Section: Research Methods | Library Skills

Topic outline

Main course page

Research Methods
Primary research methodologies can generally be categorised into quantitative or qualitative techniques, although sometimes a combined approach is used. It is important that you understand the difference between them, the advantages and disadvantages and when they would be appropriate to use. Whichever methods you select, you must justify your choice and explain how this relates to the literature that you have discussed in the literature review.

Qualitative Research - the way people feel or think

Journal accounts

Open-ended questionnaires

Unstructured interviews

Unstructured observations

Analysis is difficult

Quantitative Research - measured in units/statistical date

Rating scales

Polls

Experiment

Closed questions

Survey
- Quantitative Methods URL
- Qualitative Methods URL
- Qualitative Vs Quantitative URL
- Research Ethics
  
  Research Ethics is a world-wide set of principles governing the way any research involving interaction between the researcher and other humans or human tissue or data relating to humans, is designed, managed and conducted. In preparing a research project, the dignity, rights, safety and well-being of human participants must at all times be considered, respected and safeguarded.
- Ethical Considerations URL
- Writing Your Research Methodology
  
  The methodology section answers two main questions: How was the data collected or generated? And, how was it analysed? The writing should be direct and precise and always written in the past tense.
- Methodology Guide URL
- Your Literature Review

Topic outline

Research Methods

Research Ethics

Writing Your Research Methodology

Your Literature Review