Methodology:The study consists of the assumptions, postulates, rules, and methods—the blueprint or roadmap—that researchers employ to render their work open to analysis, critique, replication, repetition, and/or adaptation and to choose research methods.
Quantitative methodology
typical features
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Goal: defining "hard" data gained from a given sample, and drawing general conclusions based on them
typical methods
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correlational methods: test, questionnaire (with responses that can be transferred to qualtitative data), measurement , content analysis ((focused on interpreting and understanding)
When to apply?
- if we can work with easily quantifiable data and have a larger data set
- if we want to take a closer look at certain behaviors and the relationships between their details
Mixed methodology: collecting, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data in a single study or in a series of studies that investigate the same underlying phenomenon
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When to apply?
When one type of research (qualitative or quantitative) is not enough to address the research problem or answer the research questions
Qualitative methodology
typical features
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small, not necessarily representative sample
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Goal: Understanding the reasons behind the phenomena, their correlations and driver
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When to apply?
- if we want to explore the deeper driving forces of different phenomena and their connections with the context
- if the subject of the research is difficult to quantify
- if the research area is not yet explored