METHODOLOGIES AND RESEARCH METHODS: FROM PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE TO RESEARCH DESIGN

Abstract

Scientific research is a process of generating, verifying, and developing new knowledge based on sound theoretical principles and well-established procedures. Within this process, the construction of research methodology and research methods plays a central role in determining the quality, validity and scholarly credibility of any scientific work. However, in research practice, many students and postgraduate students often confuse these two concepts or treat them superficially, resulting in research designs that lack methodological and philosophical orientation and outcomes that are difficult to assess or replicate. This article approaches the issue from the philosophical foundations of science to the design of research practice, aiming to construct a coherent and systematic  guiding framework for research practice. Such a framework enables researchers to develop well-founded methodologies and appropriate research methods that ensure logical consistency, reliability, validity and ethical integrity throughout the entire process of scientific inquiry and research project design.