THE 'WHAT' AND 'WHY' OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research by definition is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

Methodology on the other hand is defined as a body of methods, rules, and postulates employed by a discipline : a particular procedure or set of procedures.

Research methodology is a systematic way to solve a problem. It is a science of studying how research is to be carried out. Essentially, the procedures by which researchers go about their work of describing, explaining and predicting phenomena are called research methodology. It is also defined as the study of methods by which knowledge is gained. Its aim is to give the work plan of research.

Why are research and research methodology important?

Research is important both in scientific and nonscientific fields. In our life new problems, events, phenomena and processes occur every day. Practically, implementable solutions and suggestions are required for tackling new problems that arise. Scientists have to undertake research on them and find their causes, solutions, explanations and applications. Precisely, research assists us to understand nature and natural phenomena.

Research Methodology on the other hand is a way to find out the result of a given problem on a specific matter or problem that is also referred as research problem. It is also defined as the study of methods by which knowledge is gained. Its aim is to give the work plan of research. In Methodology, researcher uses different criteria for solving/searching the given research problem. Different sources use different type of methods for solving the problem. It is necessary for a researcher to design a methodology for the problem chosen because it allows them to systematically to search and find out all the answers till conclusion. If research does not work systematically on problem, there would be less possibility to find out the final result. For finding or exploring research questions, a researcher faces lot of problems that can be effectively resolved with using correct research methodology.

To know which methodology to use for our research, it is important to learn or have knowledge about it first. This is because the study of research methodology able to provides us the necessary training in choosing methods, materials, scientific tools and training in techniques relevant for the problem chosen.