Research design and methodology are two closely related terms that are often used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle but important distinction between the two.
Research design is the overall plan or blueprint for how a research study will be conducted. It outlines the steps that will be taken to answer the research question, including the type of data that will be collected, the methods of data collection, and the analysis techniques that will be used.
Research methodology is the broader philosophical approach to research that guides the choice of research design. It encompasses the underlying assumptions, values, and beliefs that inform the research process.
In other words, research design is the "how" of research, while research methodology is the "why."
Example
Suppose you are interested in studying the effects of a new drug on blood pressure. Your research question is: "What is the effect of drug X on blood pressure in patients with hypertension?"
Research design:
Type of study: Randomized controlled trial
Data collection methods: Measure blood pressure at baseline and after four weeks of treatment
Analysis techniques: Compare mean blood pressure changes between the treatment and control groups
Research methodology:
Philosophical approach: Positivist
Underlying assumptions: The world is objective and can be understood through scientific methods
Values: Objectivity, rigor, generalizability
In this example, the research design outlines the specific steps that will be taken to answer the research question, while the research methodology provides the philosophical framework for the study.
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Research Methodology: A researcher is interested in understanding motivations for charitable giving after natural disasters. Their research methodology relies on a qualitative approach using in-depth subject interviews to gather data and a grounded theory analysis. This outlines the planned approach and assumptions, but not the specifics.
Research Design: The research design includes developing a recruitment plan and criteria for selecting research subjects based on experience with charitable donations. Data will be gathered via 45-60 minute recorded interviews following an interview protocol with open-ended questions to prompt discussions of motivations and influences. Interview transcripts will be coded and analyzed using grounded theory techniques such as open, axial, and selective coding to derive conceptual theories related to disaster giving.
The methodology provides the broad framework while the research design operationalizes the specifics of how the research will be carried out.