Want to know more about research methods?
29/06/2026
Research methods are the strategies and tools used to gather, analyse and interpret data or evidence to uncover new information or create better understanding of a topic.
Research methodology is the theory, justification and assumptions behind the selection and use of research methods.
When we talk about research methods we mean:
- using techniques and procedures as part of a research process to study and solve a problem
- including the creation of a hypothesis or research question
- using qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods to gather data
- analysing the data we collect
- making conclusions based on collective facts
- communicating and disseminating our research to others.
We have many resources providing guidance and support for these processes and we have summarised some of them for you in this post.
1. Research ethics and integrity
Maintaining high quality and robust practice across the whole research process, including gaining ethical approval.
2. Planning and preparation
Defining a research question, critical review, planning and conducting your literature review, and research design.
3. Data collection and management
Data collection methods, open research and reproducibility, data management, storage considerations and security.
4. Data analysis
Qualitative/quantitative methods, data analysing and presenting your data, data analysis tools, as well as survey design considerations.
5. Communicating and dissemination
Writing your thesis, structuring the argument and presenting your research, and guidance for submitting your thesis. For researchers, this also includes assessing the impact of your research,
Want to know more? More details on research methods can be found in the Research methods section on our Study Skills Hub.
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