research-methodology

name	research-methodology
version	1.0.0
description	Select and justify research methodology. Compare approaches, choose designs, and write methodology chapters for thesis and research proposals.
allowed-tools	["Read","Write","Edit"]

Research Methodology Guide

Pilih dan justify methodology untuk research. Bantu tulis methodology chapter.

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RESEARCH PARADIGMS

Positivism

• Belief: Reality is objective, measurable
• Methods: Quantitative experiments, surveys
• Knowledge: Generalizable laws
• Use when: Testing hypotheses, cause-effect relationships

Interpretivism (Constructivism)

• Belief: Reality is socially constructed
• Methods: Qualitative interviews, ethnography
• Knowledge: Contextual understanding
• Use when: Exploring meanings, experiences

Pragmatism

• Belief: What works is what matters
• Methods: Mixed methods
• Knowledge: Problem-focused
• Use when: Practical research questions

Critical Theory

• Belief: Research should challenge power structures
• Methods: Participatory action research
• Knowledge: Emancipatory
• Use when: Social justice research

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QUANTITATIVE APPROACHES

Experimental Design

Type	Description	When to Use
True Experiment	Random assignment, control group, manipulation	Gold standard for causality
Quasi-Experiment	No random assignment, but comparison group	When randomization impossible
Pre-experimental	One group, pre-post test	Pilot studies, exploratory

Key Elements:

• Independent variable (what you manipulate)
• Dependent variable (what you measure)
• Control group (baseline comparison)
• Random assignment (reduces bias)

Non-Experimental Designs

Type	Description
Cross-sectional	Data at one point in time
Longitudinal	Data over time (panel, cohort)
Correlational	Examine relationships, no causation
Survey	Self-report data from sample

Sampling for Quantitative

Method	When to Use
Random sampling	Generalizability needed
Stratified sampling	Subgroups must be represented
Cluster sampling	Large, dispersed population
Convenience sampling	Limited resources (weakest)

Sample Size Guidelines:

• Experimental: Minimum 30 per group
• Survey: Minimum 100-300
• Complex analysis: 10-20 participants per variable
• Power analysis: Recommended

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QUALITATIVE APPROACHES

Phenomenology

• Focus: Lived experiences
• Data: In-depth interviews
• Sample: 5-25 participants
• Question: "What is the experience of...?"

Grounded Theory

• Focus: Develop theory from data
• Data: Interviews, observations
• Process: Constant comparison
• Question: "What theory explains...?"

Ethnography

• Focus: Culture/context
• Data: Observations, interviews, documents
• Duration: Long-term immersion
• Question: "How do people in this culture...?"

Case Study

• Focus: In-depth single case
• Data: Multiple sources
• Scope: Bounded system
• Question: "How/why does this case...?"

Narrative Inquiry

• Focus: Life stories
• Data: Interviews, documents
• Analysis: Restorying
• Question: "How do people make sense of their lives?"

Sampling for Qualitative

Method	When to Use
Purposive	Specific characteristics needed
Snowball	Hard-to-reach populations
Theoretical	Grounded theory development
Maximum variation	Diverse perspectives

Sample Size Guidelines:

• Phenomenology: 5-25
• Grounded theory: 20-30
• Ethnography: Long-term, not fixed
• Case study: 1 (embedded: multiple units)
• Saturation → Stop when no new themes emerge

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MIXED METHODS DESIGNS

Convergent Parallel

QUANT Data ──┐
             ├──→ Integration → Results
QUAL Data ───┘

• Collect simultaneously
• Compare/merge results
• Purpose: Triangulation

Explanatory Sequential

QUANT Data → Results → QUAL Data → Integration

• Quant first, then explain with qual
• Purpose: Explain findings

Exploratory Sequential

QUAL Data → Results → QUANT Data → Integration

• Qual first, then test with quant
• Purpose: Develop instrument

Embedded Design

• One method supports the other
• Primary + secondary questions
• Purpose: Comprehensive understanding

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JUSTIFYING YOUR CHOICE

Template for Justification

This study adopts a [quantitative/qualitative/mixed methods] approach because 
[reason aligned with research questions]. Specifically, a [specific design] 
was selected to [purpose].

This approach is appropriate because:
1. The research question asks [alignment with paradigm]
2. Previous studies [cite precedent]
3. Practical considerations [resources, access]
4. Theoretical framework [if applicable]

Example Justifications

Quantitative Example:

A quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test was selected to 
examine the effect of AI tutoring on mathematics achievement. This design 
is appropriate because: (a) random assignment was not possible due to 
existing class structures, (b) comparison groups allowed control for 
confounding variables, and (c) pre-test measures established baseline 
equivalence (Shadish et al., 2002).

Qualitative Example:

A phenomenological approach was chosen to explore teachers' lived experiences 
with AI integration in classrooms. This methodology aligns with the study's 
aim to understand subjective meanings rather than measure objective outcomes 
(Creswell & Poth, 2018). Purposive sampling ensured participants had direct 
experience with the phenomenon.

Mixed Methods Example:

An explanatory sequential design was employed. First, survey data quantified 
technology use patterns. Second, interviews explored reasons behind these 
patterns. This design allowed statistical generalization while preserving 
depth of understanding (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018).

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METHODOLOGY CHAPTER STRUCTURE

Standard Outline

1. Introduction
   - Restate research questions
   - Preview methodology approach

2. Research Paradigm (optional for undergrad)
   - Philosophical assumptions
   - Justification

3. Research Design
   - Type of design
   - Justification
   - Visual diagram

4. Participants/Sample
   - Population
   - Sampling strategy
   - Sample size + justification
   - Inclusion/exclusion criteria
   - Recruitment

5. Data Collection
   - Instruments/materials
   - Procedure
   - Timeline

6. Data Analysis
   - Approach (quant/qual/mixed)
   - Specific techniques
   - Software

7. Trustworthiness/Validity
   - Quant: Internal/external validity, reliability
   - Qual: Credibility, transferability, dependability
   - Mixed: Integration quality

8. Ethical Considerations
   - Consent
   - Confidentiality
   - Risk mitigation
   - Approval

9. Limitations
   - Acknowledge constraints
   - Explain mitigation

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VALIDITY & RELIABILITY

Quantitative

Concept	Definition	How to Address
Internal validity	Cause-effect accurate	Randomization, control
External validity	Generalizable	Sampling, replication
Reliability	Consistent measurement	Test-retest, Cronbach's α

Reliability Thresholds:

• α ≥ .70: Acceptable
• α ≥ .80: Good
• α ≥ .90: Excellent

Qualitative

Concept	Definition	How to Address
Credibility	Believable results	Member checking, triangulation
Transferability	Applicable to other contexts	Thick description
Dependability	Consistent process	Audit trail
Confirmability	Unbiased findings	Reflexivity

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COMMON JUSTIFICATION PHRASES

Situation	Justification
Small sample size	"Given the exploratory nature..."
Convenience sampling	"Due to limited resources and access..."
Mixed methods	"To capitalize on strengths of both approaches..."
Qualitative	"To gain deep understanding of..."
Quantitative	"To test hypotheses and generalize findings..."
Single case	"To provide in-depth examination of..."

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PROCESS FOR WRITING METHODOLOGY

1. State research questions clearly
2. Identify paradigm (positivist/interpretivist/etc.)
3. Select approach (quant/qual/mixed)
4. Choose specific design (experimental/phenomenological/etc.)
5. Justify choices with literature
6. Detail procedures (replicable)
7. Address validity/reliability
8. Discuss ethics
9. Acknowledge limitations

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QUICK DECISION TREE

Do you want to measure/test/predict?
├─ YES → Quantitative
│   ├─ Can you manipulate variables?
│   │   ├─ YES → Experimental
│   │   └─ NO → Correlational/Survey
│   └─ Time dimension?
│       ├─ One time → Cross-sectional
│       └─ Multiple → Longitudinal
│
└─ NO → Qualitative
    ├─ Explore experiences?
    │   └─ Phenomenology
    ├─ Build theory?
    │   └─ Grounded Theory
    ├─ Study culture?
    │   └─ Ethnography
    └─ Deep dive into case?
        └─ Case Study