Start with the essentials
Understanding research methods
Research methods provide a systematic way to investigate a question, collect suitable evidence and draw appropriately limited conclusions.
Research methodology is the logic connecting a question to the evidence needed to answer it. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches make different assumptions and support different kinds of conclusions.
Recognising the challenge
When the research design does not answer the question
A design may appear attractive but be unsuitable for the research question, available sample or institutional constraints.
Choosing a method because it is familiar can produce a mismatch between the question, sample, data collection and interpretation.
A practical approach
Define the question through Align analysis
Research methodology is the logic connecting a question to the evidence needed to answer it. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches make different assumptions and support different kinds of conclusions.
Research design
Understand how different designs answer different kinds of research questions and what each approach requires.
Sampling and data collection
Think carefully about who or what you need to study, how you will access the evidence and what limitations may affect the research.
Methodological alignment
Learn how research questions, design, sampling and analysis should fit together as one coherent plan.
A nursing research example
Matching a nursing question to a study design
A question about experiences of transition to practice calls for different evidence than a question about changes in measured clinical outcomes.
This example is illustrative rather than a finding from a completed study. The appropriate decisions depend on the research question, available evidence and institutional requirements.
Working with us
Support for this research decision
We discuss design alternatives, sampling implications, validity or trustworthiness and the fit between your question and proposed analysis so you can defend your own choices.
Tell us which part of the process feels difficult. We can discuss your questions, look at the guidance you have received and help you choose a sensible next step.
Before you contact us
What to prepare
Start with a precise research question and the practical constraints of your setting before choosing a named method.