Research methodology can be understood as a way to systemically solve or answer the research problem. Thus essentially, it can be understood as the process of studying how research is done in a scientific manner. Through the methodology, we study the various steps that are generally adopted by a researcher in studying his/her research problem and the underlying logic behind them. The selection of the research method is crucial for what conclusions you can make about a phenomenon. It affects what you can say about the cause and factors influencing the phenomenon.
A literature review can be described as an examination of the existing research publications on the topic area of a new study, to discuss their theorizing, research designs, data collection methods, findings, strengths, limitations and contexts as relevant to the new study. This often includes the researcher’s own views, observations and alternative explanations to the findings as to what other factors may have given rise to those findings.
The following document outlines the roles and responsibilities of the student-supervisor relationship. It is important to note that this document should also be read with the following additional documents:
Research methods refers to the tools that one uses to do research. These can either be qualitative or quantitative or mixed. Quantitative methods examines numerical data and often requires the use of statistical tools to analyse data collected. This allows for the measurement of variables and relationships between them can then be established. This type of data can be represented using graphs and tables. Qualitative data is non-numerical and focuses on establishing patterns. Mixed methods are composed of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Mixed methods allow for explanation of unexpected results.
