Question

Q72 What is the difference between research methods and research methodology? [Marks 2]  

Answer 1

Ans: Research can be understood as a systematic and rigorous search for appropriate information on a specific subject. It involves enunciation of the problem, developing a hypothesis, collecting and analyzing data and drawing conclusions, based on the facts and data collected. And to do so, the researcher uses research methods, during the course of conducting research. These research methods are often confused with research methodology, that implies the scientific analysis of the research methods, so as to find a solution to the problem at hand.

Research method pertains to all those methods, which a researcher employs to undertake the research process, to solve the given problem. The techniques and procedure, that are applied during the course of studying research problem are known as the research method. It encompasses both qualitative and quantitative method of performing research operations, such as survey, case study, interview, questionnaire, observation, etc.

Research Methodology, as its name suggest is the study of methods, so as to solve the research problem. It is the science of learning the way research should be performed systematically. It refers to the rigorous analysis of the methods applied in the stream of research, to ensure that the conclusions drawn are valid, reliable and credible too.