Research methods

What are research methods?

Research methods refer to the systematic approaches and techniques used to collect, analyze, and interpret data to answer research questions or test hypotheses. These methods help ensure that research is conducted rigorously, providing reliable and valid results.

Research methods are typically categorized into two main types:

1. Qualitative Research Methods:

   • Focus on understanding phenomena in-depth, exploring experiences, behaviors, and meanings.

   • Common methods include interviews, focus groups, case studies, and ethnography.

   • Data is often non-numerical (e.g., textual, visual, or descriptive data).

2. Quantitative Research Methods:

   • It involves collecting and analyzing numerical data to identify patterns, relationships, or trends.

   • Common methods include surveys, experiments, statistical analysis, and longitudinal studies.

   • Data is typically structured and analyzed using statistical techniques.

The choice of research method depends on the research question, objectives, and the nature of the data being studied. Both qualitative and quantitative methods can be used in combination, often referred to as mixed-methods research, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem.