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Difference Between Research Method and Research Methodology

research method vs methodologyResearch can be understood as the systematic and rigorous search for appropriate information on a specific subject. It involves enunciation of the problem, developing a hypothesis, collecting and analysing data and drawing conclusions, based on the facts and data collected. And to do so, the researcher uses research methods, during the course of conducting research.

The research methods are often confused with research methodology, which implies the scientific analysis of the research methods, so as to find a solution to the problem at hand. Hence, it seems apt to clarify the differences between research method and research methodology at this juncture, have a look.

Content: Research Method Vs Research Methodology

  1. Comparison Chart
  2. Definition
  3. Key Differences
  4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis of ComparisonResearch MethodResearch Methodology
MeaningResearch Method implies the methods employed by the researcher to conduct research.Research methodology signifies way to efficiently solving research problems.
What is it?Behavior and instrument used in the selection and construction of the research technique.Science of understanding, how research is performed methodically.
EncompassesCarrying out experiment, test, surveys and so on.Study different techniques which can be utilized in the performance of experiment, test, surveys etc.
Comprise ofDifferent investigation techniques.Entire strategy towards achievement of objective.
ObjectiveTo discover solution to research problem.To apply correct procedures so as to determine solutions.

Definition of Research Method

Research method pertains to all those methods, which a researcher employs to undertake research process, to solve the given problem. The techniques and procedure, that are applied during the course of studying research problem are known as the research method. It encompasses both qualitative and quantitative method of performing research operations, such as survey, case study, interview, questionnaire, observation, etc.

These are the approaches, which help in collecting data and conducting research, in order to achieve specific objectives such as theory testing or development. All the instruments and behaviour, used at various levels of the research activity such as making observations, data collection, data processing, drawing inferences, decision making, etc. are included in it. Research methods are put into three categories:

  • First Category: The methods relating to data collection are covered. Such methods are used when the existing data is not sufficient, to reach the solution.
  • Second Category: Incorporates the processes of analysing data, i.e. to identify patterns and establish a relationship between data and unknowns.
  • Third Category: Comprise of the methods which are used to check the accuracy of the results obtained.

Definition of Research Methodology

Research Methodology, as its name suggest is the study of methods, so as to solve the research problem. It is the science of learning the way research should be performed systematically. It refers to the rigorous analysis of the methods applied in the stream of research, to ensure that the conclusions drawn are valid, reliable and credible too.

The researcher takes an overview of various steps that are chosen by him in understanding the problem at hand, along with the logic behind the methods employed by the researcher during study. It also clarifies the reason for using a particular method or technique, and not others, so that the results obtained can be assessed either by the researcher himself or any other party.

Key Differences Between Research Method and Research Methodology

The differences between research method and research methodology can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:

  1. The research method is defined as the procedure or technique applied by the researcher to undertake research. On the other hand, research methodology is a system of methods, used scientifically for solving the research problem.
  2. The research method is nothing but the behaviour or tool, employed in selecting and building research technique. Conversely, research methodology implies the science of analysing, the manner in which research is conducted appropriately.
  3. The research method is concerned with carrying out experiment, test, surveys, interviews, etc. As against this, research methodology is concerned with learning various techniques which can be employed in the performance of experiment, test or survey.
  4. Research method covers various investigation techniques. Unlike, research methodology, which consists of complete approach aligned towards the attainment of purpose.
  5. Research method intends to discover the solution to the problem at hand. In contrast, research methodology aspires to apply appropriate procedures, with a view to ascertaining solutions.

Conclusion

The scope of research methodology is wider than that of research method, as the latter is the part of the former. For understanding the research problem thoroughly, the researcher should know the research methodology along with the methods.

In a nutshell, research method refers to the technique which can be adopted to explore the nature of the world that surrounds us. On the contrary, research methodology is the foundation, which helps us to understand the determinants influencing the effectiveness of the methods applied.

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Comments

  1. probably says

    May 26, 2017 at 6:05 pm

    Thank you for the definitions.

    Reply
  2. arsadan says

    June 7, 2017 at 11:00 am

    good and helpful content…. thank you

    Reply
    • Uwezo Chahe says

      November 19, 2022 at 5:50 pm

      Thank you

      Reply
  3. Richard Kisembo says

    September 26, 2017 at 1:37 pm

    It’s a good piece. Thanx

    Reply
  4. Elijah Olawale says

    November 23, 2017 at 6:45 pm

    I really thank you at this time,thanks a lot!

    Reply
  5. Amelia Williams says

    February 28, 2018 at 4:17 am

    Good and helpful thanks Surbhi, I would like to cite your work, can you please post a reference. thankyou

    Reply
    • Surbhi S says

      February 28, 2018 at 9:47 am

      “Difference Between Research Method and Research Methodology” Keydifferences.com By Surbhi S. 28 Feb 2018 < https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-research-method-and-research-methodology.html >

      Reply
  6. MUSA Auwal Ahmad says

    November 4, 2018 at 9:03 pm

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Worri says

      November 16, 2023 at 2:29 pm

      Thanks for good answers

      Reply
  7. tamirat says

    November 22, 2018 at 7:08 pm

    please put in pdf for more reading

    Reply
  8. PRADEEP says

    November 27, 2018 at 1:32 pm

    You expressed the content in an elegant way. I wanted to know, What are the references from where you collected this content?

    Reply
  9. Sadik says

    November 28, 2018 at 6:32 pm

    Thank you for clarification

    Reply
  10. CHARLES SSENGONZI says

    March 12, 2019 at 6:31 am

    This is really helpful. Thanks for the explanation.

    Reply
  11. Jackilina Rafael says

    March 25, 2019 at 7:08 pm

    thanks for your good explanation

    Reply
  12. philomena wanyama. says

    June 22, 2019 at 1:10 am

    Thanks. very well put!

    Reply
  13. Er SOHAIL JAVED says

    December 15, 2019 at 11:19 am

    The description of the subject is mentioned quite well, easy to understand and it reduces the mental stress for understanding the concept.

    Reply
  14. Jewel Rana says

    April 16, 2020 at 9:56 am

    This writing is very helpful to understand. Thank you for this .

    Reply
  15. Emmanuel Boateng Donald says

    February 12, 2021 at 3:01 pm

    Thank you for this work.

    Reply
  16. DAVID MASELI says

    March 20, 2021 at 3:27 pm

    So helpful have not enough words to say thank you

    Reply
  17. Bola Lawson says

    September 25, 2021 at 9:30 pm

    This is very insightful. You’re efforts is appreciated

    Reply
  18. Jkmarafa says

    December 2, 2021 at 11:17 am

    Thanks for the post

    Reply
  19. James A Batey says

    January 29, 2022 at 8:15 am

    I appreciate your contribution to the facilitation of learning

    Reply
  20. Jasson J Nkongo says

    February 9, 2022 at 11:17 pm

    Thank you so much fo the explanations

    Reply
  21. F.S says

    March 13, 2022 at 7:07 pm

    THANK YOU IT WAS QUITE HELPFUL ,PLEASE CAN YOU ALSO EXPLAIN RESEARCH TECHNIQUES?

    Reply
  22. Babasola Osoteku says

    July 30, 2022 at 6:02 pm

    Thank you, that was insightful

    Reply
  23. Atti says

    September 25, 2022 at 2:34 am

    Thank you for the brief but deep explanation

    Reply
  24. square says

    December 2, 2022 at 12:27 am

    Thanks for the explanation its very helpful

    Reply
    • Fatima Ahmad says

      January 25, 2023 at 8:12 pm

      Thank you

      Reply

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