ABSTRACT
After research and research methods are introduced and defined, this chapter explains that research methods are composed of data collection and data analysis techniques. Research methods should be named after and categorized by data collection techniques such as experiment, interview, and questionnaire. Data analysis techniques can be broadly labeled as quantitative and qualitative. But research methods should never be categorized as such because each data collection technique, generally speaking, can be used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The chapter provides an overview of 15 research methods utilized in the scholarly world. Those methods include bibliometrics, content analysis, Delphi study, ethnography/field study, experiment, focus groups, historical method, interview, observation, questionnaire, research diary/journal, theoretical approach, think-aloud protocol, and transaction log analysis. A taxonomy of research methods by applicability is developed to group all the research methods into four clusters: super-methods, stand-alone methods, meta-methods, and contingent methods. This chapter also notes why case studies, grounded theory, library research, and longitudinal or cross-sectional studies cannot be considered research methods.
