Can anyone shed light on the difference between research method and methodology?
Thanks
I treat methods as specific, concrete techniques for collecting and analyzing data. In contrast, methodology addresses more abstract questions about the nature and uses of methods.
I personally like to consider method-ology in terms of its root words, so that it literally means the study of methods. In particular, I think one of the most important topics for methodology is study of how and why methods are used in the ways that they are.
I treat methods as specific, concrete techniques for collecting and analyzing data. In contrast, methodology addresses more abstract questions about the nature and uses of methods.
I personally like to consider method-ology in terms of its root words, so that it literally means the study of methods. In particular, I think one of the most important topics for methodology is study of how and why methods are used in the ways that they are.
I agree with David Morgan that research methodology embraces research methods in its concepts.
However, I look at research methods as being more specific to the underlying statistical techniques necessary to successfully ddress a research undertaking. Some texts on research methods actually focus more on data collection and statistical aspect.
I agree with David Morgan that Methodology embraces a lot more than just methods. However, I look at Methods as concerning more of statistical techniques. Some texts on research methods focus on just data collection and application of statistical techniques.
Good responses by David and Harold. However, Harold - you focus on statistical application which excludes qualitative approaches.
For me, methodology includes terms and processes that 'positions' the researcher and establishes their worldview - such as paradigms, frameworks, approaches etc. Parts of the earlier research process are required to establish methodology - such as the literature review and formulating research questions.
Method (or design) is more the 'doing' part of the determined methodology i.e. sample and settings, ethics, data collection and data analysis.
Thank you Shakeel ur Rehman for your question. "The methodology" is broader; it is about the research design, the framework, the basis for the Method to be used, also supportive evidence, theoretical basis, and approaches. "The Method" is about the fine details of what you did, described in a step-by-step with full details, and citations needed. An excellent method should enable other researchers to be able to reproduce work done. That is why this section is a vital component in a research paper.
The two terms are often used interchangeably. Method and Methodology could mean the same thing or different things, depending on how you look at it
Shakeel ur Rehman, there is another, very similar, question and set of answers on an RG thread that existed some time ago (sorry, I forget how long ago).
Perhaps try to track that down. It had some helpful posts.
To buttress Samy Azer explanation, we are familiar with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies AND in our articles, materials and methods/study methods. In our chosen research methodology, we implement research mthods in step by step manner in conducting our research.
Method is a technique , and procedure of doing something. For example, gathering research data by technique of direct observation, semi structure interview, etc. Where as methodology is a strategy of research design, a principle for carrying research. For example, Simulation research design, Interpretive historical research design. Case study research design, etc.
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