individual level.
  • Data analysis : The student could use statistical software to analyze the data collected from the surveys and interviews. This would allow them to identify patterns and relationships between social media usage and mental health outcomes.
  • Report writing : Based on the findings from their research, the student could write a report that summarizes their research methods, findings, and conclusions. They could present their report to their peers or their teacher to share their insights on the topic.

Overall, by using a combination of research techniques, the student can investigate their research question thoroughly and systematically, and make meaningful contributions to the field of social media and mental health research.

Purpose of Research Techniques

The Purposes of Research Techniques are as follows:

  • To investigate and gain knowledge about a particular phenomenon or topic
  • To generate new ideas and theories
  • To test existing theories and hypotheses
  • To identify and evaluate potential solutions to problems
  • To gather data and evidence to inform decision-making
  • To identify trends and patterns in data
  • To explore cause-and-effect relationships between variables
  • To develop and refine measurement tools and methodologies
  • To establish the reliability and validity of research findings
  • To communicate research findings to others in a clear and concise manner.

Applications of Research Techniques

Here are some applications of research techniques:

  • Scientific research: to explore, investigate and understand natural phenomena, and to generate new knowledge and theories.
  • Market research: to collect and analyze data about consumer behavior, preferences, and trends, and to help businesses make informed decisions about product development, pricing, and marketing strategies.
  • Medical research : to study diseases and their treatments, and to develop new medicines, therapies, and medical technologies.
  • Social research : to explore and understand human behavior, attitudes, and values, and to inform public policy decisions related to education, health care, social welfare, and other areas.
  • Educational research : to study teaching and learning processes, and to develop effective teaching methods and instructional materials.
  • Environmental research: to investigate the impact of human activities on the environment, and to develop solutions to environmental problems.
  • Engineering Research: to design, develop, and improve products, processes, and systems, and to optimize their performance and efficiency.
  • Criminal justice research : to study crime patterns, causes, and prevention strategies, and to evaluate the effectiveness of criminal justice policies and programs.
  • Psychological research : to investigate human cognition, emotion, and behavior, and to develop interventions to address mental health issues.
  • Historical research: to study past events, societies, and cultures, and to develop an understanding of how they shape our present.

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OCR A-level Psychology - Research Methods Autumn Term Lessons, Activities, Revision and Assessment

OCR A-level Psychology - Research Methods Autumn Term Lessons, Activities, Revision and Assessment

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COMMENTS

  1. Research Methods

    Research methods are specific procedures for collecting and analyzing data. Developing your research methods is an integral part of your research design. When planning your methods, there are two key decisions you will make. First, decide how you will collect data. Your methods depend on what type of data you need to answer your research question:

  2. 15 Types of Research Methods

    These methods are useful when a detailed understanding of a phenomenon is sought. 1. Ethnographic Research. Ethnographic research emerged out of anthropological research, where anthropologists would enter into a setting for a sustained period of time, getting to know a cultural group and taking detailed observations.

  3. Research Methods

    Quantitative research methods are used to collect and analyze numerical data. This type of research is useful when the objective is to test a hypothesis, determine cause-and-effect relationships, and measure the prevalence of certain phenomena. Quantitative research methods include surveys, experiments, and secondary data analysis.

  4. Research Methods--Quantitative, Qualitative, and More: Overview

    About Research Methods. This guide provides an overview of research methods, how to choose and use them, and supports and resources at UC Berkeley. As Patten and Newhart note in the book Understanding Research Methods, "Research methods are the building blocks of the scientific enterprise. They are the "how" for building systematic knowledge.

  5. Types, Methods and Examples

    Research design: Research design refers to the overall plan and structure of the study, including the type of study (e.g., observational, experimental), the sampling strategy, and the data collection and analysis methods. Sampling strategy: Sampling strategy refers to the method used to select a representative sample of participants or units ...

  6. Research Methodology

    Qualitative Research Methodology. This is a research methodology that involves the collection and analysis of non-numerical data such as words, images, and observations. This type of research is often used to explore complex phenomena, to gain an in-depth understanding of a particular topic, and to generate hypotheses.

  7. Research Methods

    You can also take a mixed methods approach, where you use both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Primary vs secondary data. Primary data are any original information that you collect for the purposes of answering your research question (e.g. through surveys, observations and experiments). Secondary data are information that has already been collected by other researchers (e.g. in ...

  8. How To Choose The Right Research Methodology

    1. Understanding the options. Before we jump into the question of how to choose a research methodology, it's useful to take a step back to understand the three overarching types of research - qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods -based research. Each of these options takes a different methodological approach.

  9. What Is a Research Design

    A research design is a strategy for answering your research question using empirical data. Creating a research design means making decisions about: Your overall research objectives and approach. Whether you'll rely on primary research or secondary research. Your sampling methods or criteria for selecting subjects. Your data collection methods.

  10. Types of Research Designs Compared

    Other interesting articles. If you want to know more about statistics, methodology, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples. Statistics. Normal distribution. Skewness. Kurtosis. Degrees of freedom. Variance. Null hypothesis.

  11. Types of Research Methods

    Each method has its strengths and is chosen based on the research question and available resources. In summary, research methods are diverse, each suited to answering different types of questions. By selecting the appropriate method, researchers can gather the insights needed to advance our understanding of the world.

  12. Research Methods: What are research methods?

    What are research methods. Research methods are the strategies, processes or techniques utilized in the collection of data or evidence for analysis in order to uncover new information or create better understanding of a topic. There are different types of research methods which use different tools for data collection.

  13. A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of Research

    Understand the Purpose of Each Methodology. Becoming familiar with the four types of research - descriptive, correlational, experimental, and diagnostic - will enable you to select the most appropriate method for your research. Many times, you will want to use a combination of methods to gather meaningful data.

  14. Choosing the Right Research Methodology: A Guide

    Conclusion: Choosing an optimal research methodology is crucial for the success of any research project. The methodology you select will determine the type of data you collect, how you collect it, and how you analyse it. Understanding the different types of research methods available along with their strengths and weaknesses, is thus imperative ...

  15. What are research methods?

    Research methods are different from research methodologies because they are the ways in which you will collect the data for your research project. The best method for your project largely depends on your topic, the type of data you will need, and the people or items from which you will be collecting data.

  16. Types of Research Methods (With Best Practices and Examples)

    A research method is a type of research or a research tool, like an interview or survey, that you use to collect and evaluate data in pursuit of answers. Show Transcript Video: Types of Research: Definitions and Examples Data-informed decisions are critical to a successful business.

  17. Research Methods Guide: Research Design & Method

    Most frequently used methods include: Observation / Participant Observation. Surveys. Interviews. Focus Groups. Experiments. Secondary Data Analysis / Archival Study. Mixed Methods (combination of some of the above) One particular method could be better suited to your research goal than others, because the data you collect from different ...

  18. Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research

    When collecting and analyzing data, quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings. Both are important for gaining different kinds of knowledge. Quantitative research. Quantitative research is expressed in numbers and graphs. It is used to test or confirm theories and assumptions.

  19. Types of Research Methods Explained with Examples

    Results are immediately applicable. Applications: Used in healthcare, engineering, and technology development. 6. Fundamental Research. Fundamental research, also known as basic research or pure research, is a type of scientific research method that aims to expand the existing knowledge base.

  20. Research Methods > Qualitative Methods "How-To" Guides > Titles

    Qualitative Methods "How-To" Guides Edited by Patricia Leavy. This series provides researchers and students with step-by-step, practical instruction on established and emerging qualitative methods. Authors are leaders in their respective areas of expertise who demystify the research process and share innovative practices and invaluable insider ...

  21. Qualitative Research

    Qualitative Research. Qualitative research is a type of research methodology that focuses on exploring and understanding people's beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and experiences through the collection and analysis of non-numerical data. It seeks to answer research questions through the examination of subjective data, such as interviews, focus groups, observations, and textual analysis.

  22. Research Methods (Politics, International Relations, Security)

    It is designed to provide a strong all round training in research methods allied to further specialisation within the fields of politics, international relations and security for those intending to go on to register for a PhD. As such it implements the ESRC research training guidelines for '1+3' PhD students, and includes compulsory elements in ...

  23. Research Methods (Behavioural Science)

    Research methods training, co-ordinated through the Durham Research Methods Centre, therefore forms a central part of the MA course, including both quantitative and qualitative research methods. One third of the course is also devoted to the dissertation which may be carried out in any area of psychology related to development. The taught ...

  24. Home

    Welcome to the research guide for CJ 3170: Criminal Justice Research Methods! Following each Library session, notes and follow-up information will be listed here. Use the tabs on the left to select the session you need. At the end of each session, use the survey on the right to tell us what you need additional help with.

  25. NSF Award Search: Award # 2403932

    Although the benefit of qualitative research and design methods is clear in social sciences and other fields, little is known about the need and impact of adding qualitative methods training for engineering students and professionals. The curriculum for undergraduate engineering students is heavily focused on developing quantitative skills that ...

  26. What Is Qualitative Research?

    Qualitative research methods. Each of the research approaches involve using one or more data collection methods.These are some of the most common qualitative methods: Observations: recording what you have seen, heard, or encountered in detailed field notes. Interviews: personally asking people questions in one-on-one conversations. Focus groups: asking questions and generating discussion among ...

  27. Private and Covert Communications: Fundamentals, Methods, and

    Concealing wireless communication through covert methods has received significant research attention and has various applications. By leveraging inherent or man-made uncertainties such as background noise uncertainty, channel uncertainty, location uncertainty, artificial noise, and other factors, private and covert communications can degrade ...

  28. Research Techniques

    Some common methods of research techniques are: Quantitative research: This is a research method that focuses on collecting and analyzing numerical data to establish patterns, relationships, and cause-and-effect relationships. Examples of quantitative research techniques are surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis.

  29. L1‐type finite element method for time‐fractional diffusion‐wave

    The main research problem addressed in this article is the time-fractional diffusion-wave equation on nonuniform grids. We use the order reduction method and discrete complementary convolution kernel to discretize the Caputo derivative of the equation and obtain the L1-type finite element method on nonuniform grids.

  30. OCR A-level Psychology

    OCR A-level Psychology - Research Methods Autumn Term Lessons, Activities, Revision and Assessment. Covers: Experiments Variables Experimental Designs Sampling Aims and Hypotheses Validity and Reliability 35-mark Assessment Assessment Answers Assessment Feedback (in depth, question by question with examples) 22 files. Powerpoint for each lesson ...