Understanding research methodology

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to equip students with the tools required to understand, analyse and evaluate research. Academic study benefits from this deeper critical analysis, but critical analysis tools are seldom specifically taught. The chapter introduces the activity of research, both in general, and in its academic context. It explains the concept of research methodology, and outlines the relationship between method and methodology. The logical structures that underlie research methodologies, and the main ways that these logics can go wrong are explored. Then, a range of assumptions and values implicit in the choice and practice of a range of research methodologies are unpacked and presented. Along the way, a number of examples of research will be analysed, to demonstrate the analytical skills that are the focus of this chapter.