Research Method
RSR 300 (SEC 4)
Chapter Three
Overview
• Chapter Three, often titled “Methodology"
• This chapter details the framework guiding the research
process.
• It explains how data is gathered, analyzed, and
interpreted to achieve the research objectives.
• It serves as a “blueprint” of how the study is executed.
Introduction
• Provide an overview of the research methodology
• Outline of sub-sections that are to be discussed
Rationale for Methodology
• Explains why the chosen method (qualitative and quantitative) fits
the study.
• Aligns method with research questions/objectives.
• Examples:
• Quantitative: statistical analysis of measurable data
• Qualitative: understanding perceptions and experience
• Note: This section must justify why your approach is the most
appropriate for your problem statement. For instance, a study
exploring user satisfaction may prefer surveys (quantitative), while
system usability studies may require interviews (qualitative).
Nature of Research Design
• Defines the overall structure guiding data collection and analysis.
• Types of research design
• Descriptive: explains characteristics of a population.
• Experimental: manipulates variables to observe effects.
• Case Study: focuses on a single instance or system.
• Correlational: examines relationships between variables.
• Outlines data collection and analysis procedures.
• Note: This section serves as a “blueprint” that connects research
questions to implementation steps. It ensures consistency and
logical flow from data collection to interpretation.
Population and Sample Selection
• Population: the entire group relevant to your study (e.g., users of a
software system).
• Sample: subset of the population used for data collection.
• Sampling techniques:
• Probability (Random, Stratified, Systematic)
• Non-probability (Convenience, Purposive)
• Note: A well-defined population ensures that findings can be
generalized. Sampling must minimize bias and maximize
representativeness of the population.
Instrumentation or Source of Data
• Primary Data: directly collected via
• Surveys
• Interviews
• Questionnaires
• Observations
• Secondary Data: obtained from existing records, journals, or databases.
• Ensure validity and reliability of instruments through pilot testing.
• Note: Instrumentation must align with the research objectives. The
reliability and accuracy of the tools directly affect the quality of
findings.
Technical Background
• Provides technical foundation supporting the study.
• Includes:
• Algorithms or system architectures
• Development tools and programming languages
• Platforms, frameworks, and data models used
• Ensures readers understand the technical environment of the
system.
• Note: For system-based capstone projects, this section bridges
research and implementation by explaining the tools,
technologies, and technical assumptions used.
System Design
• Presents system architecture.
• May include:
• Use Case Diagrams
• Data Flow Diagrams (DFD)
• Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERD)
• Unified Modeling Language (UML Models)
• Describes system components and their interactions.
• Note: This section links methodology with system development.
It illustrates how models are translated into functional system
components.
Ethical Considerations
• Protect participant privacy, consent, and confidentiality.
• Avoid plagiarism, falsification, and data manipulation.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines (e.g., Institutional Review Board
standards).
• Ensure voluntary participation and informed consent.
• Note: This section ensures credibility and protects the rights of
all participants. It reflects the moral responsibility of a
researcher.
Summary of the Chapter
• Recaps the key points discussed in the chapter, highlighting
the methodologies approach and its relevance to the research
objectives.
• Note: This section reinforces how each methodological
component contributes to answering the research questions
and achieving the project’s aims.