Difference between methods and methodology

Difference between methods and methodology 

Understanding the difference between methods and methodology is of paramount importance. Method is simply a research tool, a component of research– say for example, a qualitative method such asinterviews. Methodology is the justification for using a particular research method.

What is a research problem?

Definition

A research problem is a definite orclear expression [statement] about an area of concern,a condition to be improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or within existing practicethat points to a need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation. A research problem does not state how to do something, offer a vague or broad proposition, or present a value question.

The purpose of a problem statement is to:

1.  Introduce the reader to the importance of the topic being studied. The reader is oriented to the significance of the study and the research questions, hypotheses, or assumptions to follow.

2.  Place the topic into a particular context that defines the parameters of what is to be investigated.

3.  Provide the framework for reporting the results and indicates what is probably necessary to conduct the study and explain how the findings will present this information.