Fundamentals and Approaches to Research Methodology
Research fundamentals involve defining a problem, seeking knowledge systematically, and employing specific methodologies to discover or verify facts. Scientific research, rooted in inquiry, aims to obtain objective, verifiable knowledge about infinite subjects, guided by the investigator's systematic approach. The choice between quantitative and qualitative approaches determines the method of data collection and analysis.
Key Takeaways
Research originates from questioning problematic situations.
Scientific research seeks objective, systematic, and verifiable knowledge.
Social science research explains complex social reality phenomena.
Quantitative research uses statistics and deductive methods for generalization.
Qualitative research focuses on deep understanding and inductive reasoning.
What is the origin and conceptualization of research?
Research fundamentally originates from a problematic situation, prompting the investigator to ask critical questions like “Why?” or “How?” This initial inquiry drives the systematic search for answers. Etymologically, the term “investigate” comes from the Latin *in* (in) + *vestigar* (to find or inquire), meaning to discover something new. According to Sabino Carlos (1992), scientific research is the systematic process used by an investigator to obtain objective, clear, and verifiable knowledge about any subject or problem.
- The originating cause is always a problematic situation, which serves as the initial trigger for the entire research process and the start of questioning.
- The elemental scope of investigation, derived from its Latin roots, is simply to find, discover, or ascertain something previously unknown or unverified through systematic inquiry.
- Scientific knowledge, as defined by Sabino Carlos, must possess specific characteristics: it must be objective, systematic, clear, organized, and fully verifiable by others.
- The research dynamic involves the investigator (the subject) systematically exploring an object, which can be any of the infinite topics and problems existing in the world.
What is the essential purpose of research in social sciences?
Research in social sciences primarily aims to comprehend, analyze, and explain complex phenomena within social reality, providing deeper insights into human behavior and societal structures. The chosen research approach acts as a crucial methodological guide, influencing every stage from problem definition and data collection to analysis and result presentation. This approach is grounded in distinct scientific paradigms and perspectives, often incorporating knowledge management processes to generate and disseminate new organizational knowledge (Mendoza & Bullón, 2022).
- The essential purpose of social science research is to comprehensively analyze, explain, and understand complex phenomena that occur within the context of social reality.
- The research approach functions as a critical methodological guide, significantly affecting how the problem is defined, how data is collected, and how results are analyzed and presented.
- Approaches are fundamentally based on different scientific perspectives and paradigms, ensuring the methodology aligns with the underlying philosophical view of reality.
- Knowledge management, as described by Mendoza & Bullón (2022), is the crucial process dedicated to generating, organizing, and effectively diffusing new organizational knowledge.
What are the main approaches used in research methodology?
Research methodology is primarily defined by two main approaches: quantitative and qualitative. The quantitative approach, rooted in positivism, focuses on objectivity, measurement, and prediction using numerical data and statistical analysis to test hypotheses and generalize findings. Conversely, the qualitative approach, based on naturalism and constructivism, seeks deep contextual understanding of subjective realities through flexible, holistic methods like interviews and observation, employing inductive reasoning without aiming for broad generalization.
- The Quantitative approach is rooted in the positivism and neo-positivism paradigms, focusing on empirical evidence, statistical analysis, and the objective measurement of variables.
- Key quantitative characteristics include objectivity, precise measurement, and the ability to predict outcomes using numerical data gathered through standardized instruments like surveys.
- The quantitative objective is to explain cause-and-effect relationships by rigorously testing hypotheses using the deductive method, moving from general principles to specific conclusions.
- The Qualitative approach is based on naturalism and constructivism, recognizing reality as subjective and dynamic, and utilizing methods like interviews, observation, and analysis of documents.
- Qualitative research aims to deeply comprehend meanings and experiences, employing the inductive method to build theory from specific observations, focusing on contextual exploration rather than generalization. Other approaches include Mixed, Experimental, and Participatory methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the term 'investigate' originate?
The term 'investigate' comes from the Latin words *in* (in) and *vestigar* (to find or inquire). Its elemental meaning is to discover or ascertain something systematically.
How does the quantitative approach differ from the qualitative approach?
Quantitative research uses numerical data, statistical analysis, and deduction to generalize findings. Qualitative research uses interviews and observation to understand subjective experiences contextually through induction.
What are the required characteristics of scientific knowledge?
Scientific knowledge must be objective, systematic, clear, organized, and verifiable. This ensures that the findings are reliable and can be consistently validated by others.
