• Controlled experimentation - the construction of an artificial laboratory model, and the collection of results under controlled conditions. Such data can be used to verify hypotheses about law-like behaviour of aspects of the world.
• Observation and data collection - collecting data from phenomena observed under natural or uncontrolled conditions. (As above)
• Prototype and test - the construction of a prototype, and exhaustive testing and evaluation. Such data can be used to assess the behaviour and effectiveness of designed objects.

Social Science Methodologies.

These are methodologies for finding out about the social world, either in organisations or wider society.

• Quantitative methodologies - these attempt to collect data of a quantifiable kind by such means as questionnaires, interviews, or the survey of official documents. Such data can be used in similar ways to those of experimental or observational data in the natural sciences.
• Qualitative methodologies - these attempt to collect data about more subjective aspects of human experience by such means as interviews, participant observation and group participation. Such data is used to deepen understanding of human experience and widen our perspectives on the world (something that may be of considerable practical importance in governance and management).

Media Studies Approaches (for Multimedia Students).

Media studies has adapted specialised aspects of social science methodologies to create a set of research methodologies - these are embedded in broader theories about the media and how to study them, and the methodologies are labelled with the terms for these theories: content analysis, semiology, cultural materialism, discourse analysis, etc. Such approaches have overlapping traits.

Humanities Disciplines.

Some of the techniques of the humanities may be of relevance for our students. Students often attempt historical surveys or the development and influence of technologies; or students developing arguments in the social effects of technologies may wish to debate ethical issues and policy. In such cases the standards of enquiry adhered to in history or applied ethics (or whatever) should be adhered to. It will be necessary to do some specialised reading.

Making a Choice.

Make a choice of methodology (or a mix of methodologies) with the help of your tutor. Since learning about methodologies represents a considerable intellectual investment, be clear on what you are trying to achieve. When you write up your methodology section, give a brief outline of the main features of your methodology convince us that you know what you are doing.

Tutorial and self-directed study instructions: Do not begin work on your methodology until you have a clear idea of your question and hypothesis, and you have completed (to the point of having it signed off) your analysis of an academic paper - which should ideally give you a model for your methodological approach. You can deepen your ideas on methodology by either researching it as a self-contained topic, or by looking at a broad range of sample papers in your chosen area and noting what they have to say about methodology. Which of these is the most effective will depend on the area in which you are working. If you are using a social science methodology (common in business studies and BIS) then you will find a broad literature available. This will not be true if you are working in more technical areas, or in practical multimedia. If you are planning to engineer a prototype product as the core of your dissertation, then the kinds of prototyping and evaluation approaches used in product design will be useful (see books such as Pugh's 'Total Design').