Reflecting on the Research Methodology Module

Introduction

The research methodology module holds a significant position in my academic journey as it serves as the gateway to undertaking research projects. This module equips students with the necessary tools and techniques for conducting research. It explores into various research methods, going deep into the nuances of data collection and analysis, and fosters a profound comprehension of the research process.

Understanding the Basics

The central question revolves around the role of research methodology. Research serves various purposes, including exploration, description, and explanation, and it relies on the scientific method as a fundamental framework that encompasses observation, hypothesis formulation, reasoning, and testing. Research methodology equips researchers with the necessary knowledge and tools to proficiently manage every aspect of research projects, from planning and execution to the creation of comprehensive reports (Dawson, 2015: 17-27).

In the field of research, maintaining integrity and honesty is paramount. Show respect for the work of others and avoid plagiarism. Uphold copyright and intellectual property rights. Be open to sharing ideas and findings and accept criticisms objectively. Ensure the accuracy of the experiments and take care to minimize errors. Employ appropriate research methods throughout the work, and maintain honesty in the interactions with clients, users, supervisors, and colleagues.

As we conclude our project and write the report or research article, ethical considerations persist. Are we being truthful about the results? Are we transparent about including or omitting certain findings that may not align with the hypothesis? Is the presentation of data objective and clear? Ethical concerns continue to be relevant throughout the research process (Dawson, 2015, 38).

Research Design

The module has highlighted the significance of a meticulously planned research framework. It has provided instruction on crafting research inquiries, developing hypotheses, outlining research procedures, and defining objectives. Additionally, the module has delved into various research design options, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, stressing the importance of selecting the most appropriate design for a given field. This aspect holds paramount importance in research development.

Research design is divided into two main parts, exploratory research, and conclusive research. Exploratory research uses the approach to analyse a specific domain with an undefined problem and try to explore this problem by understanding the situation. Typically, the research cannot be conducted in a controlled environment (Singh, 2021). On the other hand, conclusive research is research based on quantitative analysis to reach a conclusion and decision to prove a hypothesis (Voxco, 2023).

Evaluating my Literature Review and Research Proposal submissions, I can see a significant growth in my understanding of the research process. It provided me with the knowledge and skills to craft a well-structured research query. Continuous improvement is a perpetual possibility. The critical analysis skill has improved as I have learned to evaluate and synthesize a wide range of literature effectively. However, I still need to enhance my ability to criticize the sources more rigorously to seek the potential biases and limitations in the studies that I review.

Data Collection and Analysis

An integral part of research methodology is data collection and analysis. The module equipped me with the knowledge and practical skills required to gather data through surveys, interviews, and observations. Additionally, I learned how to analyse and interpret this data using software such as Microsoft Excel and qualitative data analysis tools. This hands-on experience has been crucial in enhancing my research capabilities.

Qualitative and quantitative data analysis are often used together. The combination of both methods is to gain a holistic view of a research topic. Quantitative analysis often uses the survey method. Qualitative analysis is a bit complicated method. Lester et al. (2020) have defined seven steps to get the qualitative analysis. The data familiarization, initial coding, pattern search, pattern review, pattern definition and naming, report preparation, and systematic review stages constitute the essential steps in the research process. These steps provide a foundation for topic-specific review in the qualitative analysis.

Challenges and Growth

I faced difficulties during this module, especially when it came to understanding the statistical analysis and the intricacies of qualitative data analysis. However, these challenges encouraged me to persevere and seek additional support, leading to significant personal growth and skill development. I also learned the value of collaboration and engaging with peers and tutors to overcome obstacles. The feedback provided by the tutor on the proposal design, acting as the sample, has contributed to enhancing the development of the proposal.

Moreover, engaging in collaborative discussions has significantly contributed to gaining a deeper insight into the subject. Various topics specifically centred on the ethical aspects and their impact on legal aspects, social consequences, and the professional conduct of computing experts in real-world situations, have been introduced in these discussions. I have condensed some of these conversations and uploaded them to the GitHub repository under the Unit 3 and Unit 7 folders, accessible via this link: https://github.com/indrad123/researchmethodology/.

While studying the module, utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT to condense the core subject matter can enhance one's comprehension of the topic (See the study note: https://indra-dewaji.gitbook.io/research-methodology/readme/readme-1). It's important to note that such tools shouldn't serve as the primary academic reference, but they can significantly contribute to a better grasp of the subject, especially after multiple readings of the primary academic sources. The above GitHub ReadMe file serves as a valuable resource, providing succinct outlines that encapsulate the crucial concepts of each unit. It essentially acts as a summary of the primary ideas for each unit, complemented by additional notes from the AI tool to enhance comprehension.

Conclusion

The research methodology module has demonstrated its practical relevance in real-world scenarios. The skills and knowledge cultivated throughout this module will undeniably prove advantageous in my future research endeavours and professional journey. I am eager to apply this newfound confidence, rooted in the robust foundation established during this module, to conduct research with assurance.

In conclusion, my journey through the research methodology module has been a valuable experience, significantly influencing my research approach as evidenced by the completion of the SWOT analysis and action plan. I am now better equipped to undertake research endeavours, make informed methodological choices, and adhere to ethical standards. This module has been instrumental in my personal and academic development, and I am eager to apply the knowledge and skills gained to future research projects.

The materials gathered from this module are available for access via the following GitHub link: https://github.com/indrad123/researchmethodology/.

References

Dawson, C.W. (2015) Projects in computing and information systems: A student’s guide. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited.

Lester, J.N., Cho, Y. & Lochmiller, C.R. (2020) Learning to Do Qualitative Data Analysis: A Starting Point. Human Resource Development Review 19 (1): 94–106. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1534484320903890.

Singh, A. (2021) ‘An introduction to experimental and exploratory research’, SSRN Electronic Journal. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3789360.

Turale, S. (2020) A brief introduction to qualitative description: A research design worth using. Pacific Rim International Journal of Nursing Research 24(3): 289-291.

Voxco. (2023) Bridging the gap: Exploratory vs conclusive research methods. Available at: https://www.voxco.com/blog/the-difference-between-exploratory-and-conclusive-research/ (Accessed: 29 October 2023).