Methodology is the cornerstone in any academic research project, which covers a wide range of aspects such as the research question, the research object, the research approach, the research process, and the data analysis. In this paper, we will analyse the components of methodology in detail and combine them with examples for in-depth interpretation.
I. Overview of Methodology
Methodology, as the theoretical foundation of academic research, reflects what kind of research path we choose, the rationale for implementation and the possible trade-offs between pros and cons. The methodology described in this paper consists of five major elements, which are the research question, the research object, the research method, the research process, and the data analysis. Whether it is quantitative research, qualitative research or mixed research, it is necessary to clarify the reasons for choosing this type of research and why this method is effective in answering research questions.
Philosophical perspective
The philosophical perspective occupies a key position in methodology. The main philosophies involved are positivism, hermeneuticism and post-positivism. Positivism favours inference based on actual data; hermeneuticism attaches importance to in-depth exploration of interpreted conclusions from informal sources; and post-positivism emphasises speculation and summarisation of social phenomena based on personal experience. In terms of application, different subject areas may differ, for example, science and technology are suitable for empirical research, while humanities and social sciences are more suitable for interpretive research.
Choice of Research Path
We then move on to the selection of research paths, in which qualitative research focuses on theoretical exploration through understanding and collecting facts in the natural environment, while quantitative research relies on a large amount of quantitative information and constructs a theoretical framework through logical reasoning and relevant analyses. In addition, mixed research integrates qualitative research and quantitative research, realising the complementary advantages of the two approaches.
Data Collection Tools
After the research question is established, it is time for data collection. This includes whether the source of data is primary data (obtained from research) or secondary data (e.g. company reports, stock data, etc.) and the specific means of data collection. Along with the choice of instruments, it is important to clearly understand the advantages, disadvantages and scope of application of this choice. In addition, the use of documentary sources requires attention to their authority and liveliness. Various official databases (e.g., the National Bureau of Statistics Yearbook, the China Economic Information Network, etc.) and highly credible social surveys (e.g., the China Social Situation Survey (CSS) and the China General Social Survey (CGSS), etc.) are trustworthy and reliable channels.
V. The most central aspect – sample selection
Whether it is quantitative or qualitative research, we cannot include all the research subjects in the study, so we need to conduct sample sampling. Quantitative research focuses on the randomness of sampling, while qualitative research emphasises the principle of representative sample selection.
Methodology as a deep and wide-ranging study, this article is just the tip of the iceberg. I hope it can provide a preliminary understanding for all students, so that you are no longer unfamiliar and fearful of doing research. At the same time, it is also expected that more students in the future will devote themselves to the cause of scientific research and promote the progress and development of knowledge.
Methodology is the cornerstone in any academic research project, which covers a wide range of aspects such as the research question, the research object, the research approach, the research process, and the data analysis. In this paper, we will analyse the components of methodology in detail and combine them with examples for in-depth interpretation.
I. Overview of Methodology
Methodology, as the theoretical foundation of academic research, reflects what kind of research path we choose, the rationale for implementation and the possible trade-offs between pros and cons. The methodology described in this paper consists of five major elements, which are the research question, the research object, the research method, the research process, and the data analysis. Whether it is quantitative research, qualitative research or mixed research, it is necessary to clarify the reasons for choosing this type of research and why this method is effective in answering research questions.
Philosophical perspective
The philosophical perspective occupies a key position in methodology. The main philosophies involved are positivism, hermeneuticism and post-positivism. Positivism favours inference based on actual data; hermeneuticism attaches importance to in-depth exploration of interpreted conclusions from informal sources; and post-positivism emphasises speculation and summarisation of social phenomena based on personal experience. In terms of application, different subject areas may differ, for example, science and technology are suitable for empirical research, while humanities and social sciences are more suitable for interpretive research.
Choice of Research Path
We then move on to the selection of research paths, in which qualitative research focuses on theoretical exploration through understanding and collecting facts in the natural environment, while quantitative research relies on a large amount of quantitative information and constructs a theoretical framework through logical reasoning and relevant analyses. In addition, mixed research integrates qualitative research and quantitative research, realising the complementary advantages of the two approaches.
Data Collection Tools
After the research question is established, it is time for data collection. This includes whether the source of data is primary data (obtained from research) or secondary data (e.g. company reports, stock data, etc.) and the specific means of data collection. Along with the choice of instruments, it is important to clearly understand the advantages, disadvantages and scope of application of this choice. In addition, the use of documentary sources requires attention to their authority and liveliness. Various official databases (e.g., the National Bureau of Statistics Yearbook, the China Economic Information Network, etc.) and highly credible social surveys (e.g., the China Social Situation Survey (CSS) and the China General Social Survey (CGSS), etc.) are trustworthy and reliable channels.
V. The most central aspect – sample selection
Whether it is quantitative or qualitative research, we cannot include all the research subjects in the study, so we need to conduct sample sampling. Quantitative research focuses on the randomness of sampling, while qualitative research emphasises the principle of representative sample selection.
Methodology as a deep and wide-ranging study, this article is just the tip of the iceberg. I hope it can provide a preliminary understanding for all students, so that you are no longer unfamiliar and fearful of doing research. At the same time, it is also expected that more students in the future will devote themselves to the cause of scientific research and promote the progress and development of knowledge.
