This is a class lecture under the course Introduction to Legal Research Methodology taught at Jahangirnagar University. Learning outcome: a) Students will be informed about the basic differences between research methods and research methodology; b) Students will learn about the different categories of research being carried out in academia.

1. INTRODUCTION
TO LEGAL
RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY
Preeti Kana Sikder
Lecturer
Department of Law & Justice
Jahangirnagar University

2. Difference
between
Research
Methods and
Research
Methodology
• All the techniques that are used by a
researcher in continuing his search are
research methods
• Methods for:
– Collection of data
– Statistical techniques
– Evaluating accuracy of results
• The way to systematically solve the
research problem is research
methodology
• Not only a study of methods but also of
explanation and justification for using
certain research methods.

3. Difference
between
Research
Methods and
Research
Methodology
• Research methods refers to all the methods
and techniques that are used by a researcher
in conducting his research.
• These are the ‘tools and techniques’ in a
‘tool box’ that can be used for collection of
data (or for gathering evidence) and analysis
thereof.
• Research Methodology refers to a ‘way to
systematically solve’ the research problem. It
may be understood as a ‘science of studying
how research is done’
• It involves a study of various steps and
methods that a researcher needs generally to
adopt in his investigation of a research
problem along with the logic behind them.
• It includes in it not just a compilation of various
research methods but also the rules for their
application (in a given situation) and validity
(for the research problem at hand)

4. Types of
Research
Descriptive Analytical

5. Types of Research
• Merely describes
the phenomenon
or situation
under study and
its characteristics
• The researcher uses
his facts or
information already
available and makes
their analysis to make
a critical evaluation of
the material

6. Types of
Research
Applied Fundamental

7. Types of Research
• The researcher is mainly
concerned with
generalisation and with
the formulation of a
theory.
• The researcher
undertakes research only
to derive some increased
knowledge in a field of
his inquiry
• The researcher aims at
finding a solution for an
immediate problem seeing
his research in a practical
context.
• The researcher is bothered
about the practical utility or
context of his research.

8. Types of
Research
Quantitative Qualitative

9. Types of Research
• This research is based on
the measurement of
quantity or amount.
• Objective of this research
is to develop and employ
mathematical models,
theories and hypotheses
pertaining to the
phenomenon under
inquiry.
• This research is
concerned with
phenomenon
involving quality or
kind.
• It relies on reason
behind various
aspects of
behaviour

10. Types of
Research
Conceptual Empirical

11. Types of Research
• This research relies on experienc
or observation alone.
• Being a data based research it
comes up with conclusions that
are capable of being verified by
observation or experiment.
• It is related to some abstract
ideas or theory.
• Generally used by
philosophers and thinkers to
develop new concepts or to
re-interpret the existing
ones.

12. Identify the
category of
research
through
these
hypothetical
titles
• The Right against Torture:
Institutional and Normative
Framework
• Abortion Law in Bangladesh
• Proof of Marriage by Possession
of Status:The Law and Practice
• The Child and the Law in
Bangladesh: The Case of the UN
Convention on the Rights of the
Child
• Legal Pluralism: Its Promises and
Pitfalls for Bangladesh