Difference Between Research Methods and Methodology

As defined by Gina Wisker,

“Methods are the vehicles and processes used to gather data.”

“Methodology is the rationale and philosophical assumptions underlying a particular study rather than a collection of methods, though methodology leads to and informs the methods.”

Research methods, therefore, are the means, the instruments, or the tools a particular investigator chooses to accumulate the information required to answer his research question.

On the other hand, research methodology, in simpler terms is the manner or the approach the investigator adopts in answering his/her research question.

Research methodology is the strategy or the approach adopted by the researcher or investigator.

Methods of Data Collection

The common methods are:

Questionnaires
Interviews
Standardized Tests
Attitude Scales
Direct Observations
Experiments
Documents
Audio-visual Materials
Record reviews
Collection of email or electronic messages
Web-based/Internet Survey

These methods can be further classified into:

Quantitative Method: Questionnaires and surveys
Qualitative Methods: Interviews, Observations, life histories

M2:S6 - How To Read and Evaluate a Research Article

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