Research methods
Research methods underpin the research process – are you using yours effectively?
- What are research methods?
- Why are research methods important?
- How can you improve your research methods?– Theoretical knowledge
- How can you improve your research methods? – Practical application
The importance of research methods
Research methods are the variety of techniques used to collect and analyse data.
What are research methods?
Research methods are the variety of techniques used to collect and analyse data. A combination of research methods can be used, and they may be common to your discipline or from other fields.
Why are research methods important?
Research methods are important because they are the foundation for a researcher’s work. Choosing the right methodology is crucial to the success of the research project and the researcher must know the alternative methods to pick the right one. Luckily, choosing the right research method for you, and knowledge of what is available, is a skill that can be developed across a career.
How can you improve your research methods?
Theoretical knowledge
- Reflect if you have a good understanding of all the research methods used in your field
- If not, set a schedule to learn about alternative research methods
- Look at research methods used in other disciplines to inform your research
Practical application
- Formally document the research approaches you use and critically evaluate their effectiveness
- You can use this knowledge to guide others in your supervision on best approaches, if applicable
- Once you have acquired new methodologies you can create new models, hypotheses and techniques and set expectations of how these can be applied in your group, department, etc.
Final takeaways
- Reflect if you have a good understanding of all the research methods used in your field
- Formally document the research approaches you use and critically evaluate their effectiveness