When starting your research you will begin with a research question or topic that you need to find out about. You will then need to go about finding answers thrown up by the question. Research methods are the tools used to help you find, collect, analyse and interpret information in order to answer your research question. If you aren't sure which research method to use take a look at our research methods ThinkLink infographic for guidance.
Key points to think about around your research
Investigate whether you need to produce your own data to answer your question or does it already exist?
Set realistic targets and goals for managing your research project and be prepared to revise your plan if something goes wrong
Identify which research methods best suit your question or topic and the time you have to carry out the work. You might want for example to use experimental methods, meta analysis, qualitative or quantitative methods or possibly a combination. Will your methods yield the evidence base you need for your research?
When you have selected your methods think about ethics, privacy, and any legislation which may applied to the research
When writing your research proposal ensure that it is clearly planned and structured. Know when to write and when to incorporate graphics and charts to display data. Be prepared to incorporate feedback in your draft
To assist your study at the University of Southampton an Introduction to research methods self-study module has been designed for students of the University undertaking masters or postgraduate research study. It contains the following six themes:
getting started as a researcher
choosing your research topic
integrity and ethics
the literature review
project management
managing data
The module allows each of the themes to stand alone, or all six can be undertaken as an entire module. To gain the maximum benefit from this module it is recommended that students regularly discuss their progress through the module with their tutor or supervisor.
Further information on funder guidance, and good practice on working with, sharing and storing data can also be found in our Research Data Management guide. Postgraduate research students should refer to the Data Management Plans for Doctoral Students Blackboard course.
Research Methodology by
Written specifically for students with no previous experience of research and research methodology, the Third Edition of Research Methodology breaks the process of designing and doing a research project into eight manageable steps and provides plenty of examples throughout to link theory to the practice of doing research. The book contains straightforward, practical guidance on: - Formulating a research question - Ethical considerations - Carrying out a literature review - Choosing a research design - Selecting a sample - Collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data - Writing a research report The third edition has been revised and updated to include extended coverage of qualitative research methods in addition to the existing comprehensive coverage of quantitative methods. There are also brand new learning features such as reflective questions throughout the text to help students consolidate their knowledge. The book is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the social sciences embarking on qualitative or quantitative research projects.
Practical Research by
For a wide variety of graduate or advanced undergraduate research courses. Written in uncommonly engaging, lucid, and elegant prose, this text is an understand-it-yourself, do-it-yourself manual designed to help research students in any discipline understand the fundamental structure of quality research and the methodical process that leads to genuinely significant results. It guides the reader, step-by-step, from the selection of a problem to study, through the process of conducting authentic research, to the preparation of a completed report, with practical suggestions based on a solid theoretical framework and sound pedagogy. Suited for the core text in any introductory research course or even for self-instruction, this text will show students two things: 1) that quality research demands planning and design; and, 2) how their own research projects can be executed effectively and professionally.
Academic foundations of quantitative research - a LinkedIn learning course by Rolin Moe
Data Management Plans for Doctoral students - produced by UoS this course is available to all PGRs in Blackboard. Research data management is an important skill for all to help you keep your data safe, findable and reusable. The course aims to provide a general introduction for all disciplines and how to complete the PGR Data Management Plan (DMP) template. Includes a certificate of completion to upload to PGR tracker and provide to your supervisor.
Hints on conducting a literature review - by the University of Toronto
Interviews and methods - by the UK Data Service
National Centre for Research Methods - based at the University of Southampton
Quantitative or qualitative? - what are these methods and when to use them by Birmingham University
Writing a good PhD research proposal - comprehensive guidance produced by FindPhD.com
Writing a research proposal by Exeter University