Demonstrating Investigation Methodology - Report Example

Introduction

According to Gunn and Fairre (2011), research methodologies refer to the various methods that are used by researchers to organize and execute research studies to achieve research objectives and to validate or invalidate the research hypothesis. It is the systematic plan of procedures that describe, explain, and predict the research regarding data collection. Methodologies entail the use of coherent, logically consistent, and theoretically informed assemblage of methods in research. There are several research methods used by different scholars from different fields, for example, quantitative, qualitative, and ethnographic methodologies. Based on the concepts learned in this course, it is evident that methodology determines the research findings. This is because the chosen methodology controls and dictate how data is obtained and analyzed to validate or invalidate the hypothesis. In line with these aspects, this paper is going to demonstrate how research methodology determines the research findings by discussing the strengths and weaknesses of five chosen research methodologies that are discussed in this class.

Quantitative Research methodology

Quantitative research measures the level of occurrence in a study by the use of numbers and calculations often addressing questions like “how many?” and “how often?” It is the collection of numerical data, displaying the view of the relationship between the philosophical perspective and the deductions of the research. This methodology aims at establishing the general laws of behavior and phenomenon across various settings by testing a theory and ultimately supporting or rejecting it. Experiments are the most typical method employed for quantitative research and reality is objective (Weerakkody, 2015). This methodology has disadvantages since trials do not happen in natural settings and the participants not allowed to explain their choices. This creates room for the manipulation of the results to suit the objectives of the researcher and this determines the findings (O’Leary, 2014). Quantitative as a research methodology also require research expertise in the area of study so that poor knowledge may affect analysis and interpretation and this will lead to inaccurate findings and conclusion. Small-scale studies may also change generalization of findings in the broader population because the researcher may fail to observe a phenomenon by concentrating on the hypothesis instead of the theory of hypothesis generation. Replication of data is also easy, so it is less open to ambiguities. Despite the weaknesses, the methodology holds scientific objectivity hence rational thus useful for testing and validating constructed arguments.

Qualitative research methodology

Qualitative research methodology obtains data that is a form of research methodology that collects information regarding the attitudes and perception of the sample population regarding the topic under study (Weerakkody, 2015). It is an empirical research involving a naturalistic interpretive approach to studying things in their natural settings and trying to interpret phenomena by the meaning people bring to them. Qualitative research methodology aims at understanding the social reality of individuals, cultures, and groups as much as possible as the participants feel and live it thus the study is carried out in the natural setting. It mostly answers the questions “how?” and “why?” a particular phenomenon is a way it is. Qualitative methods of research include interviews and surveys (O’Leary, 2014). On the one hand, one of the major strengths of this method is that it provides room for participants to provide more elaborate answers (Weerakkody, 2015). This provides more information that leads to more accurate findings and more comprehensive conclusions. On the other hand, one of the major weaknesses of this method is that there is subjectivism during the interviews, and hence, researchers can influence the response given by the participant (Weerakkody, 2015). This has an influence on the results of the study, and this may have a negative impact on the findings. The limitations of this methodology are that it is costly regarding time and other resources. Its validity and reliability are also majorly criticized. Data analysis is also tricky always requiring expert knowledge in the area of study. However, since the researcher is intimately involved, he/she gains an insider’s view and learns even the minute details often missed by other inquiries. It also allows for ambiguities and contradictions thus giving a reflection of social realism which may be lacking in some methods such as quantitative research methodology.

Ethnographic Observation Research Methodology

Ethnographic observation involves a study of people, their culture, customs and community standards, conducted through observation (Descombe, 2007). Anthropologists and sociologists mainly use this method. The most common way is the participant observation, where the researcher practically participates in the activities of the study group, observing, recording the findings, asking questions, analyzing data, and formulating theories among others. Ethnographic observation gives an advantage of direct evaluation of data or information as the researcher is directly observing the subject of study or research. It can be used well where questionnaires and interviews are not possible or not appropriate to use (Thomson, 2012). In ethnography, there is a change of behavior or pattern of the subject of study then consistency and reliability of the research findings is lost. This method determines the research findings because the interpretation depend on the role and expertise of the researcher (Thomson, 2012). Observation can be time-consuming and also viewed as too subjective. It can also be limiting in case the study group is not willing to allow the researcher to interact with them. Despite the above weaknesses, ethnographical observation can produce a highly valid and reliable research findings due to the direct contact that the researcher has with the participants while living with them in the same community (Thomson, 2012).

Research by visual methods

This methodology entails completing a research study by examining the available visual materials and symbols (Denscombe, 2007). The methods used range from maps, diagrams, photographs, video footage, drawings, collage, and paintings among others. The most common theorized and commonly used analytical approach to visual methods is semiotics which is the study of signs. Semiotics also addresses other areas of human communication such as language, gustatory and olfactory, sound as well as tactile. In areas such as creative arts and film studies, semiotics is an indispensable methodology of study (Denscombe, 2007). The implementation of this methodology determines the research findings because that data that is collected depend on the objectives and theoretical perspective of the researcher. This method cannot be used in isolation due to its insufficiency in providing detailed information, an illustration that research methodologies determine research findings. To get accurate and comprehensive findings, the visual methods must be used in combination with other methods such as oral interviews, written diaries (Denscombe, 2007). When visual techniques are used in isolation, aims of the research may not be achieved appropriately. For instance, a photograph of a crime scene may not give all the details needed in an investigation thus calling for interviews of people within the photo and others around where the picture is taken. The main advantage of visual methods is that they can always be referred to even after a long time. They are also good since it is a method of eliciting and understanding experiences in its right.

Historiographical research methodology

These comprise the methods and guidelines used to do research seeking to discover histories of different cultures (Gunn & Fairre, 2011). Historians, political scientists, sociologists, and anthropologists collect data from the past, analyze and interpret to help predict future events. Archives and museums, and other historical visual materials such as old photos, paintings, and distant texts, are the primary sources of information. Historians, therefore, produce their story, a mythical saga, moral lesson, a tale of heroes and villains, list of significant battles among others (Gunn & Fairre, 2011). This methodology is best since there is a wealth of knowledge and its non-reactivity. Historiography, however, leaves room for skepticism and relativism in that the information can either be believed or not. The truth primarily depends on the position of the speaker.

Conclusion

Following the arguments above, this paper safely concludes that the research methodology employed determines the findings of a study subject. It is, therefore, necessary to always consider all factors such as the purpose of research, advantages, and limitations of every methodology, to get the most appropriate one to use in any particular research study. Some investigations will require a combination of two or more methodologies to obtain the best results; valid and reliable. The views held by the expected results, also play a significant role in the method used in the studies. For instance, positivism views hold that factual knowledge gained through observation is trustworthy and in this case, quantitative methods would be most applicable in a study requiring such kind of results as opposed to quantitative methods.