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Final Exam Review for Research Methodology (RES301)

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research proposal is a comprehensive plan for a research project. It is a written description of a research plan that has to be undertaken. It determines the specific areas of research, states the purpose, scope, methodology, overall organization and limitations of the study. It also estimates its requirements for equipment (if necessary), finance and possible personnel.

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Home » Research Methodology – Types, Examples and writing Guide

Research Methodology – Types, Examples and writing Guide

Table of Contents

Research Methodology

Research Methodology

Definition:

Research Methodology refers to the systematic and scientific approach used to conduct research, investigate problems, and gather data and information for a specific purpose. It involves the techniques and procedures used to identify, collect , analyze , and interpret data to answer research questions or solve research problems . Moreover, They are philosophical and theoretical frameworks that guide the research process.

Structure of Research Methodology

Research methodology formats can vary depending on the specific requirements of the research project, but the following is a basic example of a structure for a research methodology section:

I. Introduction

  • Provide an overview of the research problem and the need for a research methodology section
  • Outline the main research questions and objectives

II. Research Design

  • Explain the research design chosen and why it is appropriate for the research question(s) and objectives
  • Discuss any alternative research designs considered and why they were not chosen
  • Describe the research setting and participants (if applicable)

III. Data Collection Methods

  • Describe the methods used to collect data (e.g., surveys, interviews, observations)
  • Explain how the data collection methods were chosen and why they are appropriate for the research question(s) and objectives
  • Detail any procedures or instruments used for data collection

IV. Data Analysis Methods

  • Describe the methods used to analyze the data (e.g., statistical analysis, content analysis )
  • Explain how the data analysis methods were chosen and why they are appropriate for the research question(s) and objectives
  • Detail any procedures or software used for data analysis

V. Ethical Considerations

  • Discuss any ethical issues that may arise from the research and how they were addressed
  • Explain how informed consent was obtained (if applicable)
  • Detail any measures taken to ensure confidentiality and anonymity

VI. Limitations

  • Identify any potential limitations of the research methodology and how they may impact the results and conclusions

VII. Conclusion

  • Summarize the key aspects of the research methodology section
  • Explain how the research methodology addresses the research question(s) and objectives

Research Methodology Types

Types of Research Methodology are as follows:

Quantitative Research Methodology

This is a research methodology that involves the collection and analysis of numerical data using statistical methods. This type of research is often used to study cause-and-effect relationships and to make predictions.

Qualitative Research Methodology

This is a research methodology that involves the collection and analysis of non-numerical data such as words, images, and observations. This type of research is often used to explore complex phenomena, to gain an in-depth understanding of a particular topic, and to generate hypotheses.

Mixed-Methods Research Methodology

This is a research methodology that combines elements of both quantitative and qualitative research. This approach can be particularly useful for studies that aim to explore complex phenomena and to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a particular topic.

Case Study Research Methodology

This is a research methodology that involves in-depth examination of a single case or a small number of cases. Case studies are often used in psychology, sociology, and anthropology to gain a detailed understanding of a particular individual or group.

Action Research Methodology

This is a research methodology that involves a collaborative process between researchers and practitioners to identify and solve real-world problems. Action research is often used in education, healthcare, and social work.

Experimental Research Methodology

This is a research methodology that involves the manipulation of one or more independent variables to observe their effects on a dependent variable. Experimental research is often used to study cause-and-effect relationships and to make predictions.

Survey Research Methodology

This is a research methodology that involves the collection of data from a sample of individuals using questionnaires or interviews. Survey research is often used to study attitudes, opinions, and behaviors.

Grounded Theory Research Methodology

This is a research methodology that involves the development of theories based on the data collected during the research process. Grounded theory is often used in sociology and anthropology to generate theories about social phenomena.

Research Methodology Example

An Example of Research Methodology could be the following:

Research Methodology for Investigating the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Depression in Adults

Introduction:

The aim of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing symptoms of depression in adults. To achieve this objective, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted using a mixed-methods approach.

Research Design:

The study will follow a pre-test and post-test design with two groups: an experimental group receiving CBT and a control group receiving no intervention. The study will also include a qualitative component, in which semi-structured interviews will be conducted with a subset of participants to explore their experiences of receiving CBT.

Participants:

Participants will be recruited from community mental health clinics in the local area. The sample will consist of 100 adults aged 18-65 years old who meet the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group.

Intervention :

The experimental group will receive 12 weekly sessions of CBT, each lasting 60 minutes. The intervention will be delivered by licensed mental health professionals who have been trained in CBT. The control group will receive no intervention during the study period.

Data Collection:

Quantitative data will be collected through the use of standardized measures such as the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Data will be collected at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. Qualitative data will be collected through semi-structured interviews with a subset of participants from the experimental group. The interviews will be conducted at the end of the intervention period, and will explore participants’ experiences of receiving CBT.

Data Analysis:

Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and mixed-model analyses of variance (ANOVA) to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common themes and patterns in participants’ experiences of receiving CBT.

Ethical Considerations:

This study will comply with ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects. Participants will provide informed consent before participating in the study, and their privacy and confidentiality will be protected throughout the study. Any adverse events or reactions will be reported and managed appropriately.

Data Management:

All data collected will be kept confidential and stored securely using password-protected databases. Identifying information will be removed from qualitative data transcripts to ensure participants’ anonymity.

Limitations:

One potential limitation of this study is that it only focuses on one type of psychotherapy, CBT, and may not generalize to other types of therapy or interventions. Another limitation is that the study will only include participants from community mental health clinics, which may not be representative of the general population.

Conclusion:

This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of CBT in reducing symptoms of depression in adults. By using a randomized controlled trial and a mixed-methods approach, the study will provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the relationship between CBT and depression. The results of this study will have important implications for the development of effective treatments for depression in clinical settings.

How to Write Research Methodology

Writing a research methodology involves explaining the methods and techniques you used to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. It’s an essential section of any research paper or thesis, as it helps readers understand the validity and reliability of your findings. Here are the steps to write a research methodology:

  • Start by explaining your research question: Begin the methodology section by restating your research question and explaining why it’s important. This helps readers understand the purpose of your research and the rationale behind your methods.
  • Describe your research design: Explain the overall approach you used to conduct research. This could be a qualitative or quantitative research design, experimental or non-experimental, case study or survey, etc. Discuss the advantages and limitations of the chosen design.
  • Discuss your sample: Describe the participants or subjects you included in your study. Include details such as their demographics, sampling method, sample size, and any exclusion criteria used.
  • Describe your data collection methods : Explain how you collected data from your participants. This could include surveys, interviews, observations, questionnaires, or experiments. Include details on how you obtained informed consent, how you administered the tools, and how you minimized the risk of bias.
  • Explain your data analysis techniques: Describe the methods you used to analyze the data you collected. This could include statistical analysis, content analysis, thematic analysis, or discourse analysis. Explain how you dealt with missing data, outliers, and any other issues that arose during the analysis.
  • Discuss the validity and reliability of your research : Explain how you ensured the validity and reliability of your study. This could include measures such as triangulation, member checking, peer review, or inter-coder reliability.
  • Acknowledge any limitations of your research: Discuss any limitations of your study, including any potential threats to validity or generalizability. This helps readers understand the scope of your findings and how they might apply to other contexts.
  • Provide a summary: End the methodology section by summarizing the methods and techniques you used to conduct your research. This provides a clear overview of your research methodology and helps readers understand the process you followed to arrive at your findings.

When to Write Research Methodology

Research methodology is typically written after the research proposal has been approved and before the actual research is conducted. It should be written prior to data collection and analysis, as it provides a clear roadmap for the research project.

The research methodology is an important section of any research paper or thesis, as it describes the methods and procedures that will be used to conduct the research. It should include details about the research design, data collection methods, data analysis techniques, and any ethical considerations.

The methodology should be written in a clear and concise manner, and it should be based on established research practices and standards. It is important to provide enough detail so that the reader can understand how the research was conducted and evaluate the validity of the results.

Applications of Research Methodology

Here are some of the applications of research methodology:

  • To identify the research problem: Research methodology is used to identify the research problem, which is the first step in conducting any research.
  • To design the research: Research methodology helps in designing the research by selecting the appropriate research method, research design, and sampling technique.
  • To collect data: Research methodology provides a systematic approach to collect data from primary and secondary sources.
  • To analyze data: Research methodology helps in analyzing the collected data using various statistical and non-statistical techniques.
  • To test hypotheses: Research methodology provides a framework for testing hypotheses and drawing conclusions based on the analysis of data.
  • To generalize findings: Research methodology helps in generalizing the findings of the research to the target population.
  • To develop theories : Research methodology is used to develop new theories and modify existing theories based on the findings of the research.
  • To evaluate programs and policies : Research methodology is used to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and policies by collecting data and analyzing it.
  • To improve decision-making: Research methodology helps in making informed decisions by providing reliable and valid data.

Purpose of Research Methodology

Research methodology serves several important purposes, including:

  • To guide the research process: Research methodology provides a systematic framework for conducting research. It helps researchers to plan their research, define their research questions, and select appropriate methods and techniques for collecting and analyzing data.
  • To ensure research quality: Research methodology helps researchers to ensure that their research is rigorous, reliable, and valid. It provides guidelines for minimizing bias and error in data collection and analysis, and for ensuring that research findings are accurate and trustworthy.
  • To replicate research: Research methodology provides a clear and detailed account of the research process, making it possible for other researchers to replicate the study and verify its findings.
  • To advance knowledge: Research methodology enables researchers to generate new knowledge and to contribute to the body of knowledge in their field. It provides a means for testing hypotheses, exploring new ideas, and discovering new insights.
  • To inform decision-making: Research methodology provides evidence-based information that can inform policy and decision-making in a variety of fields, including medicine, public health, education, and business.

Advantages of Research Methodology

Research methodology has several advantages that make it a valuable tool for conducting research in various fields. Here are some of the key advantages of research methodology:

  • Systematic and structured approach : Research methodology provides a systematic and structured approach to conducting research, which ensures that the research is conducted in a rigorous and comprehensive manner.
  • Objectivity : Research methodology aims to ensure objectivity in the research process, which means that the research findings are based on evidence and not influenced by personal bias or subjective opinions.
  • Replicability : Research methodology ensures that research can be replicated by other researchers, which is essential for validating research findings and ensuring their accuracy.
  • Reliability : Research methodology aims to ensure that the research findings are reliable, which means that they are consistent and can be depended upon.
  • Validity : Research methodology ensures that the research findings are valid, which means that they accurately reflect the research question or hypothesis being tested.
  • Efficiency : Research methodology provides a structured and efficient way of conducting research, which helps to save time and resources.
  • Flexibility : Research methodology allows researchers to choose the most appropriate research methods and techniques based on the research question, data availability, and other relevant factors.
  • Scope for innovation: Research methodology provides scope for innovation and creativity in designing research studies and developing new research techniques.

Research Methodology Vs Research Methods

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Multiple Choice Questions

  • Conference proceedings are considered as.documents. a. Conventional b. Primary c. Secondary d. Tertiary Answer : b. Primary
  • Informationis….. a. RawData b. Processed Data c. Inputdata d. Organized data Answer : b. Processed Data
  • Information acquired by experience or experimentation is called as: a. Empirical b. Scientific c. Facts d. Scientific Evidence Answer : b. Scientific
  • Abstract elements representing classes of phenomena within the field of study are called : a.Concepts b.Theories c.Variables d.Hypothesis Answer: a. Concepts
  • All living things are made up of cells Blue whale is a living being, Thereforeblue whale is made up of cells’ The reasoning used here is a. Inductive b. Deductive c. Hypothetic deductive d. Both a and b Answer : b. Deductive
  • Questionnaire is a: a. Research method b. Measurement technique c. Tool for data collection d. Data analysis technique Answer : b. Measurement Technique
  • Mean, Median and Mode are a. Measures of deviation b. Ways of sampling c. Measure of control tendency d. None of the above Answer : c. Measure of control tendency
  • The reasoning that uses general principle to predict specific results is calledas- a. Inductive b. Deductive c. Both a and b d. Hypothetic o-deductive Answer : b. Deductive
  • A research paper is a brief report of research work based on a. Primary Data only b. Secondary Data only c. Both a and b d. None of the above Answer : c. Both a and b
  • Research is a. Searching again and again b. Finding solutions to any problem c. Working in a scientific way to d. None -of the above Answer : c. Working in a scientific way to
  • Multiple-choice questions are an example of a. OrdinalMeasure b. Nominal Measure c. RatioMeasure d. None of the above Answer : b. Nominal Measure
  • Which of the variables cannot be expressed in quantitative terms a. Socio economic status b. Marital status c. Numerical aptitude d. Professional attitude Answer : d. Professional attitude
  • The essential qualities of a researcher are : a. Spirit of free enquiry b. Reliance on observation c. Reliance on evidences d. All of the above Answer : d. All the above
  • A research process starts with- a. Hypothesis b. Experiment to test hypothesis c. Observation d. None of the above Answer : a. Hypothesis
  • Who was the proponent of deductive method- a. FrancisBacon b. Christian Huygenes c. Aristotle d. Isaac Newton Answer : b. Christian Huygenes
  • The non-random sampling type that involves selecting a convenience sample from a population with a specific set of characteristics for your research study is called a. Convenience sampling b. Quota sampling c. Purposive sampling d. None of the above Answer : a. Convenience Sampling
  • Which of the following is NOT an example of a non-random sampling technique? a. Purposive b. Quota c. Convenience d. Cluster Answer : c. Convenience
  • The purpose of drawing sample from a population is known as a. Sampling b. Census c. Survey research d. None of the above Answer : a. Sampling
  • Sampling in qualitative research is similar to which type of sampling in quantitative research a. Simple random sampling b. Systematic sampling c. Quotasampling d. Purposive sampling Answer : d. Purposive sampling
  • A set of rules that govern overall data communications system is popularly known as……….. a. Protocol b. Agreement c. Pact d. Memorandum Answer : a. Protocol

Essay Questions

  •  Basic Research: In this type of research, data is collected to enhance knowledge. The purpose is non-commercial research that is generally not used to invent anything.
  •  Applied research: The focus of this research is to analyze and solve real-life problems. It prefers to help solve a practical problem with scientific methods.
  •  Problem-Oriented research: It focuses on understanding the nature of the problem to find a relevant solution. The problem could be in various forms; this research analyses the situation.
  •  Problem-solving research: Companies usually conduct this type of research to understand and resolve their problems. The research is to find a solution to an existing problem.
  •  Qualitative research is a process of inquiry that helps to create an in-depth understanding of problems and issues. It has open ended questions
  • State the purpose clearly
  • Define the concepts used
  • Describe the research procedure in sufficient detail that allows another researcher to make further advancement on the topic
  • Design the procedure carefully to achieve desired results
  • Data analysis should reveal adequate significance
  • Appropriate analysis methods should be used.
  • Carefully check the validity and reliability of the data.
  • Conclusions should be confined to justify the research data and limit for the which data provides and adequate basis
  • Systematic research: Conduct research in structured format with specified steps, rules while keeping in perspective the creative thinking.
  •  Research is guided by logical reasoning and process of deduction and induction, which serves as a great value in carrying out research.
  •  It is empirical: research is related to one or more than one aspects in real situation that deals with concrete data
  •  It is replicable: the characteristics allow researchers to replicate study and building a sound basis for decisions.
  • Observing Behaviors of Participants:
  • Questionnaire Method
  • Interview Method
  • Schedules Method
  • Information from Correspondents
  • Identify the problem
  • Review the Literature
  • Clarify the Problem
  • Clearly Define Terms and Concepts
  • Define the Population
  • Develop the Instrumentation Plan
  • Collect Data
  • Analyze the Data

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A tutorial on methodological studies: the what, when, how and why

Lawrence mbuagbaw.

1 Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada

2 Biostatistics Unit/FSORC, 50 Charlton Avenue East, St Joseph’s Healthcare—Hamilton, 3rd Floor Martha Wing, Room H321, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 4A6 Canada

3 Centre for the Development of Best Practices in Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon

Daeria O. Lawson

Livia puljak.

4 Center for Evidence-Based Medicine and Health Care, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

David B. Allison

5 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health – Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405 USA

Lehana Thabane

6 Departments of Paediatrics and Anaesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada

7 Centre for Evaluation of Medicine, St. Joseph’s Healthcare-Hamilton, Hamilton, ON Canada

8 Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON Canada

Associated Data

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.

Methodological studies – studies that evaluate the design, analysis or reporting of other research-related reports – play an important role in health research. They help to highlight issues in the conduct of research with the aim of improving health research methodology, and ultimately reducing research waste.

We provide an overview of some of the key aspects of methodological studies such as what they are, and when, how and why they are done. We adopt a “frequently asked questions” format to facilitate reading this paper and provide multiple examples to help guide researchers interested in conducting methodological studies. Some of the topics addressed include: is it necessary to publish a study protocol? How to select relevant research reports and databases for a methodological study? What approaches to data extraction and statistical analysis should be considered when conducting a methodological study? What are potential threats to validity and is there a way to appraise the quality of methodological studies?

Appropriate reflection and application of basic principles of epidemiology and biostatistics are required in the design and analysis of methodological studies. This paper provides an introduction for further discussion about the conduct of methodological studies.

The field of meta-research (or research-on-research) has proliferated in recent years in response to issues with research quality and conduct [ 1 – 3 ]. As the name suggests, this field targets issues with research design, conduct, analysis and reporting. Various types of research reports are often examined as the unit of analysis in these studies (e.g. abstracts, full manuscripts, trial registry entries). Like many other novel fields of research, meta-research has seen a proliferation of use before the development of reporting guidance. For example, this was the case with randomized trials for which risk of bias tools and reporting guidelines were only developed much later – after many trials had been published and noted to have limitations [ 4 , 5 ]; and for systematic reviews as well [ 6 – 8 ]. However, in the absence of formal guidance, studies that report on research differ substantially in how they are named, conducted and reported [ 9 , 10 ]. This creates challenges in identifying, summarizing and comparing them. In this tutorial paper, we will use the term methodological study to refer to any study that reports on the design, conduct, analysis or reporting of primary or secondary research-related reports (such as trial registry entries and conference abstracts).

In the past 10 years, there has been an increase in the use of terms related to methodological studies (based on records retrieved with a keyword search [in the title and abstract] for “methodological review” and “meta-epidemiological study” in PubMed up to December 2019), suggesting that these studies may be appearing more frequently in the literature. See Fig.  1 .

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Object name is 12874_2020_1107_Fig1_HTML.jpg

Trends in the number studies that mention “methodological review” or “meta-

epidemiological study” in PubMed.

The methods used in many methodological studies have been borrowed from systematic and scoping reviews. This practice has influenced the direction of the field, with many methodological studies including searches of electronic databases, screening of records, duplicate data extraction and assessments of risk of bias in the included studies. However, the research questions posed in methodological studies do not always require the approaches listed above, and guidance is needed on when and how to apply these methods to a methodological study. Even though methodological studies can be conducted on qualitative or mixed methods research, this paper focuses on and draws examples exclusively from quantitative research.

The objectives of this paper are to provide some insights on how to conduct methodological studies so that there is greater consistency between the research questions posed, and the design, analysis and reporting of findings. We provide multiple examples to illustrate concepts and a proposed framework for categorizing methodological studies in quantitative research.

What is a methodological study?

Any study that describes or analyzes methods (design, conduct, analysis or reporting) in published (or unpublished) literature is a methodological study. Consequently, the scope of methodological studies is quite extensive and includes, but is not limited to, topics as diverse as: research question formulation [ 11 ]; adherence to reporting guidelines [ 12 – 14 ] and consistency in reporting [ 15 ]; approaches to study analysis [ 16 ]; investigating the credibility of analyses [ 17 ]; and studies that synthesize these methodological studies [ 18 ]. While the nomenclature of methodological studies is not uniform, the intents and purposes of these studies remain fairly consistent – to describe or analyze methods in primary or secondary studies. As such, methodological studies may also be classified as a subtype of observational studies.

Parallel to this are experimental studies that compare different methods. Even though they play an important role in informing optimal research methods, experimental methodological studies are beyond the scope of this paper. Examples of such studies include the randomized trials by Buscemi et al., comparing single data extraction to double data extraction [ 19 ], and Carrasco-Labra et al., comparing approaches to presenting findings in Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) summary of findings tables [ 20 ]. In these studies, the unit of analysis is the person or groups of individuals applying the methods. We also direct readers to the Studies Within a Trial (SWAT) and Studies Within a Review (SWAR) programme operated through the Hub for Trials Methodology Research, for further reading as a potential useful resource for these types of experimental studies [ 21 ]. Lastly, this paper is not meant to inform the conduct of research using computational simulation and mathematical modeling for which some guidance already exists [ 22 ], or studies on the development of methods using consensus-based approaches.

When should we conduct a methodological study?

Methodological studies occupy a unique niche in health research that allows them to inform methodological advances. Methodological studies should also be conducted as pre-cursors to reporting guideline development, as they provide an opportunity to understand current practices, and help to identify the need for guidance and gaps in methodological or reporting quality. For example, the development of the popular Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were preceded by methodological studies identifying poor reporting practices [ 23 , 24 ]. In these instances, after the reporting guidelines are published, methodological studies can also be used to monitor uptake of the guidelines.

These studies can also be conducted to inform the state of the art for design, analysis and reporting practices across different types of health research fields, with the aim of improving research practices, and preventing or reducing research waste. For example, Samaan et al. conducted a scoping review of adherence to different reporting guidelines in health care literature [ 18 ]. Methodological studies can also be used to determine the factors associated with reporting practices. For example, Abbade et al. investigated journal characteristics associated with the use of the Participants, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Timeframe (PICOT) format in framing research questions in trials of venous ulcer disease [ 11 ].

How often are methodological studies conducted?

There is no clear answer to this question. Based on a search of PubMed, the use of related terms (“methodological review” and “meta-epidemiological study”) – and therefore, the number of methodological studies – is on the rise. However, many other terms are used to describe methodological studies. There are also many studies that explore design, conduct, analysis or reporting of research reports, but that do not use any specific terms to describe or label their study design in terms of “methodology”. This diversity in nomenclature makes a census of methodological studies elusive. Appropriate terminology and key words for methodological studies are needed to facilitate improved accessibility for end-users.

Why do we conduct methodological studies?

Methodological studies provide information on the design, conduct, analysis or reporting of primary and secondary research and can be used to appraise quality, quantity, completeness, accuracy and consistency of health research. These issues can be explored in specific fields, journals, databases, geographical regions and time periods. For example, Areia et al. explored the quality of reporting of endoscopic diagnostic studies in gastroenterology [ 25 ]; Knol et al. investigated the reporting of p -values in baseline tables in randomized trial published in high impact journals [ 26 ]; Chen et al. describe adherence to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement in Chinese Journals [ 27 ]; and Hopewell et al. describe the effect of editors’ implementation of CONSORT guidelines on reporting of abstracts over time [ 28 ]. Methodological studies provide useful information to researchers, clinicians, editors, publishers and users of health literature. As a result, these studies have been at the cornerstone of important methodological developments in the past two decades and have informed the development of many health research guidelines including the highly cited CONSORT statement [ 5 ].

Where can we find methodological studies?

Methodological studies can be found in most common biomedical bibliographic databases (e.g. Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science). However, the biggest caveat is that methodological studies are hard to identify in the literature due to the wide variety of names used and the lack of comprehensive databases dedicated to them. A handful can be found in the Cochrane Library as “Cochrane Methodology Reviews”, but these studies only cover methodological issues related to systematic reviews. Previous attempts to catalogue all empirical studies of methods used in reviews were abandoned 10 years ago [ 29 ]. In other databases, a variety of search terms may be applied with different levels of sensitivity and specificity.

Some frequently asked questions about methodological studies

In this section, we have outlined responses to questions that might help inform the conduct of methodological studies.

Q: How should I select research reports for my methodological study?

A: Selection of research reports for a methodological study depends on the research question and eligibility criteria. Once a clear research question is set and the nature of literature one desires to review is known, one can then begin the selection process. Selection may begin with a broad search, especially if the eligibility criteria are not apparent. For example, a methodological study of Cochrane Reviews of HIV would not require a complex search as all eligible studies can easily be retrieved from the Cochrane Library after checking a few boxes [ 30 ]. On the other hand, a methodological study of subgroup analyses in trials of gastrointestinal oncology would require a search to find such trials, and further screening to identify trials that conducted a subgroup analysis [ 31 ].

The strategies used for identifying participants in observational studies can apply here. One may use a systematic search to identify all eligible studies. If the number of eligible studies is unmanageable, a random sample of articles can be expected to provide comparable results if it is sufficiently large [ 32 ]. For example, Wilson et al. used a random sample of trials from the Cochrane Stroke Group’s Trial Register to investigate completeness of reporting [ 33 ]. It is possible that a simple random sample would lead to underrepresentation of units (i.e. research reports) that are smaller in number. This is relevant if the investigators wish to compare multiple groups but have too few units in one group. In this case a stratified sample would help to create equal groups. For example, in a methodological study comparing Cochrane and non-Cochrane reviews, Kahale et al. drew random samples from both groups [ 34 ]. Alternatively, systematic or purposeful sampling strategies can be used and we encourage researchers to justify their selected approaches based on the study objective.

Q: How many databases should I search?

A: The number of databases one should search would depend on the approach to sampling, which can include targeting the entire “population” of interest or a sample of that population. If you are interested in including the entire target population for your research question, or drawing a random or systematic sample from it, then a comprehensive and exhaustive search for relevant articles is required. In this case, we recommend using systematic approaches for searching electronic databases (i.e. at least 2 databases with a replicable and time stamped search strategy). The results of your search will constitute a sampling frame from which eligible studies can be drawn.

Alternatively, if your approach to sampling is purposeful, then we recommend targeting the database(s) or data sources (e.g. journals, registries) that include the information you need. For example, if you are conducting a methodological study of high impact journals in plastic surgery and they are all indexed in PubMed, you likely do not need to search any other databases. You may also have a comprehensive list of all journals of interest and can approach your search using the journal names in your database search (or by accessing the journal archives directly from the journal’s website). Even though one could also search journals’ web pages directly, using a database such as PubMed has multiple advantages, such as the use of filters, so the search can be narrowed down to a certain period, or study types of interest. Furthermore, individual journals’ web sites may have different search functionalities, which do not necessarily yield a consistent output.

Q: Should I publish a protocol for my methodological study?

A: A protocol is a description of intended research methods. Currently, only protocols for clinical trials require registration [ 35 ]. Protocols for systematic reviews are encouraged but no formal recommendation exists. The scientific community welcomes the publication of protocols because they help protect against selective outcome reporting, the use of post hoc methodologies to embellish results, and to help avoid duplication of efforts [ 36 ]. While the latter two risks exist in methodological research, the negative consequences may be substantially less than for clinical outcomes. In a sample of 31 methodological studies, 7 (22.6%) referenced a published protocol [ 9 ]. In the Cochrane Library, there are 15 protocols for methodological reviews (21 July 2020). This suggests that publishing protocols for methodological studies is not uncommon.

Authors can consider publishing their study protocol in a scholarly journal as a manuscript. Advantages of such publication include obtaining peer-review feedback about the planned study, and easy retrieval by searching databases such as PubMed. The disadvantages in trying to publish protocols includes delays associated with manuscript handling and peer review, as well as costs, as few journals publish study protocols, and those journals mostly charge article-processing fees [ 37 ]. Authors who would like to make their protocol publicly available without publishing it in scholarly journals, could deposit their study protocols in publicly available repositories, such as the Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/ ).

Q: How to appraise the quality of a methodological study?

A: To date, there is no published tool for appraising the risk of bias in a methodological study, but in principle, a methodological study could be considered as a type of observational study. Therefore, during conduct or appraisal, care should be taken to avoid the biases common in observational studies [ 38 ]. These biases include selection bias, comparability of groups, and ascertainment of exposure or outcome. In other words, to generate a representative sample, a comprehensive reproducible search may be necessary to build a sampling frame. Additionally, random sampling may be necessary to ensure that all the included research reports have the same probability of being selected, and the screening and selection processes should be transparent and reproducible. To ensure that the groups compared are similar in all characteristics, matching, random sampling or stratified sampling can be used. Statistical adjustments for between-group differences can also be applied at the analysis stage. Finally, duplicate data extraction can reduce errors in assessment of exposures or outcomes.

Q: Should I justify a sample size?

A: In all instances where one is not using the target population (i.e. the group to which inferences from the research report are directed) [ 39 ], a sample size justification is good practice. The sample size justification may take the form of a description of what is expected to be achieved with the number of articles selected, or a formal sample size estimation that outlines the number of articles required to answer the research question with a certain precision and power. Sample size justifications in methodological studies are reasonable in the following instances:

  • Comparing two groups
  • Determining a proportion, mean or another quantifier
  • Determining factors associated with an outcome using regression-based analyses

For example, El Dib et al. computed a sample size requirement for a methodological study of diagnostic strategies in randomized trials, based on a confidence interval approach [ 40 ].

Q: What should I call my study?

A: Other terms which have been used to describe/label methodological studies include “ methodological review ”, “methodological survey” , “meta-epidemiological study” , “systematic review” , “systematic survey”, “meta-research”, “research-on-research” and many others. We recommend that the study nomenclature be clear, unambiguous, informative and allow for appropriate indexing. Methodological study nomenclature that should be avoided includes “ systematic review” – as this will likely be confused with a systematic review of a clinical question. “ Systematic survey” may also lead to confusion about whether the survey was systematic (i.e. using a preplanned methodology) or a survey using “ systematic” sampling (i.e. a sampling approach using specific intervals to determine who is selected) [ 32 ]. Any of the above meanings of the words “ systematic” may be true for methodological studies and could be potentially misleading. “ Meta-epidemiological study” is ideal for indexing, but not very informative as it describes an entire field. The term “ review ” may point towards an appraisal or “review” of the design, conduct, analysis or reporting (or methodological components) of the targeted research reports, yet it has also been used to describe narrative reviews [ 41 , 42 ]. The term “ survey ” is also in line with the approaches used in many methodological studies [ 9 ], and would be indicative of the sampling procedures of this study design. However, in the absence of guidelines on nomenclature, the term “ methodological study ” is broad enough to capture most of the scenarios of such studies.

Q: Should I account for clustering in my methodological study?

A: Data from methodological studies are often clustered. For example, articles coming from a specific source may have different reporting standards (e.g. the Cochrane Library). Articles within the same journal may be similar due to editorial practices and policies, reporting requirements and endorsement of guidelines. There is emerging evidence that these are real concerns that should be accounted for in analyses [ 43 ]. Some cluster variables are described in the section: “ What variables are relevant to methodological studies?”

A variety of modelling approaches can be used to account for correlated data, including the use of marginal, fixed or mixed effects regression models with appropriate computation of standard errors [ 44 ]. For example, Kosa et al. used generalized estimation equations to account for correlation of articles within journals [ 15 ]. Not accounting for clustering could lead to incorrect p -values, unduly narrow confidence intervals, and biased estimates [ 45 ].

Q: Should I extract data in duplicate?

A: Yes. Duplicate data extraction takes more time but results in less errors [ 19 ]. Data extraction errors in turn affect the effect estimate [ 46 ], and therefore should be mitigated. Duplicate data extraction should be considered in the absence of other approaches to minimize extraction errors. However, much like systematic reviews, this area will likely see rapid new advances with machine learning and natural language processing technologies to support researchers with screening and data extraction [ 47 , 48 ]. However, experience plays an important role in the quality of extracted data and inexperienced extractors should be paired with experienced extractors [ 46 , 49 ].

Q: Should I assess the risk of bias of research reports included in my methodological study?

A : Risk of bias is most useful in determining the certainty that can be placed in the effect measure from a study. In methodological studies, risk of bias may not serve the purpose of determining the trustworthiness of results, as effect measures are often not the primary goal of methodological studies. Determining risk of bias in methodological studies is likely a practice borrowed from systematic review methodology, but whose intrinsic value is not obvious in methodological studies. When it is part of the research question, investigators often focus on one aspect of risk of bias. For example, Speich investigated how blinding was reported in surgical trials [ 50 ], and Abraha et al., investigated the application of intention-to-treat analyses in systematic reviews and trials [ 51 ].

Q: What variables are relevant to methodological studies?

A: There is empirical evidence that certain variables may inform the findings in a methodological study. We outline some of these and provide a brief overview below:

  • Country: Countries and regions differ in their research cultures, and the resources available to conduct research. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that there may be differences in methodological features across countries. Methodological studies have reported loco-regional differences in reporting quality [ 52 , 53 ]. This may also be related to challenges non-English speakers face in publishing papers in English.
  • Authors’ expertise: The inclusion of authors with expertise in research methodology, biostatistics, and scientific writing is likely to influence the end-product. Oltean et al. found that among randomized trials in orthopaedic surgery, the use of analyses that accounted for clustering was more likely when specialists (e.g. statistician, epidemiologist or clinical trials methodologist) were included on the study team [ 54 ]. Fleming et al. found that including methodologists in the review team was associated with appropriate use of reporting guidelines [ 55 ].
  • Source of funding and conflicts of interest: Some studies have found that funded studies report better [ 56 , 57 ], while others do not [ 53 , 58 ]. The presence of funding would indicate the availability of resources deployed to ensure optimal design, conduct, analysis and reporting. However, the source of funding may introduce conflicts of interest and warrant assessment. For example, Kaiser et al. investigated the effect of industry funding on obesity or nutrition randomized trials and found that reporting quality was similar [ 59 ]. Thomas et al. looked at reporting quality of long-term weight loss trials and found that industry funded studies were better [ 60 ]. Kan et al. examined the association between industry funding and “positive trials” (trials reporting a significant intervention effect) and found that industry funding was highly predictive of a positive trial [ 61 ]. This finding is similar to that of a recent Cochrane Methodology Review by Hansen et al. [ 62 ]
  • Journal characteristics: Certain journals’ characteristics may influence the study design, analysis or reporting. Characteristics such as journal endorsement of guidelines [ 63 , 64 ], and Journal Impact Factor (JIF) have been shown to be associated with reporting [ 63 , 65 – 67 ].
  • Study size (sample size/number of sites): Some studies have shown that reporting is better in larger studies [ 53 , 56 , 58 ].
  • Year of publication: It is reasonable to assume that design, conduct, analysis and reporting of research will change over time. Many studies have demonstrated improvements in reporting over time or after the publication of reporting guidelines [ 68 , 69 ].
  • Type of intervention: In a methodological study of reporting quality of weight loss intervention studies, Thabane et al. found that trials of pharmacologic interventions were reported better than trials of non-pharmacologic interventions [ 70 ].
  • Interactions between variables: Complex interactions between the previously listed variables are possible. High income countries with more resources may be more likely to conduct larger studies and incorporate a variety of experts. Authors in certain countries may prefer certain journals, and journal endorsement of guidelines and editorial policies may change over time.

Q: Should I focus only on high impact journals?

A: Investigators may choose to investigate only high impact journals because they are more likely to influence practice and policy, or because they assume that methodological standards would be higher. However, the JIF may severely limit the scope of articles included and may skew the sample towards articles with positive findings. The generalizability and applicability of findings from a handful of journals must be examined carefully, especially since the JIF varies over time. Even among journals that are all “high impact”, variations exist in methodological standards.

Q: Can I conduct a methodological study of qualitative research?

A: Yes. Even though a lot of methodological research has been conducted in the quantitative research field, methodological studies of qualitative studies are feasible. Certain databases that catalogue qualitative research including the Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) have defined subject headings that are specific to methodological research (e.g. “research methodology”). Alternatively, one could also conduct a qualitative methodological review; that is, use qualitative approaches to synthesize methodological issues in qualitative studies.

Q: What reporting guidelines should I use for my methodological study?

A: There is no guideline that covers the entire scope of methodological studies. One adaptation of the PRISMA guidelines has been published, which works well for studies that aim to use the entire target population of research reports [ 71 ]. However, it is not widely used (40 citations in 2 years as of 09 December 2019), and methodological studies that are designed as cross-sectional or before-after studies require a more fit-for purpose guideline. A more encompassing reporting guideline for a broad range of methodological studies is currently under development [ 72 ]. However, in the absence of formal guidance, the requirements for scientific reporting should be respected, and authors of methodological studies should focus on transparency and reproducibility.

Q: What are the potential threats to validity and how can I avoid them?

A: Methodological studies may be compromised by a lack of internal or external validity. The main threats to internal validity in methodological studies are selection and confounding bias. Investigators must ensure that the methods used to select articles does not make them differ systematically from the set of articles to which they would like to make inferences. For example, attempting to make extrapolations to all journals after analyzing high-impact journals would be misleading.

Many factors (confounders) may distort the association between the exposure and outcome if the included research reports differ with respect to these factors [ 73 ]. For example, when examining the association between source of funding and completeness of reporting, it may be necessary to account for journals that endorse the guidelines. Confounding bias can be addressed by restriction, matching and statistical adjustment [ 73 ]. Restriction appears to be the method of choice for many investigators who choose to include only high impact journals or articles in a specific field. For example, Knol et al. examined the reporting of p -values in baseline tables of high impact journals [ 26 ]. Matching is also sometimes used. In the methodological study of non-randomized interventional studies of elective ventral hernia repair, Parker et al. matched prospective studies with retrospective studies and compared reporting standards [ 74 ]. Some other methodological studies use statistical adjustments. For example, Zhang et al. used regression techniques to determine the factors associated with missing participant data in trials [ 16 ].

With regard to external validity, researchers interested in conducting methodological studies must consider how generalizable or applicable their findings are. This should tie in closely with the research question and should be explicit. For example. Findings from methodological studies on trials published in high impact cardiology journals cannot be assumed to be applicable to trials in other fields. However, investigators must ensure that their sample truly represents the target sample either by a) conducting a comprehensive and exhaustive search, or b) using an appropriate and justified, randomly selected sample of research reports.

Even applicability to high impact journals may vary based on the investigators’ definition, and over time. For example, for high impact journals in the field of general medicine, Bouwmeester et al. included the Annals of Internal Medicine (AIM), BMJ, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Lancet, the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), and PLoS Medicine ( n  = 6) [ 75 ]. In contrast, the high impact journals selected in the methodological study by Schiller et al. were BMJ, JAMA, Lancet, and NEJM ( n  = 4) [ 76 ]. Another methodological study by Kosa et al. included AIM, BMJ, JAMA, Lancet and NEJM ( n  = 5). In the methodological study by Thabut et al., journals with a JIF greater than 5 were considered to be high impact. Riado Minguez et al. used first quartile journals in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) for a specific year to determine “high impact” [ 77 ]. Ultimately, the definition of high impact will be based on the number of journals the investigators are willing to include, the year of impact and the JIF cut-off [ 78 ]. We acknowledge that the term “generalizability” may apply differently for methodological studies, especially when in many instances it is possible to include the entire target population in the sample studied.

Finally, methodological studies are not exempt from information bias which may stem from discrepancies in the included research reports [ 79 ], errors in data extraction, or inappropriate interpretation of the information extracted. Likewise, publication bias may also be a concern in methodological studies, but such concepts have not yet been explored.

A proposed framework

In order to inform discussions about methodological studies, the development of guidance for what should be reported, we have outlined some key features of methodological studies that can be used to classify them. For each of the categories outlined below, we provide an example. In our experience, the choice of approach to completing a methodological study can be informed by asking the following four questions:

  • What is the aim?

A methodological study may be focused on exploring sources of bias in primary or secondary studies (meta-bias), or how bias is analyzed. We have taken care to distinguish bias (i.e. systematic deviations from the truth irrespective of the source) from reporting quality or completeness (i.e. not adhering to a specific reporting guideline or norm). An example of where this distinction would be important is in the case of a randomized trial with no blinding. This study (depending on the nature of the intervention) would be at risk of performance bias. However, if the authors report that their study was not blinded, they would have reported adequately. In fact, some methodological studies attempt to capture both “quality of conduct” and “quality of reporting”, such as Richie et al., who reported on the risk of bias in randomized trials of pharmacy practice interventions [ 80 ]. Babic et al. investigated how risk of bias was used to inform sensitivity analyses in Cochrane reviews [ 81 ]. Further, biases related to choice of outcomes can also be explored. For example, Tan et al investigated differences in treatment effect size based on the outcome reported [ 82 ].

Methodological studies may report quality of reporting against a reporting checklist (i.e. adherence to guidelines) or against expected norms. For example, Croituro et al. report on the quality of reporting in systematic reviews published in dermatology journals based on their adherence to the PRISMA statement [ 83 ], and Khan et al. described the quality of reporting of harms in randomized controlled trials published in high impact cardiovascular journals based on the CONSORT extension for harms [ 84 ]. Other methodological studies investigate reporting of certain features of interest that may not be part of formally published checklists or guidelines. For example, Mbuagbaw et al. described how often the implications for research are elaborated using the Evidence, Participants, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Timeframe (EPICOT) format [ 30 ].

Sometimes investigators may be interested in how consistent reports of the same research are, as it is expected that there should be consistency between: conference abstracts and published manuscripts; manuscript abstracts and manuscript main text; and trial registration and published manuscript. For example, Rosmarakis et al. investigated consistency between conference abstracts and full text manuscripts [ 85 ].

In addition to identifying issues with reporting in primary and secondary studies, authors of methodological studies may be interested in determining the factors that are associated with certain reporting practices. Many methodological studies incorporate this, albeit as a secondary outcome. For example, Farrokhyar et al. investigated the factors associated with reporting quality in randomized trials of coronary artery bypass grafting surgery [ 53 ].

Methodological studies may also be used to describe methods or compare methods, and the factors associated with methods. Muller et al. described the methods used for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies [ 86 ].

Some methodological studies synthesize results from other methodological studies. For example, Li et al. conducted a scoping review of methodological reviews that investigated consistency between full text and abstracts in primary biomedical research [ 87 ].

Some methodological studies may investigate the use of names and terms in health research. For example, Martinic et al. investigated the definitions of systematic reviews used in overviews of systematic reviews (OSRs), meta-epidemiological studies and epidemiology textbooks [ 88 ].

In addition to the previously mentioned experimental methodological studies, there may exist other types of methodological studies not captured here.

  • 2. What is the design?

Most methodological studies are purely descriptive and report their findings as counts (percent) and means (standard deviation) or medians (interquartile range). For example, Mbuagbaw et al. described the reporting of research recommendations in Cochrane HIV systematic reviews [ 30 ]. Gohari et al. described the quality of reporting of randomized trials in diabetes in Iran [ 12 ].

Some methodological studies are analytical wherein “analytical studies identify and quantify associations, test hypotheses, identify causes and determine whether an association exists between variables, such as between an exposure and a disease.” [ 89 ] In the case of methodological studies all these investigations are possible. For example, Kosa et al. investigated the association between agreement in primary outcome from trial registry to published manuscript and study covariates. They found that larger and more recent studies were more likely to have agreement [ 15 ]. Tricco et al. compared the conclusion statements from Cochrane and non-Cochrane systematic reviews with a meta-analysis of the primary outcome and found that non-Cochrane reviews were more likely to report positive findings. These results are a test of the null hypothesis that the proportions of Cochrane and non-Cochrane reviews that report positive results are equal [ 90 ].

  • 3. What is the sampling strategy?

Methodological reviews with narrow research questions may be able to include the entire target population. For example, in the methodological study of Cochrane HIV systematic reviews, Mbuagbaw et al. included all of the available studies ( n  = 103) [ 30 ].

Many methodological studies use random samples of the target population [ 33 , 91 , 92 ]. Alternatively, purposeful sampling may be used, limiting the sample to a subset of research-related reports published within a certain time period, or in journals with a certain ranking or on a topic. Systematic sampling can also be used when random sampling may be challenging to implement.

  • 4. What is the unit of analysis?

Many methodological studies use a research report (e.g. full manuscript of study, abstract portion of the study) as the unit of analysis, and inferences can be made at the study-level. However, both published and unpublished research-related reports can be studied. These may include articles, conference abstracts, registry entries etc.

Some methodological studies report on items which may occur more than once per article. For example, Paquette et al. report on subgroup analyses in Cochrane reviews of atrial fibrillation in which 17 systematic reviews planned 56 subgroup analyses [ 93 ].

This framework is outlined in Fig.  2 .

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is 12874_2020_1107_Fig2_HTML.jpg

A proposed framework for methodological studies

Conclusions

Methodological studies have examined different aspects of reporting such as quality, completeness, consistency and adherence to reporting guidelines. As such, many of the methodological study examples cited in this tutorial are related to reporting. However, as an evolving field, the scope of research questions that can be addressed by methodological studies is expected to increase.

In this paper we have outlined the scope and purpose of methodological studies, along with examples of instances in which various approaches have been used. In the absence of formal guidance on the design, conduct, analysis and reporting of methodological studies, we have provided some advice to help make methodological studies consistent. This advice is grounded in good contemporary scientific practice. Generally, the research question should tie in with the sampling approach and planned analysis. We have also highlighted the variables that may inform findings from methodological studies. Lastly, we have provided suggestions for ways in which authors can categorize their methodological studies to inform their design and analysis.

Acknowledgements

Abbreviations, authors’ contributions.

LM conceived the idea and drafted the outline and paper. DOL and LT commented on the idea and draft outline. LM, LP and DOL performed literature searches and data extraction. All authors (LM, DOL, LT, LP, DBA) reviewed several draft versions of the manuscript and approved the final manuscript.

This work did not receive any dedicated funding.

Availability of data and materials

Ethics approval and consent to participate.

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Competing interests.

DOL, DBA, LM, LP and LT are involved in the development of a reporting guideline for methodological studies.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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The Research methodology MCQ questions are designed to test the knowledge of the students in their field. They are applicable to competitive and academic MBA, regular, and distance-learning courses. It is important to choose the research question carefully, as it determines the purpose of your study.

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The first step in any research is the formulation of a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a statement regarding a particular population’s size or behaviour. This is followed by research designs. Samples are the group of individuals chosen for a study.

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The first thing you need to do is figure out the research methodology. The research methodology includes the methods and procedures for conducting research. These Research Methodology Question Paper may include physical surveys, questionnaires, interviews, or participant observations. Once you have decided what method to use, you can begin preparing for the exam. Here are some things you need to know about this type of exam.

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The objective of the Research Methodology Question Papers is to discover a frequency or an association. It involves collecting data and conducting research using a systematic, logical approach. It involves data analysis, interpretation, and formation of principles.

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  • Define and explain the term “Research”. Explain its importance and objectives.
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Firstly, you need to determine whether you’re conducting an ex post facto study. This type of research design is used to investigate the effects of a situation after it happens.

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Ultimately, it would be best if you defined your research question. You need to know your objectives and goals. Once you’ve defined your research question, you need to define your variables. T

hese will result in your final result. By defining your variables and identifying the variables in a study, you will know what to focus on for the final analysis. It’s a must-have tool for any researcher who needs to conduct research. You may take the help of Research Methodology Question Papers.

Experimentation is another method you’ll need to know. In this method, you can establish a causal relationship among variables. The method is also known as experimental research. You can also perform qualitative research, which is mostly exploratory and relies on subjective data. By collecting data, you can develop testable hypotheses and make predictions about the outcome. These results then prove the hypotheses. This method can be used for any research, whether you’re experimenting with science or social work.

A problem is usually defined. Once you’ve defined the problem and chosen the methodology, you can begin collecting data. Research Methodology Question Paper will help you develop the problem, gather data, and test hypotheses. You’ll also need to write a study plan. After that, you’ll need to write the hypothesis, which outlines the methodology you’ll use for your research. If you’re unsure, refer to a research methodology question bank with answers pdf.

PhD Entrance Exam Question Paper For Research Methodology

The PhD entrance exam for research methodology focuses on the principles of a research project. It includes questions on the following: the characteristics of a good researcher, the types of research, case study research, and statistical applications. It also covers the types of research reports, their structure, and their reasoning. The exam will also cover current affairs. Here are some tips to help you ace the research methodology section of the entrance exam with the help of Research Methodology Question Papers.

Answer any TWO of the following

(2 x20 = 40 Marks)

  • Write an essay on the preparation of  a manuscript for publications
  • Describe various methods of collection of insects in the field.
  • Describe any two types of Taxonomic keys with examples.
  • Give an account of the types of preservation of insects.

Attempt Research Methodology Question Paper:  Attempt a PHD entrance exam in research methodology to familiarize yourself with the topics. By doing this, you will have an idea of the types of questions you will be asked during the examination.

This is also a good time to get advice from senior students. Ask them for help and clarification on any question that they feel is tricky. In this way, you can maximize your chances of acing the PhD entrance exam.

PhD Research Methodology Old Question Papers

Are you planning to write your PhD in Research Methodology? Are you wondering how to prepare for the PhD research methodology question paper? You can learn how to prepare from the below tips.

The research methodology syllabus consists of several topics that cover the qualities of a good researcher. Other topics in this section are the various types of research and their merits. The topics also cover logic and reasoning, the structure of a research report, and its components.

Class Test Questions

  • What are ethical issues concerning the research participants of the research activity? Explain.
  • What are the characteristics of research? Explain how quantitative researches differ from qualitative research.
  • Explain the significance of primary data. What are the limitations of primary data? Explain in brief the stages in the data processing.
  • Discuss the various methods of research? Explain the various factors to be considered in making the decision on the sampling method.

1. PhD Research Methodology Old Question Paper 2020

In the PhD research methodology question paper 2020, students must explain the main reasons behind their chosen data collection and analysis method.

They must also highlight the practical limitations of the method used. This information should be limited to the reasons for the choice of the methodology, which should not include irrelevant details.

For instance, basic procedures should only be explained when the research subject is unfamiliar with them. This will help them score a high mark in the research methodology section.

2. PhD Research Methodology Old Question Paper 2019

A key feature of a PHD research methodology question paper is that it should be based on an academic question that is of interest to researchers and practitioners in the subject. It should be derived from the literature, current situation, or practice of the subject.

Research Methodology Question Papersuld has a clearly stated purpose and can be anything from filling a knowledge gap to analyzing academic assumptions and monitoring developments in practice. It can also be about testing theories within a certain population. The question should also be appropriate for the discipline, institution, and community.

SECTION – A  

(10 x 2 = 20 Marks)

Answer ALL questions

  • What are the advantages of Websites in literature collections?
  • What is Curating?
  • Distinguish conceptual from empirical research.
  • What are Tautonyms?
  • Define international code of Zoological Nomenclature.
  • Define the term – Null hypothesis.
  • Distinguish bar diagram from a histogram.
  • What is a holotype?
  • Mention any two objectives of the Research.
  • Differentiate acclimation from acclimatisation

UGC NET Research Methodology Old Question Paper

In the recent UGC NET exam, questions were asked about the research methods. Research Methodology Question Papers covered critical features of research methods, the definition of the research question, hypotheses, data collection, analysis, and reporting procedures.

Students should familiarize themselves with these topics and the questions that will be asked during the examination. If you are preparing for the UGC NET exam, you should prepare by referring to UGC NET mock tests.

In addition to studying the UGC NET syllabus, it is also important to learn the different referencing styles. The UGC NET Research methodology question paper includes study notes on the various accepted referencing styles. The study notes also feature a list of helpful ICT tools to aid you in your preparation. These include tools such as Mendeley and IBM SPSS. Also, the notes include information about the application of ICT to research.

SECTION – B

(4X 10  = 40 Marks)

Answer any four of the following

  • Explain briefly the types of sampling.
  • What is Berlese Funnel?  Explain its use in the collection of arthropods.
  • Write an account of types in insect taxonomy.
  • Summarize statistical techniques used in experiments.
  • Explain the impact of physicochemical parameters in stress experiments.
  • Bring out the significance of current contents and review volumes in research.

MBA Research Methodology Old Question Paper

The MBA research methodology question paper is for the first year of the course and has a simple pattern. Each question carries the same number of marks and includes long answer types. The questions in the question paper cover different aspects of the research process, such as the types of experimental designs, the scales used for measuring variables, and the different factor analyses.

The research methodology question paper also includes the format and layout of a research report. To ensure a good score, candidates are advised to read previous year’s papers to familiarize themselves with the format and content of the exam.

Students should understand the importance of selecting the appropriate statistical technique for the analysis. They must be able to distinguish between non-parametric statistical techniques and parametric statistics. They must also be able to define the research report, thesis, and the significance of the research work.

The question paper also requires the students to understand the format and pattern of the Business Research methodology question paper. The syllabus of the course is available for download in pdf format.

Research Methodology Old Question Paper MCQs

Students preparing for MBA exams should familiarize themselves with Research methodology MCQ questions. Research Methodology Question Papers may be asked in the regular or distance mode. They can be asked about academic, competitive, and managerial research topics. Identifying the problem is the first step in designing a research study.

This process will help you develop a hypothesis and plan of investigation. Then you will have to reduce the problem to a more manageable one.

Moreover, you should understand that Secondary data does not necessarily have to be relevant to the problem under study. For example, you can use cash register receipts or customer grievances data.

Secondary data may also be obtained from national surveys, such as the Statistical Abstracts of India. The purpose of secondary data is to inform decision-makers and make them aware of the importance of their findings. The next step is to analyze the data.

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How to Answer Research Methodology MCQs

This article will teach you how to answer the research methodology MCQs on the UGC NET and MBA research methodology question papers. Hopefully, this will make the task a little easier. But, first, you should be familiar with how the research methodology question paper is formatted.

Below are some questions to keep in mind. When possible, make sure to use an example question paper to illustrate the different methods. If possible, you should also record your research methods. This will ensure that you capture all the small details.

1. “One of the methods of logical reasoning process” is called

   a) Induction   b) Deduction   c) Research d) Experiment

2. “A systematic step-by-step Procedure following the logical process of reasoning” called

   a) Experiment b) Observation c) Deduction d) Scientific method

3. An essential Criterion of Scientific study is called

   a) Belief   b) Value    c) Objectivity d) Subjective

4. “Reasoning from general to particular “is called

   a) Induction   b) deduction c) Observation d) experience

5“Deduction and induction are a part of the system of reasoning” – stated by

a) Caroline   b) P.V.Young  c) Dewey John d) Emory

6 ……….. is a “systematically conceptual structure of interrelated elements in some schematic form”

a) Concept   b) Variable c) Model   d) Facts

7 The method by which a sample is chosen

a) Unit   b) design   c) Random   d) Census

8 Research conducted to find a solution for an immediate problem is ………….

a) Fundamental Research              b) Analytical Research

c) Survey.                                          d) Action Research

9 Fundamental Research is otherwise called

a) Action Research   b) Survey   c) Pilot study   d) Pure Research

10 A research which follows the case study method is called

a) Clinical or diagnostic    b) Causal

c) Analytical                        d) Qualitative

11 Research conducted in a classroom atmosphere is called

a) Field study                        b) Survey

c) Laboratory Research      d) Empirical Research

12. Research through experiment and observation is called

   a) Clinical Research             b) Experimental Research

   c) Laboratory Research       d) Empirical Research

13 ………….. is a way to systematically solve the research problem

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Research Methodology

CBSE UGC NET PAPER 1 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

UGC NET Study materiel on Research Topics for NET Exam has been covered entirely based on topics provided in the syllabus.

In the 7 Parts series which can be referred using below, the first six parts contain important short study notes useful for your paper 1 preparation while the 7th part contains solved question papers of last almost 12 years MCQ Question which is asked in the previous examination. 

Please successively go through them to understand them in better ways.  

Unit-II Research Aptitude

  • Research: Meaning, Types, and Characteristics, Positivism and Post- positivistic approach to research.
  • Methods of Research: Experimental, Descriptive, Historical, Qualitative and Quantitative methods. [ [This Article] ]
  • Steps of Research.
  • Thesis and Article writing: Format and styles of referencing.
  • Application of ICT in research.[Newly added in 2019 Syllabus]
  • Research ethics. [Coming soon]
  • Solved Question Paper Based on previously asked [Last 12 Year]

Important topics

Research methods and research methodology.

Is there any difference between research methods and research methodology?

Quantitative and Qualitative Methods

The basic and applied researches can be quantitative or qualitative or even both. Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount. Here a process is expressed or described in terms of one or more quantities. The result of this research is essentially a number or a set of numbers. Some of the characteristics of qualitative research/method are:

• It is numerical, non-descriptive, applies statistics or mathematics and uses numbers. • It is an iterative process whereby evidence is evaluated. • The results are often presented in tables and graphs. • It is conclusive. • It investigates the what, where and when of decision making

Whereas Qualitative research is concerned with qualitative phenomenon involving quality. Some of the characteristics of qualitative research/method are:

  • Steps Involved In Research Process | Research Aptitude Notes 2020
  • Application of ICT in research,Different Tools & Role of ICT
  • Thesis Format Important Guidelines – Framework of Thesis Report
  • Key Study Notes on Research Aptitude NTA UG NET Exam
  • Research Ethics Challenges & Road Ahead | Updated 2021

• It is non-numerical, descriptive, applies to reason and uses words. • it aims to get the meaning, feeling and describe the situation. • Qualitative data cannot be graphed. • It is exploratory. • It investigates the why and how of decision making

Types of Sampling

We may then consider different types of probability samples. Although several different methods might be used to create a sample, they generally can be grouped into one of two categories: probability samples or non-probability samples.

Probability Samples

The idea behind this type is random selection. More specifically, each sample from the population of interest has a known probability of selection under a given sampling scheme. There are four categories of probability samples described below

  • Simple Random Sampling
  • Stratified Random Sampling
  • Systematic Sampling
  • Cluster Sampling

Nonprobability Sampling

Social research is often conducted in situations where a researcher cannot select the kinds of probability samples used in large-scale social surveys. For example, say you wanted to study homelessness – there is no list of homeless individuals nor are you likely to create such a list. However, you need to get some kind of a sample of respondents to conduct your research. To gather such a sample, you would likely use some form of non-probability sampling.

To reiterate, the primary difference between probability methods of sampling and non-probability methods is that in the latter you do not know the likelihood that any element of a population will be selected for the study.

There are four primary types of non-probability sampling methods:

  • Availability Sampling
  • Quota Sampling
  • Purposive Sampling
  • Snowball Sampling

Discuss sampling with merits and demerits

According to Rosander,

The sample has many advantages over a census or complete enumeration. If carefully designed, the sample is not only considerably cheaper but may give results which are just accurate and sometimes more accurate than those of a census. Hence a carefully designed sample may actually be better than a poorly planned and executed census.

Though sampling is not new, the sampling theory has been developed recently. People knew or Though sampling is not new, the sampling theory has been developed recently. People knew or not but they have been using the sampling technique in their day to day life.

For example, a housewife tests a small quantity of rice to see whether it has been well-cooked and gives the generalized result about the whole rice boiling in the vessel. The result arrived at is most of the times 100% correct.

Merits of sampling are:

  • It saves time: Sampling method of data collection saves time because fewer items are collected and processed. When the results are urgently required, this method is very helpful.
  • It reduces cost: Since only a few and selected items are studied in sampling, there is a reduction in the cost of money and reduction in terms of man-hours.
  • there are fewer chances of sampling statistical errors. If there is sampling error, it is possible to estimate and control the results.
  • Highly experienced and trained persons can be employed for scientific processing and analyzing of relatively limited data and they can use their high technical knowledge and get more accurate and reliable results.
  • It provides more detailed information: As it saves time, money and labour, more detail information can be collected in a sample survey.
  • For example, if someone’s blood has to be examined, it will become fatal to take all the blood out from the body and study depending upon the total enumeration method.
  • Administrative convenience: The organization and administration of the sample survey are easy for the reasons which have been discussed earlier.
  • More scientific: Since the methods used to collect data are based on scientific theory and results obtained can be tested, sampling is a more scientific method of collecting data.

Demerits of sampling are:

  • Illusory conclusion: If a sample enquiry is not carefully planned and executed, the conclusions may be inaccurate and misleading.
  • Sample Not Representative: To make the sample representative is a difficult task. If a representative sample is taken from the universe, the result applies to the whole population. If the sample is not representative of the universe the result may be false and misleading.
  • Lack Of Experts: As there is a lack of experts to plan and conduct a sample survey, its execution and analysis, and its results would be Unsatisfactory and not trustworthy.
  • Sometimes More Difficult Than Census Method: Sometimes the sampling plan may be complicated and requires more money, labour and time than a census method.
  • Personal Bias: There may be personal biases and prejudices concerning the choice of technique and drawing of sampling units.
  • Choice Of Sample Size: If the size of the sample is not appropriate then it may lead to untrue characteristics of the population.
  • Conditions Of Complete Coverage: If the information is required for every item of the universe, then a complete enumeration survey is better.

Reasons behind sampling errors

In statistics the word error is used to denote the difference between the true value and the estimated or approximated value. This error would always be there no matter that the sample is drawn at random and that it is highly representative

This error is attributed to fluctuations of sampling and is called sampling error. Sampling error exists because only a subset of the population has been used to estimate the population parameters and draw inferences about the population.

Sampling errors are of two types: Biased Errors and Unbiased Errors

Biased Errors: The errors that occur due to bias or prejudice on the part of the informant or enumerator in selecting, estimating measuring instruments are called biased errors.

Suppose, for example, the enumerator uses the deliberate sampling method in the place of simple random sampling method, then it is called biased errors. These errors are cumulative and increase when the sample size also increases.

These errors arise due to defect in the methods of collection of data, defect in the method of organization of data and defect in the method of analysis of data.

Unbiased Errors:

Errors which occur in the normal course of investigation or enumeration on account of chance are called unbiased errors.

They may arise accidentally without any bias or prejudice. These errors occur due to faulty planning of the statistical investigation.

To avoid these errors, the statistician must take proper precaution and care in using the correct measuring instrument. He must see that the enumerators are also not biased. Unbiased errors can be removed with the proper planning of statistical investigations.

Both these errors should be avoided by the statisticians. Sampling errors occur primarily due to the following reasons:

  • Faulty selection of the sample: Some of the bias is introduced by the use of defective sampling technique for the selection of a sample e.g. Purposive or judgment sampling in which the investigator deliberately selects a representative sample to obtain certain results. This bias can be easily overcome by adopting the technique of simple random sampling.
  • Substitution: When difficulties arise in enumerating a particular sampling unit included in the random sample, the investigators usually substitute a convenient member of the population. This leads to some bias since the characteristics possessed by the substituted unit will usually be different from those possessed by the unit originally included in the sample.
  • Faulty demarcation of sampling units: Bias due to defective demarcation of sampling units is particularly significant in area surveys such as agricultural experiments in the field of crop cutting surveys etc. In such surveys, while dealing with borderline cases, it depends more or less on the discretion of the investigator whether to include them in the sample or not.
  • Error due to bias in the estimation method: Sampling method consists of estimating the parameters of the population by appropriate statistics computed from the sample. Improper choice of the estimation techniques might introduce the error.
  • Variability of the population: Sampling error also depends on the variability or heterogeneity of the population to be sampled.

Reference: 1. Dawson, Catherine, 2002, Practical Research Methods, New Delhi, UBS Publishers’Distributors 2. Kothari, C.R.,1985, Research Methodology- Methods and Techniques, New Delhi, Wiley Eastern Limited. 3. Kumar, Ranjit, 2005, Research Methodology-A Step-by-Step Guide for  Beginners ,(2nd.ed.), Singapore, Pearson Education.

4. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY S. Rajasekar School of Physics, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli – 620 024, Tamilnadu, India∗

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Download previous year ignou exam question papers for mso-002: research methodologies and methods. question papers are available for june and december term end examinations starting from 2010 to 2023, download mso-002 ignou previous year term end exam question paper entitled research methodologies and methods which is applicable for master of arts (sociology), master of arts (public administration) (mso, mpa) course(s) in ignou absolutely free click on the appropriate button to get the examination question paper of the year you are looking for. you will get the pdf downloaded instantly checking and comparing previous year question papers for this subject will help you understand which question have been repeated many times. this can help you prepare for your exams effectively..

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