A research methodology is the broad strategy employed in explaining why research methods were selected. It founds the basis of comprehending how research is to be conducted .
A methodology is important as:
- It identifies the research problem along with the most suitable method to provide the solution for that problem.
- It offers understanding on how the selected methods solve the problem.
- It allows you to justify why you chose the study and the methods and tools used.
- It asserts the credibility of your study by ascertaining its systematized approach in obtaining and organizing data.
- It reduces biases -As it allows the proper use of data collection and data analysis methods, any biases or errors are minimized.
Research Methodology Types
Usually, research methodologies are either quantitative or qualitative. In nutrition science, it is the quantitative research methodology that is majorly applied. The mixed-method methodology that involves an integration of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies can also be applied to nutrition, in some cases.
The Importance of A Research Methodology
A research methodology aids you to demonstrate why you selected certain methods over others, their implications of use and justification. It involves clarifying why the decisions made were selected. The methodology should prove a link between the objectives of the research and the research study, and why the selected data collection methods and data analysis methods are relevant. The methodology should mention the prospective challenges to occur while performing the study. It should also demonstrate why the selected research methods i.e. experimental, survey etc are the most appropriate.
Difference Between Research Methodology, Research Methods And Research Design
Note that a research methodology is different from research methods as aforementioned, because it is broader and attempts to explain overall rationale of the study, whilst research methods are a sub-topic in the study that constitute the particular tools and processes involved in collecting data. The research methodology encompasses a broader scope than what entails research methods as it further seeks to address how the different components of the study were selected, and why they were selected. For example, why the research was conducted, the data analysis methods utilized, the sampling criterion and why it was chosen, how the hypothesis will be developed and tested etc.
The research methodology also differs from the research design wherein; while, it is the reason for performing the study, the research design is the actual plan of the study- the step by step process of conducting the research.
Examples
Example 1:
Research topic: The impact of nutrition education on the frequency of fruit and vegetable intake among community members aged 25-30 years in x location.
Research methodology: To find out whether nutrition education that was offered to community members aged 25-30 years in x location , influenced an increase in their intake of vegetables and fruits.
Research methods: Use of questionnaires , and a focus group discussion -10-12 respondents.
Research design: The researcher and his assistants will congregate with the village representatives to have a focus group discussion. The researcher will ask for sources of nutrition education, who conducts them and how often they are conducted , whether community members respond positively to the nutrition messages etc.
Example 2:
Research topic: The effectiveness of Vitamin A supplementation programs among children below 5 years in x location.
Research methodology-To determine the effectiveness of Vitamin A supplementation programs in reducing Vitamin A deficiency among children below 5 years in x location.
Research methods : The use of questionnaires and interviews.
Research design: The researcher and his assistants will interview 5 health officials in different hospitals in x location. He will enquire how often the Vitamin A supplementation programs are held, their coverage , rough estimated numbers of children below 5 years who will be enrolled into the program, whether the supplementation programs contribute to fewer cases of Vitamin A deficiency cases etc.
From the examples, the 3 elements become apparently distinct. You recognize that a research methodology justifies your study, research methods are the tools used to gather data and research design is a detailed explanation on how the study will progress. All are critical components in a study.