Research Method

A Research Method is a investigative methodology that specifies the approach and techniques for conducting a research activity.

AKA: Research Approach.
Context:
- It can be selected based on the Research Question being addressed.
- It can vary from Qualitative Research Methods that focus on subjective analysis to Quantitative Research Methods that involve statistical analysis.
- It can be promoted by a Researcher based on their field of study, preference, or the nature of the research problem.
- It can influence the reliability and validity of the Research Findings.
- It can require specific Research Tools and Research Techniques for data collection and analysis.
- It can be documented in a Research Proposal to outline the methodology for potential funding or ethical approval.
- It can be critiqued in a Research Paper Review for its appropriateness and execution.
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Example(s):
- A Positivist Research Method that employs structured questionnaires to gather quantifiable data from a large sample size.
- An Interpretivist Research Method that utilizes in-depth interviews to understand the perceptions and experiences of participants.
- A Mixed Methods Research approach that combines both qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a comprehensive analysis.
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Counter-Example(s):
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See: Practice Method, Research Project, Research Paper Review.

References

(Moody & Buist, 1999) ⇒ Daniel Moody, and Anne Buist. (1999). “Improving Links Between Information Systems Research and Practice - Lessons from the Medical Profession.” In: Proceedings of the 10th Australasian Conference on Information Systems.
- QUOTE: There has been enormous concern with research methodology by IS researchers, almost to the point of obsession. There have been long running debates on the comparative merits of positivist vs interpretivist approaches, qualitative vs quantitative methods and so on. IS research methodology has almost become a research area in its own right, and a number of major conferences have been held on this issue (e.g. Mingers and Stowell, 1997; Nissen et al, 1991; Mumford et al, 1985). A number of taxonomies of research methods have been published, prescribing when particular methods should be used (e.g. Hamilton and Ives, 1982; Galliers, 1991; Wynecoop and Russo, 1997). The relative merit of different research methods has proved to be a somewhat emotive topic, and particular techniques are energetically promoted by different researchers.