RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Methods, Design and Practice

Research is a systematic process of inquiry through which individuals seek to understand problems, examine evidence, develop knowledge, and contribute to academic and professional practice. In higher education, research methodology is not merely a theoretical subject; it provides the foundation for designing meaningful studies, collecting reliable evidence, analyzing information, and communicating findings in a clear and responsible manner.The purpose of Research Methodology: Methods, Design and Practice is to provide students, research scholars, educators, and practitioners with a structured and practical understanding of the research process. The book has been designed to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and their application in real research situations. It introduces the principles of research while also explaining how these principles can be applied when planning, conducting, analyzing, and reporting a research project.The book begins with the fundamentals of research, including the meaning, nature, objectives, approaches, and research process. It then progresses to research methodology and methods, identification of research problems and questions, literature review, and research design. Separate attention is given to quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches so that readers can understand their distinctive characteristics, applications, strengths, and limitations.