08 - Research Methodology

Research Methodology

  • Systematically solve the research problem.

  • Science of studying how research is done scientifically. (C.R. Kothary, 2004)


Guidelines in Writing Research Methodology

  1. Two purposes in mind:

    • Replicate

    • Evaluate

  2. Scientific method: Reproducible results, provide basis for repetition of study by others.

  3. Tools utilized are valid and reliable.

  4. Flaws usually result to rejection in publication.

  5. Several subsections. Number depends on the format of the institution or target journal.

  6. Ensure no section will be missed.


Research Design

  • Discuss approach and design used in study

    • Approach: Qualitative & Quantitative

    • Design: Phenomenology, Experimental, Descriptive

  • Justified reseaon why design was chosen

  • Appropriate solutions or answers to any problem or questions.


Research Site and Sampling/Research Locale

  • Describe geographic characteristics of the place of study.

  • Anonymity.

  • Reason why specific locale was chosen.

  • The locale must be fit to address the needs of the study.


Population and Sampling / Key Informant Selection

  • Demographic characteristics of respondents.

  • Describe sampling technique used.

  • Enumerate inclusion and exclusion criteria used in selection of participants.

  • For animal samples, genus and species must be specified.

  • Specify condition of animals (i.e. pregnant, castrated, etc.)


Research Instruments

  • Each instrument or questionnaire used must be described in detail.

  • Mention number of parts, question types, number of items, and which item will answer specific question.

  • Whether instrument is borrowed or made, it must be stated.

  • Borrowed questionnaires must secure permission to use from original author.

  • Mention validity and reliability testing were done.

  • For used equipment and materials, describe exactly and the sources of materials or specimen.

  • Modifications to equipment must be describe in detail.


Data Collection

  • Step-by-step process explained by the researcher.

  • For experimental studies, methods used should be stated exactly, references to standard recipes in other will suffice.

  • For subjects exposed to intervention, it must be described in detail.

  • The type of intervention, its design, who designed it, duration and frequency of exposure, how observations will be measured, and who will measure the observations needs to be explained.

  • Chronological order of presentation of methods.

  • If methods are new, provide all details required to repeat the methods.

  • For method previously published, only the name of the method and literature reference are needed to be cited.


Data Analysis

  1. Thematic Analysis

  • Method of analyzing qualitative data.

  • Applied to a set of text, such as interview or transcipts.

  • Identify common themes - topics, ideas, and patterns that come up repeatedly.

  • 6 Step Process:

    • Familiarization

    • Coding

    • Generating Themes

    • Reviewing Themes

    • Defining and Naming Themes

    • Writing up


Research Ethics / Ethical Consideration

  • Attest that the study conducted with consideration to human rights.

  • Enumerate ethical principles in the study, how it was maintained, including ethical board reviews or permission on animal usage.