RESEARCH
METHODS
Viktor Pirmana
W H AT ARE
RES EARCH
M ETH ODS ?
• Reflection on the quest for knowledge-
gathering
• Path towards Knowledge
• Techniques or procedure used to collate
and analyse data (Balike,2000:8)
• Definition of Scientific Procedures
• Importance of Methodology
• Aim of Scientific Procedures
THE QUESTION-
METHOD FIT
• Choose your methods according to the
questions you wish to ask
• Methods should follow from questions
and not the other way round.
• Your questions guide your choice of
methods
• You make this decision after an
extensive literature review as to which
is the most appropriate method
• Bear in mind that methods are only
tools with which to obtain information
unless your thesis is concerned with
the nature of methods themselves
C L A SS I F I C AT I O N O F
SCIENTIFIC
PROCEDURES
• Criteria for method classification
• Types of scientific procedures: Empiric,
Theoretical, Other (e.g., heuristic)
EMPIRICAL
METHODS
• Involves observation,
measurement, and experiments
• Works with specific data
T HEOR ET ICAL
MET HOD S
• Utilizes analysis, synthesis,
induction, deduction,
modeling
• Does not work with specific
data
• Examples: Theoretical
frameworks, pedagogical
models
OTHER METHODS
• Heuristic approaches
• Innovative problem-solving
techniques
• Examples and applications
E X P L A N AT I O N A N D
I N T E R P R E TAT I O N I N
RESEARCH
• Differentiating explanation methods from
interpretation methods
• General-to-specific progression in
explanation
• The role of interpretation as a distinct
procedure
G ENERAL S C I ENT I F I C
M ET HOD S
• Universal applicability in scientific
research
• Key methods: analysis, synthesis,
induction, deduction, comparing,
specifying, analogy
SPECIFIC METHODS
FOR FIELDS OF STUDY
• Unique methods tailored to particular
disciplines
• Example: Specific pedagogical
research methods
Q U A N T I TAT I V E V S .
Q U A L I TAT I V E
METHODS IN
KIN AN TH R O P O LO GY
• Overview of quantitative
methods: experiments,
correlative examinations,
normative examinations
• Overview of qualitative
methods: case studies,
ethnography, grounded
theory
THE ARCHIVAL
TECHNIQUE
• Based on positivism
• Objective proof and theory
verification
• Techniques, methods, and data
processing
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
• Based on phenomenology and
interpretative paradigms
• Understanding behavior in a natural
environment
• Techniques, methods, and data
interpretation
BREAK
Take 10 mins
C O M B I N I N G Q U A L I TAT I V E
A N D Q U A N T I TAT I V E
RESEARCH
• Philosophical sources and aims
• Research characteristics and
procedures
• Formulating and testing
hypotheses
ADVANTAGES AND DIS ADVANTAGES
OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
A D VA N TA G E S A N D D I S A D VA N TA G E S
O F Q U A N T I TAT I V E R E S E A R C H
• Testing theories and generalizability
• Limitations in reflecting local
specificities and abstract knowledge
A D VA N TA G E S A N D
D I S A D VA N TA G E S O F Q U A L I TAT I V E
RESEARCH
• Detailed descriptions and natural
environment treatment
• Challenges in generalizing findings
and influence of researcher bias
R U L E S O F Q U A L I TAT I V E
RESEARCH
• Openness, reflexivity, case-
focus
• Processuality and context
consideration
• Overcoming determinism
through interpretation
Q UA L I TAT I V E R E S E A R C H
PLANS
• Detailed descriptions and natural
environment treatment
• Challenges in generalizing findings
and influence of researcher bias
TAKE-AWAY POINTS
• Importance of selecting appropriate research methods
• Influence on research validity and applicability
NEXT WEEK INDIVIDUAL
P R E S E N TAT I O N S
• 10 mins max
• Talk through research methods
of your proposal – include:
rationale, emerging literature,
research aims and questions,
theoretical/conceptual
framework, methods, ethics,
etc.
• Q&A afterwards
• Friendly space for you to
practice your presentation,
feedback to take to your actual
presentations
THANK YOU FOR
LISTENING!
Any questions?