UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO

KIDAPAWAN CITY CAMPUS

Sudapin, Kidapawan City

Research Methods or Techniques

versus Methodology

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 Research methods or techniques

Research techniques refer to the behavior and instruments we

use in performing research operations such as making
observations, recording data, techniques of processing data and
the like.

Research methods refer to the behavior and instruments used in

selecting and constructing research technique. It may be
understood as all those methods/techniques that are used for
conduction of research.
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 Example

Type Methods Techniques

Laboratory Small group study Use of audio-visual

Research of random behavior, recording devices,
play and role use of observers,
analysis etc.

Note: Methods are more general. It is the methods that

generate techniques
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 Research Methodology

Research Methodology is a way to systematically solve the

research problem. It may be understood as a science of
studying how research is done scientifically.

Note: The scope of research methodology is wider than that of

research methods.

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 RESEARCH PROCESS (PROBLEMS AND OBJECTIVES)

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 Research Process
• consists of series of actions or steps necessary to effectively carry out
research and the desired sequencing of these steps.

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 Research Problems and Objectives

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 The Research Problem and Objectives

• One of the critical steps in writing a thesis/research study.

 The best way of understanding the problem is to discuss it with
one’s own colleagues or with those having some expertise in the
matter.
 In an academic institution the researcher can seek the help from a
guide who is usually an experienced man and has several research
problems in mind. Often, the guide puts forth the problem in general
terms and it is up to the researcher to narrow it down and phrase
the problem in operational terms.

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 The Research Problem and Objectives

 The researcher must at the same time examine all available

literature to get himself acquainted with the selected
problem. He may review two types of literature.
• Conceptual literature concerning the concepts and theories.
• Empirical literature consisting of studies made earlier which
are similar to the one proposed.

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 Characteristics of a Good Problem

1. The topic should be of great interest to you.

2. It is useful for the concerned people in a particular field.
3. It possesses novelty
4. Is one which invites more complex designing.
5. Can be completed in the allotted time desired.
6. Does not carry ethical or moral impediments.

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 Activities for Sharpening Skills in Identifying Problem/Objectives

1. Reading a lot of literature in your field of concentration and being

critical of what you read;
2. Attending professional lectures;
3. Being close observant of situations and happenings around you;
4. Thinking out the possibility of research for most topics or lessons
taken in content courses;
5. Attending research colloqiums or seminars;
6. Conducting mini-researches and noting the obtained findings
closely;

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 Activities for Sharpening Skills in Identifying Problem/Objectives

7. Compiling researches with special emphasis on content and

methodology;
8. Visiting various libraries for possible discovery of
researchable topics;
9. Subscribing to journals in your field and in research.
10. Building-up a library of materials in your field.

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 Activity 1:

1. What do you mean by research? Explain its significance in

modern times.

2. Distinguish between Research methods and Research

methodology. Site your own example.

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