Chapter 4: Methodology

Methodology is a systematic way by which researchers describe, explain, and predict phenomena and solve research problems. Ghauri and Gr⊘nhaug (2010) describe it as a process of planning, executing, and investigating, in a systematic manner, to find answer to the research questions, so that it is easier for others to understand and believe in our findings.

Research design is a comprehensive plan to relate the conceptual research questions to relevant and practicable empirical research (Ghauri & Gr⊘nhaug, 2010). It plays a prominent role in connecting the subsequent research activities such as data collection and data analysis. Three main types of research design are indicated, based on problem structure: exploratory research, descriptive research, and causal research (Ghauri & Gr⊘nhaug, 2010).