Research Methods

Every research project without exception has a method (or more likely a range of them). Perhaps these are not always addressed directly or explained explicitly but it is the job of researchers not only to know which method(s) they are using and why, but to know how to make the most of any particular one they use and to work within its limitations. Consideration of what methods you will use to undertake your research is a central part of the design process and will continue beyond it, so it is a good idea to work through this section of TASH alongside the research design pages.

Research methods can be distinguished in very broad terms as qualitative versus quantitative; and different disciplines tend to draw on these to a different extent. Within these major kinds of method, however, you will find that there is a host of particular methodological research skills that are appropriate to a range of projects; you can develop these to maximise your research ability. Here are the specific kinds of methods you can find out about in this section. Which do you want to follow up?

• Project management
• Quantitative methods
• Qualitative methods
• Using critical theories
• Using questionnaires
• Using databases and software
• Using archives
• Planning and managing experiments

If you're at the University of Sheffield, you can also access the Library resource list, which suggests print resources to support your understanding of research methodology. You can also make use of the Virtual Graduate School, which contains rich resources on many aspects of the research process, but especially research methods.