Do you want to choose the right research method for your final year project? This topic is something a lot of undergraduates find challenging to understand. When writing your research project, the research methodology is crucial. Many students do not know when to apply the different research methods for their projects.
This article will discuss the few research methodologies you can use for your final year projects. It will also give you some hints on choosing the proper research method for your final year project.
Before we go into choosing the best research method, let’s look at the different types of research methods.
Table of Contents
Types of Research methods
- Qualitative analysis Method
- Quantitative analysis Method
- Mixed Method
1. Qualitative Methods
The qualitative method is diverse. You can use it to generate information on the different concepts, experiences, behaviors, or trends of projects.
The Qualitative methods are not about observing figures, numbers, or mathematical analysis. However, they are used to get a certain point of view.
If you are looking to provide information or knowledge, this research method is the most suitable. Qualitative analysis is best for projects that require simultaneously evaluating events, stories, or happenings. It is also ideal for a project that aims at how to fix a problem.
You can carry out an excellent Qualitative analysis through interviews, case studies, and focus groups.
2. Quantitative analysis method
Unlike the qualitative research method, quantitative analysis is mathematical. Using this method would require at least a basic knowledge of statistics. The quantitative research method is one of the most effective as it provides data to back-up information. It is also very easy to use because you can use basic mathematical expressions to define your research.
Project topics that require comparison are suitable for a Quantitative research method. In this method, you can also use interviews to carry out the research. It will give you an accurate number of people with a certain narrative. Quantitative analysis is also very essential in science project topics.
3. Mixed Method
The mixed method is a very strong research method for projects. This method simultaneously uses the Quantitative and Qualitative research methods in a project. Mixed methods are suitable when a project topic requires different points of view, concepts, and complete clarity.
In this method, the qualitative analysis brings an understanding of the concept of the theory. Quantitative analysis is essential in testing and measuring the relevant aspect of the research.
Some of the factors why you should use a Mixed method of research include;
- When you want a piece of hard evidence for your conclusion.
- To generalize the result and provide more information on the research.
- To cover up the shortcoming of one method by using another research method.
For you to use this mixed-method, you have to understand the difference between the qualitative and the quantitative methods.
Now that you know the type of research method, let us dive into how to choose the right research method for your final year project.
Choosing the right Research Method for your final year project
This stage of your research project is one of the most important. Choosing the right final year project is vital. However, you need to take note of some important factors when weighing your options. These factors are essential and would dictate the suitable research methodology you should adopt. Below are a few factors to consider to get the suitable methods;
The purpose of the project
Your methodology lies on the purpose, aims, and objectives of your research. The question you are looking to answer should reflect on the method of research you carry out or adapt. One of the three types of research methods I have covered will be suitable for different purposes relating to your project.
The Qualitative research method is mostly best for project topics that look to explore the development of research. Quantitative analysis is used to project topics that may require you to confirm a theory or hypothesis by numerical and statistical data. Some project topics may require both methods; this is where the mixed method comes.
The methodology used in Previous research
You must have researched other similar projects in the same field to start any project. Evaluating the other researchers’ methods will be essential in choosing your methodology. The research methods of previous researchers should be in the literature review– chapter two– of your project.
However, the research method you adopt has to be relevant to the aim of your project. It is not compulsory to use the previous methodology, but the data collection technique would be vital in your project. That is why evaluating past research is essential.
Limitation of the research method
There could be some limitations with the method you might adopt in your project research. There are a few factors you should analyze when you want to carry out the practice of project theory.
Access to information and relevant data could be one of the constraining measures you should evaluate. You should have access to the correct data and ways to collect them before adopting the research method.
Money and time are also two relevant factors you should observe. Do you have enough resources to carry out the methodology? Can you finish the method within the time frame you have to complete the project? These are vital questions you must answer before starting.
The equipment necessary for a project must also be put into consideration. As a final year project student, you have to have the knowledge and skillsets of the equipment required for the software. This aspect is essential for science projects that require laboratory equipment.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right research method for your final project is not as it seems. All you have to do is follow the guides on this article. There are different options when it comes to choosing a methodology. And I have covered everything you need to know in this article.
So in summary, understand the research method options you have. Then, evaluate the purpose of the project, other researchers’ methods, and the limitations of your methods.
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