research approaches in research methodology

Research Approach

In the field of science different researchers may assign different meanings for the team research approach. In some publications you may see that research approach may imply methods of data collection and data analysis in general and differences between qualitative and quantitative methods in particular.

However, in our view research approach is best seen as a general plan and procedure for conducting the study. Accordingly, approach for the research can be divided into three categories:

Deductive approach
Inductive approach
Abductive approach

The relevance of hypotheses to the study is the main distinctive point between deductive and inductive approaches. Deductive approach tests the validity of assumptions (or theories/hypotheses) in hand, whereas inductive approach contributes to the emergence of new theories and generalizations. Abductive research, on the other hand, starts with ‘surprising facts’ or ‘puzzles’ and the research process is devoted their explanation. [1]

The following table illustrates the major differences between deductive, inductive and abductive research approaches in terms of logic, generaliability, use of data and theory. [2]

Differences between deductive, inductive and abductive approaches

Discussion of research approach is a vital part of any scientific study regardless of the research area. Within the methodology chapter of your dissertation, you need to explain the main differences between inductive, deductive and abductive approaches. Also, you need to specify the approach you have adopted for your research by breaking down your arguments into several points.

Let me explain the research approach for a following study:

Effects of labour migration within the EU on the formation of multicultural teams in Dutch private sector organizations

Deductive Approach

If you have formulated a set of hypotheses for your dissertation that need to be confirmed or rejected during the research process you would be following a deductive approach. In deductive approach, the effects of labour migration within the EU are assessed by developing hypotheses that are tested during the research process.

Dissertations with deductive approach follow the following path:

Deductive process in research approach

The following hypotheses can be developed in order to assess the effects of labour migration within the EU on the formation of multicultural teams in Dutch private sector organizations using a deductive approach:

Hypothesis: Labour migration within the EU contributes to the formation of multicultural teams in Dutch private sector organizations

The whole research process will be devoted to testing this hypothesis. The hypothesis will be proved right or wrong by the end of the research process.

Inductive Approach

Alternatively, inductive approach does not involve formulation of hypotheses. It starts with research questions and aims and objectives that need to be achieved during the research process.

Inductive studies follow the route below:

Inductive process in research approach

Referring to the example above, the effects of labour migration within the EU on the formation of multicultural teams in Dutch private sector organizations can be assessed through finding answers to the following research questions:

Research question: How does labour migration within the EU effect the formation of multicultural teams in Dutch private sector organizations ?

The research process will focus on finding answer to this research question. Answer to the research question to be found by the end of the research process will imply generating a new theory related to the research problem.

Abductive Approach

In abductive approach, the research process is devoted to explanation of ‘incomplete observations’, ‘surprising facts’ or ‘puzzles’ specified at the beginning of the study. Referring to the same research topic, you may observe that labour migration within the EU was actually decreasing the extent of cross-cultural differences within teams in Dutch private sector organizations.

In this case your study can be devoted to the explanation of this phenomenon by using qualitative and/or quantitative methods of data collection and data analysis in an integrated manner.

My e-book, The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Dissertation in Business Studies: a step by step assistance contains discussions of theory and application of research approaches. The e-book also explains all stages of the research process starting from the selection of the research area to writing personal reflection. Important elements of dissertations such as research philosophy , research design , methods of data collection , data analysis and sampling are explained in this e-book in simple words.

John Dudovskiy

[1] Bryman A. & Bell, E. (2015) “Business Research Methods” 4 th edition, Oxford University Press, p.27

[2] Source: Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2012) “Research Methods for Business Students” 6 th edition, Pearson Education Limited

Home » Research Methodology – Types, Examples and writing Guide

Research Methodology – Types, Examples and writing Guide

Table of Contents

Research methodology is the backbone of any scientific or academic study, outlining the specific strategies and tools used to collect, analyze, and interpret data. A well-defined research methodology ensures that a study is conducted systematically, yielding reliable and valid results. This article explores the concept of research methodology, its various types, practical examples, and a step-by-step guide to writing a methodology section.

Research Methodology

Research methodology refers to the systematic plan and approach employed in a study to answer research questions or test hypotheses. It defines the tools, techniques, and procedures used to collect and analyze data, ensuring the research is structured and replicable.

For example, a study exploring the impact of remote learning on student performance might use surveys to collect data and statistical analysis to evaluate the findings.

Importance of Research Methodology

Clarity and Focus: Provides a clear roadmap for the study, ensuring alignment with research objectives.
Reliability: Ensures the study’s results can be replicated and trusted.
Validity: Confirms that the methods used are appropriate for answering the research questions.
Transparency: Allows others to evaluate the study’s credibility and rigor.
Adaptability: Enables adjustments to the research process if unforeseen challenges arise.

Research Methodology Structure

1. introduction.

The introduction provides an overview of the research methodology, explaining its purpose and relevance to the study. It briefly outlines the chosen approach (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods) and justifies its suitability for addressing the research questions or hypotheses.

Example: “This research employs a mixed-methods approach to explore the impact of remote work on employee productivity, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.”

2. Research Design

This section describes the overall framework or design of the study. Common research designs include experimental, descriptive, correlational, or exploratory. The design should align with the research objectives and questions.

Type of design (e.g., experimental, case study, longitudinal).
Justification for the selected design.
Example: “A descriptive research design was chosen to investigate patterns of online shopping behavior among millennials during the pandemic.”

3. Data Collection Methods

Detail the methods and tools used to gather data. This includes the type of data (primary or secondary) and the specific techniques employed.

Data sources (e.g., surveys, interviews, observations, archival records).
Instruments or tools used (e.g., questionnaires, scales, software).
Procedures for data collection.
Example: “Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires distributed online, while secondary data was sourced from industry reports and previous research studies.”

4. Sampling

Explain the sampling method used to select participants or data points for the study. Include the sample size, criteria for inclusion or exclusion, and sampling technique.

Sampling population.
Sampling technique (e.g., random, stratified, purposive).
Rationale for the chosen sample size.
Example: “A stratified random sampling method was employed to ensure representation across age groups. The final sample comprised 200 participants aged 18–60.”

5. Data Analysis Techniques

Describe the techniques or tools used to analyze the collected data. This section should differentiate between qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods.

Quantitative analysis: statistical tools (e.g., SPSS, regression analysis).
Qualitative analysis: thematic analysis, coding, or content analysis.
Software or tools used (e.g., NVivo, Excel, Python).
Example: “Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS software for descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data was thematically coded using NVivo to identify recurring patterns.”

6. Ethical Considerations

Discuss the ethical measures taken to ensure participant safety and data integrity. Ethical considerations reflect the study’s adherence to moral and professional standards.

Informed consent from participants.
Confidentiality and data security.
Approval from an institutional review board (IRB).
Example: “All participants provided informed consent, and their anonymity was ensured by assigning unique identification codes. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at XYZ University.”

7. Limitations of the Methodology

Acknowledge any methodological limitations that may affect the validity or reliability of the results.

Constraints such as sample size, geographic scope, or time frame.
Potential biases or challenges.
Example: “The study’s primary limitation was the reliance on self-reported data, which may be subject to response bias.”

8. Justification of Methodology

Provide a rationale for choosing specific methods and tools over alternatives. This reinforces the credibility of the methodology and its alignment with research objectives.

Explanation of why chosen methods are appropriate.
Comparison with other possible methods.
Example: “The mixed-methods approach was selected to capture both numerical trends and in-depth personal experiences, ensuring a holistic understanding of the research problem.”

9. Operational Definitions (Optional)

Define key terms or concepts used in the study to ensure clarity and consistency.

Example: “For this study, ‘remote work productivity’ refers to the number of tasks completed within standard working hours, as self-reported by participants.”

Types of Research Methodology

1. qualitative research methodology.

Qualitative methodology focuses on understanding human experiences, behaviors, and social phenomena. It uses non-numerical data and is often exploratory.

Subjective and descriptive.
Data collected through interviews, focus groups, or observations.
Analyzes themes, patterns, and narratives.
Example: A study exploring teachers’ perceptions of remote learning challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. Quantitative Research Methodology

Quantitative methodology focuses on measuring and analyzing numerical data to test hypotheses or answer research questions. It is often used for studies requiring statistical analysis.

Objective and structured.
Data collected through surveys, experiments, or secondary datasets.
Statistical methods used for data analysis.
Example: Examining the relationship between study hours and academic performance among high school students.

3. Mixed Methods Research Methodology

Mixed methods combine qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of a research problem.

Integrates numerical data with detailed narratives.
Offers both breadth and depth in analysis.
Often uses sequential or concurrent designs.
Example: Investigating how healthcare workers perceive telemedicine (qualitative) and evaluating patient satisfaction scores (quantitative).

4. Descriptive Research Methodology

Descriptive research aims to describe characteristics, phenomena, or trends in a specific population or setting.

Non-experimental.
Data collected through surveys, case studies, or observations.
Focuses on “what” rather than “why” or “how.”
Example: Surveying college students to understand their preferred learning platforms.

5. Experimental Research Methodology

Experimental research investigates cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating variables and observing outcomes.

Involves control and experimental groups.
Uses randomization to reduce bias.
Common in natural and social sciences.
Example: Testing the effectiveness of a new drug on reducing symptoms compared to a placebo.

6. Correlational Research Methodology

Correlational research examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them.

Identifies positive, negative, or no correlation.
Cannot establish causation.
Data often collected through surveys or secondary datasets.
Example: Analyzing the correlation between screen time and sleep quality among teenagers.

Examples of Research Methodology

1. education.

Topic: The effectiveness of project-based learning on student engagement.
Methodology: Mixed methods involving student surveys (quantitative) and teacher interviews (qualitative).

2. Healthcare

Topic: The impact of physical activity on managing type 2 diabetes.
Methodology: Quantitative approach using clinical trials to measure blood glucose levels.

3. Business

Topic: Factors influencing employee job satisfaction in remote work environments.
Methodology: Descriptive research using online surveys to collect data from employees across industries.

4. Environmental Studies

Topic: The effect of urbanization on local biodiversity.
Methodology: Descriptive research involving field observations and quantitative data analysis of species populations.

How to Write the Methodology Section

Step 1: provide an overview.

Begin by explaining the overall research approach (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods) and justifying its suitability for addressing the research questions.

Example: “This study employs a mixed-methods approach to explore the impact of remote work on employee productivity. The combination of quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews provides a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.”

Step 2: Describe the Research Design

Outline the specific design used, such as experimental, descriptive, or correlational, and explain why it was chosen.

Example: “A correlational design was selected to analyze the relationship between screen time and sleep quality among high school students.”

Step 3: Detail the Data Collection Methods

Explain how data was collected, including tools, instruments, and procedures.

Example: “Data was collected using an online survey distributed to 500 participants. The survey included closed-ended questions measuring job satisfaction and open-ended questions capturing employee experiences.”

Step 4: Specify the Sampling Method

Describe the sampling strategy, including sample size, selection criteria, and sampling technique (e.g., random, stratified, convenience).

Example: “A stratified sampling technique was employed to ensure representation across different age groups. The final sample included 200 respondents aged 18–60.”

Step 5: Describe Data Analysis Techniques

Explain the methods used to analyze the data, whether statistical or thematic.

Example: “Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS software, employing descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Qualitative data from interviews was thematically coded to identify patterns and themes.”

Step 6: Address Ethical Considerations

Discuss ethical measures such as informed consent, confidentiality, and data security.

Example: “All participants provided informed consent, and data was anonymized to maintain confidentiality. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board.”

Step 7: Justify Your Choices

Provide a rationale for selecting the chosen methods and explain their relevance to the research objectives.

Example: “The use of surveys allowed for efficient data collection from a large sample, while interviews provided in-depth insights into individual experiences.”

Tips for Writing a Strong Methodology Section

Be Detailed and Specific: Provide enough detail to allow replication of your study.
Maintain Objectivity: Use neutral language and avoid subjective statements.
Link to Objectives: Ensure all methods align with the study’s research questions or hypotheses.
Use Subheadings: Organize the section into clear subsections for readability.
Cite Sources: Reference any tools, instruments, or previous studies that informed your methodology.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Lack of Clarity: Ambiguous descriptions can confuse readers and undermine credibility.
Insufficient Detail: Omitting key steps or procedures can make the study irreproducible.
Ignoring Limitations: Failing to acknowledge methodological limitations reduces transparency.
Misalignment with Objectives: Methods that do not address the research questions weaken the study’s validity.

The research methodology is a vital component of any study, laying the foundation for credible and reliable results. By selecting the appropriate type—whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods—and providing a clear, detailed explanation of the processes involved, researchers can ensure that their work is both rigorous and replicable. Following the writing guide and addressing common mistakes will help create a robust methodology section, contributing to the overall strength and impact of the research.

Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.
Babbie, E. (2020). The Practice of Social Research . Cengage Learning.
Bryman, A. (2016). Social Research Methods . Oxford University Press.
Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods: Integrating Theory and Practice . Sage Publications.
Flick, U. (2018). An Introduction to Qualitative Research . Sage Publications.