RESEARCH METHODS AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Is there any difference between research methods and research methodology?

Research methods

are the various procedures, schemes, algorithms, etc. used in research. All the methods used by a researcher during a research study are termed as research methods.

Methods refer to range of technique that are available to collect evidence about social world.

They are essentially planned, scientific and value-neutral.

They include theoretical procedures, experimental studies, numerical schemes, statistical approaches, etc.

Research methods help us collect samples, data and find a solution to a problem. Particularly, scientific research methods call for explanations based on collected facts, measurements and observations and not on reasoning alone.

They accept only those explanations which can be verified by experiments.

Research methodology

is a systematic way to solve problem.

It is a science of studying how research is to be carried out.

Essentially, the procedures by which researchers go about their work of describing, explaining and predicting phenomena are called research methodology.

It is also defined as the study of methods by which knowledge is gained.

Its aim is to give the work plan of research.

Methodology concerns research strategy as whole

There are a number of ways in which research methodology is defined by traditional scholars.A methodology involves presenting rules of procedure about matters such as collection of data and their analysis. These rules are impersonal in that they are meant to apply equally to all researchers.it is assumed that any two researchers who approach same problem should arrive at identical as long as neither infringes methodological rules.So individual bias is avoided from research process.

Importance of Research Methodology in Research Study

It is necessary for a researcher to design a methodology for the problem chosen.

One should note that even if the method considered in two problems are same the methodology may be different.

It is important for the researcher to know not only the research methods necessary for the research under taken but also the methodology.

For example, a researcher not only needs to know why Maoist resist against the political system,

how to find a solution to digital divide and its impact on achieving digital democracy,

how to determine the roots of mob violence in Country side and

how to apply a particular method for a social problem but also need to know

(i) Which is a suitable method for the chosen problem?,

(ii) What is the order of accuracy of the result of a method?,

(iii) What is the efficiency of the method? and so on.

Consideration of these aspects constitutes a research methodology.

More precisely, research methods help us get a solution to a problem.

On the other hand, research methodology is concerned with the explanation of the following:

(1) Why is a particular research study undertaken?

(2) How did one formulate a research problem?

(3) What types of data were collected?

(4) What particular method has been used?

(5) Why was a particular technique of analysis of data used?

The study of research methods gives training to apply them to a problem.

The study of research methodology provides us the necessary training in choosing methods, materials, scientific tools and training in techniques relevant for the problem chosen.

Teaching points prepared by Biju P R,Assitant Professor,Dept.of Political Science,GBC,Tly.