Choosing your Methodology

Join us in this webinar as we discuss the process of selecting the ideal research methodology (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods) for your dissertation or thesis. There will be a brief Q & A session at the end of the presentation.

1. Choosing Your Research Methodology Cai Signori – Quantitative Mentor Johanna Broussard- Qualitative Mentor

2. What is a methodology? Research methodology is the specific procedures and techniques used to identify, process, and analyze information about a topic or concept Research methodology follows specific scientific procedures as laid out by the researcher The methodology section of your paper answers two main questions: How will you collect your data? How will the data be analyzed?

3. Importance of choosing the appropriate methodology An unreliable method will produce unreliable results Choosing a methodology that does not align with your research goals or data can undermine the value of your analysis and findings

4. Types of research methods

5. Quantitative Research Process of collecting and analyzing numerical data emphasis is placed on the testing of theory, shaped by empiricist and positivist philosophies Characteristics: Measurable variables Use of standardized research tools Repeatable methods Can predict outcomes Data is presented in graphs, tables, and figures Close ended/ numerical questions Research Designs: Experimental- causal Non-experimental– correlational Quasi-experimental

6. Qualitative research Process of collecting and analyzing non-numerical data (e.g., text, video, or audio) to understand concepts, opinions, or experiences Characteristics: Natural environment Multiple sources of data Inductive data analysis Design that develops over time Researcher as key instrument Holistic/ interpretive approach Open ended questions Research Strategies: Ethnography, Case studies, Narrative, ect

7. Mixed methods research Research approach whereby researchers collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data within the same study Characteristics: Collection of both open and closed data (quant and qual data) in response to research questions

8. Factors to consider when choosing a methodology:

9. Research Questions/ Hypotheses Match research questions/ hypotheses with methodology Quant research questions: Align with the purpose of your study and type of data you have Must be written in statistical language/ close ended Three types: Descriptive, comparative, and relational Each type of research question has its own associated statistical analysis Qual research questions: Based on purpose and theory Open ended/ allows for in depth observations

10. Data collection How you run data collection depends on two things: Type of data Are you able to measure the concepts you want to look at numerically or not? Availability of data How easy would it be access or measure your variables/concepts of interest? Quant/Qual data collection techniques: Surveys/questionnaires Interviews Observational Archival data

11. Data analysis How you analyze your data depends on the type of data you can collect Open ended questions/ difficult to measure concepts- Qualitative Closed ended questions/ measurable variables and concepts- Quantitative Quant data analysis methods Descriptive statistics Hypothesis testing Statistical tests such as T-test, ANOVAs, and Regressions are used depending on the research question Qual data analysis methods Content analysis , Thematic analysis , Narrative analysis , Grounded theory analysis, and Discourse analysis

12. Steps to follow when choosing your methodology:

13. Q&A

14. Additional Support Additional Support