How am I going to know which type of the research methodology among the three types I am going to use when I collect data?

The choice of research methodology will depend on the research question you are trying to answer, the nature of the data you are collecting, and the goals of your study. Here are some factors to consider when deciding on a research methodology:

1. Research question: Consider the specific research question you are trying to answer. Are you trying to explore a phenomenon, describe a situation, or test a hypothesis? Different research questions may require different methodologies.

2. Data type: Consider the type of data you are collecting. Are you collecting qualitative data (e.g., interviews, observations) or quantitative data (e.g., surveys, experiments)? Different methodologies are better suited for different types of data.

3. Research goals: Consider the goals of your study. Are you trying to understand a complex phenomenon in depth, or are you trying to generalize findings to a larger population? Different methodologies may be better suited for different research goals.

4. Resources and constraints: Consider the resources and constraints of your study, such as time, budget, and access to participants. Some methodologies may be more time-consuming or resource-intensive than others.

Ultimately, the choice of research methodology should be guided by a careful consideration of these factors, as well as consultation with your research advisor or colleagues. It may also be helpful to review the existing literature in your field to see what methodologies have been used successfully in similar studies.

Consider Your Research Objectives and Questions:

- Quantitative Research: Suitable for objective and numerical data collection to test hypotheses or generalizations. Aims to generalize findings to a larger population.
- Qualitative Research: Explores subjective experiences, perceptions, and beliefs. Generates in-depth understanding from a smaller sample.
- Mixed-Methods Research: Combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive perspective.

Assess the Nature of the Data You Need:

- Quantitative Data: Numerical data that can be statistically analyzed (e.g., surveys, experiments).
- Qualitative Data: Non-numerical data that requires interpretation (e.g., interviews, observations, focus groups).

Consider the Sample and Generalizability:

- Quantitative Research: Focuses on large sample sizes to generalize findings to a broader population.
- Qualitative Research: Involves smaller, purposive samples to provide rich insights into specific contexts or experiences.
- Mixed-Methods Research: Combines both large and small samples to achieve a balance between generalizability and depth.

Evaluate the Time and Resources:

- Quantitative Research: Requires extensive data collection and analysis, often involving software and large datasets.
- Qualitative Research: Consumes more time in data collection and analysis, but offers flexibility and customization.
- Mixed-Methods Research: Balances the time and resources required for both quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Additional Considerations:

- Research Tradition and Discipline: Some disciplines favor specific research methodologies.
- Ethical Implications: Consider the potential impact of data collection methods on participants' privacy and well-being.
- Prior Research: Review existing literature to determine which methodologies have been successfully employed in similar studies.

Steps to Determine Research Methodology:

1. Clearly define your research objectives and questions.
2. Assess the type of data needed to address the objectives.
3. Consider the sample size and generalizability requirements.
4. Evaluate the available time and resources.
5. Consult with colleagues, supervisors, or research methodology experts for feedback and guidance.