There are terms used in research that sometimes overwhelms the students and are unable to differentiate them appropriately. A good example is research methodology and research methods. This article will explain in a simple way the difference between the two terms.

1. Research Methodology?

When an examiner poses a question on “explain your methodology”. Many times, students respond by stating, “the methods I will use to collect data” are…”. Methodology is broader than just the methods of data collection.

Research methodology is an explanation of methods that the researcher uses to answer the research questions. Methodology helps explain why particular methods and approaches are appropriate for answering the research question.

Research methodology can also be defined as the overall philosophical, theoretical and systematic approach that guides how a research study is conducted.

Research methodology concerns are the broader approach and reasoning behind the research. It addresses questions such as:

• Why was this paradigm selected?
• Why is a qualitative approach appropriate?
• Why is quantitative research appropriate?
• Why use mixed methods?
• Why use a particular research design?
• What are the theories of sampling used?
• Is the sample adequate for statistical manipulation?
• Are the data collection instruments selected consistent with the approach, paradigm and design?
• Why are the statistical tests selected appropriate?
• Are the questions of research coherent with the research questions?

2. Research Methods

Research methods are the specific techniques or procedures used to collect and analyse data. Examples include:

Data collection methods:

• Administration of Questionnaires;
• Interviews;
• Observations;
• Focus Group Discussions;
• Document analysis;

Data analysis methods

• Descriptive Statistics;
• Inferential Statistics
• Thematic Induction

The easiest way to remember

METHODS = WHAT YOU USE TO ANSWER THE RESEARCH QUESTION

METHODOLOGY = WHY AND HOW YOU USE IT

For example:

“I will use questionnaires.” That describes a method.

But:

“I will use a quantitative approach because the study seeks to determine the relationship between study habits and academic performance using measurable variables.” Questionnaires will be used to collect numerical data which will then be subjected to statistical analysis to determine the relationship between the two variables and to also predict the value of academic performance given different contexts of study habits. That is part of the methodological justification.

Let’s use an everyday analogy to distinguish between methodology and methods:

Imagine you want to travel from your house to the university.

Your destination is the university.

Your mode of transport to the university could be:

• car;
• train;
• bus; or
• aircraft.

The choice of the mode of transport depends on your purpose, resources, time and circumstances.

Similarly, in research:

Research question = destination

Research method = vehicle

Research methodology = reasoning behind choosing the vehicle and planning the journey

The Table below summarizes the flow of the research methodology and the research methods.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY An explanation of the methods used to answer research questions. These methods include the philosophy (paradigm), research design, sampling, data collection, data analysis
RESEARCH APPROACH Approach gives research a strategic direction. There are various approaches in research. The most common one is classification based on the design and the type of data collected. This gives rise to 3 approaches: Quantitative research approach, Qualitative research approach, Mixed/Multi-Method research approach. The approach is determined by the research paradigm/research philosophies adopted based on the philosophical assumptions: Positivist (Quantitative), Constructivism (Qualitative), Pragmatism (MMR)
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH APPROACH	QUALITATIVE RESEARCH APROACH
Type of data collected – Numerical	Type of data collected – Narrative
RESEARCH DESIGNS
Survey – can be correlational, cross-sectional and follow-up Ex-Post Facto Experimental – can be true or quasi	Case Study Phenomenology Grounded Theory Biography Ethnography
SAMPLING
Sampling in quantitative research approach is referred to as quantitative sampling designs/techniques / Random sampling techniques/design/ Probability sampling techniques/design The designs are: Simple random sampling Stratified random sampling Systematic random sampling Cluster sampling Multi-stage sampling	Sampling in qualitative research approach is referred to as qualitative sampling designs/techniques / Non-Random sampling techniques/design/ non-probability sampling techniques/design. The designs are: Convenience sampling Purposive sampling Snowball sampling Quota Sampling
DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURES / INSTRUMENTS
Questionnaire Interview Schedule Tests and Examinations Checklists* Likert scale* Observation schedule	The researcher. Assisted by Interview guide Focus Group Discussion Guide Observation Guide Document Analysis Guide
DATA ANALYSIS TECNIQUES
Statistics both descriptive and inferential statistics are used	Thematic Induction