The methodology of the research will compose the methods in conducting the research. It is heavily anchored on the research paradigm of the study. The research paradigm will determine what data to collect — quantitative or qualitative. In turn, it will determine what instrument to gather those data.To maintain rigor of the research, the instrument must be tested on its validity and reliability. Validity test through experts and a test- retest will check its reliability.
The population of the subjects understudy must also be identified. When the population is too large to investigate, a sample will be drawn. A sample should be a representative of the population. Sample size is determined and the method of sampling is set. It depends on the study being conducted what sampling method will be used. It could be probability or non-probability sampling.
Methods for analysis of data depends much on the problems initially raised in the problem statement and the hypothesis formulated. If the research paradigm is positivist, statistical analysis is needed. The statistical treatment, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics appropriate for the problems and hypotheses should be determined and set. If the research paradigm is interpretivist, non-statistical analysis will be used.
The methodology of the study should be planned to execute the research seamlessly. If the methods are not properly anticipated, problems will arise along the way during the conduct of the study which will only waste the time, money, and effort invested in data gathering and conceptualization. Repeating the process is more difficult. Hence, do it right the first time, plan your methodology!
