Research methodology

This section contains links regarding the methodological issues in research. It focuses primarily on providing help with the tools and techniques used in the research process.

These tools and techniques differ from discipline to discipline. Researchers also have specific biases. Some will prefer qualitative over quantitative approaches of vice versa. Generally speaking, an integrated approach is advisable. A study that contains only qualitative data or solely quantitative data misses the rich texture of interpretation that an integrated approach makes possible.

While this section may be organised in a way that suggests a defined process, this is not the intention. It provides links to resources facilitating a broad spectrum of social science research:

• Research ethics
• Secondary data sources
• Qualitative methods
• Quantitative methods
• Research methodology textbooks
• The Internet as a medium for research

Links to general research methodology resources

Social Science Information Gateway (SOSIG)
The SOSIG listings of online Social Science Methodology resources offer descriptions of and links to a selection of methodology-related resources internationally:
http://www.sosig.ac.uk/roads/subject-listing/World/meth.html

Bill Trochim's Knowledge Base
Developed by William M. Trochim of Cornell University, Knowledge Base is a "comprehensive web-based textbook that addresses all of the topics in a typical introductory undergraduate or graduate course in social research methods. It covers the entire research process including: formulating research questions; sampling (probability and nonprobability); measurement (surveys, scaling, qualitative, unobtrusive); research design (experimental and quasi-experimental); data analysis; and, writing the research paper. It also addresses the major theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of research including: the idea of validity in research; reliability of measures; and ethics."
http://trochim.human.cornell.edu/kb/index.htm