Research Methodology

Design rigorous research studies with appropriate methods for your question. Covers qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches with validity threats and mitigation strategies.

Usage

Describe your research question, field, available resources, and timeline. The guide helps you select and design the most appropriate methodology with attention to validity, reliability, and ethical considerations.

Parameters

• Approach: Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed methods, or Unsure
• Field: Social science, Natural science, Health, Business, or Education
• Design: Experimental, Quasi-experimental, Survey, Case study, or Ethnography
• Stage: Planning, Data collection, Analysis, or Writing up

Examples

1. RCT Design: Randomized controlled trial design for a behavioral intervention — randomization procedures, blinding considerations, outcome measures, control group ethics, and CONSORT reporting.

1. Qualitative Interview Study: Design a grounded theory study using semi-structured interviews — sampling strategy, interview guide development, coding procedures, and trustworthiness criteria.

1. Mixed Methods Convergent: Design a study combining survey data (quantitative) with focus groups (qualitative) using a convergent parallel design with integration at the analysis stage.

1. Longitudinal Cohort Study: Plan a 5-year cohort study with baseline and follow-up measurements — attrition management, missing data strategies, and time-varying covariate handling.

Guidelines

• Methodology selection is driven by the research question, not researcher preference
• Internal validity threats are identified with specific mitigation strategies for each design
• External validity and generalizability limitations are honestly assessed
• Sampling strategies match the methodology: random for quantitative, purposive for qualitative
• Power analysis determines sample size for quantitative studies before data collection
• Saturation criteria guide sample size for qualitative studies
• Ethical considerations cover informed consent, confidentiality, and vulnerable populations
• IRB/ethics committee requirements are addressed with application guidance
• Pilot study recommendations test instruments and procedures before full implementation
• Methodology sections are written to enable exact replication by other researchers