15 Types of Research Methodology With Examples (2026 Guide)
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Research methodology is the framework that guides how a study is designed, data is collected, and findings are interpreted. There are 15 major types of research methodology — each suited to specific research questions, disciplines, and objectives. Understanding these types is essential for every PhD scholar, postgraduate student, and academic researcher.
Why Research Methodology Matters
Selecting the wrong methodology is one of the most common reasons PhD theses are rejected at viva. Your methodology must logically connect to your research questions, philosophical position, and the type of knowledge you aim to produce. This guide covers all 15 types with examples, strengths, and use cases.
Overview: 15 Types of Research Methodology
| # | Methodology Type | Paradigm | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quantitative Research | Positivist | Measuring variables, testing hypotheses |
| 2 | Qualitative Research | Interpretivist | Exploring meaning, experiences, perspectives |
| 3 | Mixed Methods Research | Pragmatist | Combining depth and breadth |
| 4 | Experimental Research | Positivist | Testing cause-and-effect relationships |
| 5 | Descriptive Research | Positivist/Interpretivist | Describing characteristics of a population |
| 6 | Exploratory Research | Interpretivist | Investigating under-researched areas |
| 7 | Correlational Research | Positivist | Identifying relationships between variables |
| 8 | Case Study Research | Interpretivist | In-depth examination of a bounded case |
| 9 | Survey Research | Positivist | Collecting data from large samples |
| 10 | Grounded Theory | Interpretivist | Generating theory from data |
| 11 | Ethnographic Research | Interpretivist | Studying cultures and communities |
| 12 | Action Research | Pragmatist | Solving real-world problems through cycles |
| 13 | Phenomenological Research | Interpretivist | Exploring lived experience |
| 14 | Systematic Literature Review | Positivist | Synthesising evidence on a topic |
| 15 | Longitudinal Research | Positivist/Interpretivist | Tracking changes over time |
1. Quantitative Research
Quantitative research uses numerical data and statistical analysis to test hypotheses and measure relationships between variables. It is rooted in positivism — the belief that reality is objective and measurable.
Example: A study measuring the effect of study hours on exam scores using regression analysis.
Methods used: Surveys with Likert scales, experiments, structured observations, secondary data analysis.
Best for: Studies requiring generalisation, hypothesis testing, and large samples.
2. Qualitative Research
Qualitative research explores meaning, experiences, and social phenomena through non-numerical data. It is grounded in interpretivism — the belief that reality is subjective and socially constructed.
Example: Exploring student experiences of online learning through in-depth interviews.
Methods used: Interviews, focus groups, ethnography, document analysis, observation.
Best for: Understanding 'why' and 'how', generating theory, studying complex social phenomena.
3. Mixed Methods Research
Mixed methods combines qualitative and quantitative approaches within a single study. It operates from a pragmatist paradigm — using whatever works to answer the research question.
Example: A study that surveys 500 nurses (quantitative) and then interviews 20 for deeper insight (qualitative).
Designs: Sequential explanatory, sequential exploratory, concurrent triangulation, embedded.
4. Experimental Research
Experimental research manipulates an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable, with control over confounding variables. It is the gold standard for establishing causation.
Example: Testing whether a new teaching method improves student performance compared to the traditional method.
Types: True experiment (random assignment), quasi-experiment (no random assignment), pre-experimental.
5. Descriptive Research
Descriptive research describes the characteristics, behaviours, or conditions of a population or phenomenon without manipulating variables or establishing causation.
Example: Describing the demographic profile of first-generation college students in India.
Methods: Surveys, census data, observation, case studies.
6. Exploratory Research
Exploratory research is conducted when a topic is new or under-researched. It aims to generate insights, form hypotheses, and identify key variables for future research.
Example: Exploring how AI tools are being used by PhD students in India for the first time.
Methods: Literature review, expert interviews, pilot surveys, focus groups.
7. Correlational Research
Correlational research examines the statistical relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them. It identifies whether variables move together but does not establish causation.
Example: Examining the correlation between research funding and publication output across Indian universities.
8. Case Study Research
Case study research involves an in-depth investigation of a specific case — a person, organisation, event, or phenomenon — within its real-world context.
Example: A single case study of how a rural school implemented a digital literacy programme.
Types: Intrinsic (unique case), instrumental (illustrates broader issue), multiple case study.
9. Survey Research
Survey research collects standardised data from a sample of a population using questionnaires or structured interviews. It is widely used in social sciences, management, and health research.
Example: A national survey of PhD scholar satisfaction with their supervisory support.
10. Grounded Theory
Grounded theory is a qualitative methodology in which theory is inductively generated from data through systematic coding and constant comparison. Data collection and analysis occur simultaneously.
Example: Developing a theory of student dropout by iteratively interviewing students who left university.
11. Ethnographic Research
Ethnographic research involves the researcher immersing themselves in a community or culture over an extended period to understand practices, values, and social meanings from an insider perspective.
Example: An ethnographic study of collaborative practices among software engineers in a startup.
12. Action Research
Action research is a cyclical, practice-based methodology used to solve real-world problems. Researchers and practitioners collaborate to identify a problem, implement an intervention, observe outcomes, and reflect.
Example: A teacher-researcher testing a new feedback strategy in their classroom and refining it over three cycles.
13. Phenomenological Research
Phenomenological research explores the lived experience of individuals regarding a particular phenomenon. It seeks to understand the essence of an experience from the participant's perspective.
Example: Exploring the lived experience of first-year PhD students navigating imposter syndrome.
14. Systematic Literature Review
A systematic literature review uses a rigorous, reproducible methodology to identify, evaluate, and synthesise all relevant research on a specific question. It follows PRISMA or other reporting guidelines.
Example: A systematic review of interventions for reducing student exam anxiety published between 2010–2026.
15. Longitudinal Research
Longitudinal research follows the same subjects over an extended period (months to decades) to track changes, development, or trends over time.
Example: Tracking the career progression of STEM graduates over 10 years to identify gender-based differences.
PhD Tip: Justify Your Methodology Choice
In your methodology chapter, don't just describe your chosen approach — justify it. Explain why it is the most appropriate for your research questions, link it to your philosophical position (ontology and epistemology), and acknowledge the limitations. Examiners want to see that you made an informed, reasoned choice.
Struggling to choose or write your research methodology chapter? Thesis Ace Writers provides expert methodology support for PhD and postgraduate students across all disciplines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Click a question to expand the answer.
The main types of research methodology include qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods as the three primary paradigms. Within these, researchers use specific designs such as experimental, descriptive, exploratory, case study, grounded theory, ethnographic, action research, survey, correlational, and systematic review methodologies.
There is no single 'best' methodology — the right choice depends on your research question and objectives. Quantitative methods suit hypothesis testing and measurable outcomes. Qualitative methods suit exploring lived experiences and meanings. Mixed methods are ideal when you need both breadth and depth. Your choice must be justified based on your ontological and epistemological position.
Research methodology refers to the philosophical framework and rationale behind how research is conducted — it includes your paradigm, approach, and design. Research methods are the specific tools and techniques used to collect and analyse data (e.g., interviews, surveys, experiments). Methodology justifies why you chose certain methods; methods are what you actually do.
Yes. Mixed methods research formally combines qualitative and quantitative approaches within a single study. You can also use sequential designs (qualitative followed by quantitative, or vice versa), concurrent designs, or embedded designs. Multi-methodology is common in social sciences, education, health research, and management studies.
Choose your methodology by considering: (1) Your research questions — are they exploratory or confirmatory? (2) The nature of the phenomenon — is it measurable or interpretive? (3) Your philosophical stance — positivism, interpretivism, or pragmatism? (4) Practical constraints — time, access to participants, resources. (5) Disciplinary norms — what is accepted in your field?