Research Method
A Research Method is a systematic method that can be implemented by a research system to conduct research tasks through structured research approaches.
- AKA: Research Approach, Research Methodology, Research Technique.
- Context:
- It can typically guide Research Activity through methodological frameworks.
- It can typically structure Data Collection Process via systematic procedures.
- It can typically ensure Research Validity through rigorous protocols.
- It can typically support Knowledge Discovery through structured investigations.
- It can typically facilitate Research Reproducibility through documented processes.
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- It can often integrate Theoretical Framework with empirical approaches.
- It can often combine Data Collection Techniques with analytical tools.
- It can often adapt Research Design to contextual constraints.
- It can often evolve Methodological Approach based on emerging findings.
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- It can range from being a Qualitative Research Method to being a Quantitative Research Method, depending on its data analysis approach.
- It can range from being an Exploratory Research Method to being a Confirmatory Research Method, depending on its research objective.
- It can range from being a Single-Method Research Approach to being a Mixed-Methods Research Approach, depending on its methodological complexity.
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- It can be selected by Researcher based on research question characteristics.
- It can be documented in Research Proposal for methodological justification.
- It can be evaluated through Peer Review Process for methodological rigor.
- It can be taught in Research Methodology Courses for academic training.
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- Example(s):
- Empirical Research Methods, such as:
- Experimental Research Methods, such as:
- Observational Research Methods, such as:
- Theoretical Research Methods, such as:
- Conceptual Analysis Methods, such as:
- Formal Research Methods, such as:
- Applied Research Methods, such as:
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- Empirical Research Methods, such as:
- Counter-Example(s):
- Research Tool, which provides specific instruments rather than overall methodological approaches.
- Data Analysis Technique, which focuses on processing collected data rather than structuring entire research processes.
- Research Theory, which provides explanatory frameworks rather than procedural guidelines.
- See: Historical Research Methodology, Practice Method, Research Project, Research Design, Scientific Method, Research Paradigm.
References
1999
- (Moody & Buist, 1999) ⇒ Daniel Moody, and Anne Buist. (1999). “Improving Links Between Information Systems Research and Practice - Lessons from the Medical Profession.” In: Proceedings of the 10th Australasian Conference on Information Systems.
- QUOTE: There has been enormous concern with research methodology by IS researchers, almost to the point of obsession. There have been long running debates on the comparative merits of positivist vs interpretivist approaches, qualitative vs quantitative methods and so on. IS research methodology has almost become a research area in its own right, and a number of major conferences have been held on this issue (e.g. Mingers and Stowell, 1997; Nissen et al, 1991; Mumford et al, 1985). A number of taxonomies of research methods have been published, prescribing when particular methods should be used (e.g. Hamilton and Ives, 1982; Galliers, 1991; Wynecoop and Russo, 1997). The relative merit of different research methods has proved to be a somewhat emotive topic, and particular techniques are energetically promoted by different researchers.