No matter the depth of your study or the specific requirements of your assignment, you will be participating in the research process.  This involves multiple stages and the standard flow is:

• Choosing a topic.
• Your proposal.
• Literature review - Exploration of existing literature/ evidence, its quality and predominant methodology.
• Identification of gaps in the research.
• [Ethical and funding applications].
• Your Project.
• Data analysis.
• Publication and dissemination of findings.

You will be choosing an appropriate research method as part of this process.  The research method is the tool used to conduct the research.  Traditionally the method was either quantitative (sometimes called positivist) or qualitative (sometimes called interpretivist).

In recent years, however, multiple new methodologies have emerged and many have developed into accepted practice, e.g. mixed methods and arts-based research (practice as research).

Qualitative approaches are common in the social and behavioural sciences as research concentrates on experiences - resulting thoughts and feelings are open to interpretation.  Commonly used qualitative research designs are:

• Phenomenological
• Ethnographic
• Grounded theory

Quantitative or positivist approaches predominate in the physical sciences as hypotheses involving one situation can be explored in relation to others.

Commonly used quantitative designs often involving the scientific variables (volume, speed, density, strength and weight) are:

• Case reports
• Cohort studies
• Randomised controlled trials
• Systematic reviews
• Meta-analysis

Mixed methods studies use both quantitative and qualitative approaches.  This approach allows for an explanation of unexpected results.

Arts-based research and other examples of practice as research merge traditional qualitative and more modern person-centred therapy-based activities.  This enables a more holistic approach to research.

As part of identifying a suitable methodology, you will need to decide whether you will conduct primary or secondary research, or a combination.

Primary Research

Primary research is usually considered to be first hand accounts, i.e. the people involved in the actual events or study, or the original sources. Sources of primary research include:

• Letters/ diaries.
• Data from research studies.
• Original works.

Secondary Resarch

Secondary research provides commentary, interpretation or analysis of original studies. Examples of secondary research are:

• Literature reviews.
• Commentaries.
• Textbooks.
• Discussion and review articles in newspapers and journals.

Sage Research methods provides a range of guidance and tools to help you work out which methods might apply to your proposed area of research. The platform includes sources where you can

• Read overviews on different methods 
• Find definitions
• Watch studies come to life
• Hear from the experts
• Practice data analysis