Understanding The Research Methodologies Types

1. ​Qualitative Methodologies

1. Case Study
Explanation: In-depth investigation of a specific context (e.g., city, project, policy).
Use: To understand complex issues within a real-life setting.
Example: Studying how Pavia and Coimbra plan and promote cultural engagement. 

​2. Ethnography
Explanation: Immersive observation of people and practices in a community.
Use: To understand lived experiences and cultural practices.
Example: Observing student use of public cultural spaces in Pavia.

3. Grounded Theory
Explanation: Developing theory from raw data (interviews, observations).
Use: When no existing theory fully explains your topic.
Example: Creating a new model for digital cultural engagement based on user interviews.

4. Phenomenology
Explanation: Focuses on how people experience a phenomenon.
Use: To explore perceptions or emotions tied to cultural participation.
Example: Interviewing participants about feelings of belonging through local festivals.

5. Action Research
Explanation: Research conducted with participants to solve a problem.
Use: When aiming to intervene or improve practice.
Example: Co-designing an AR cultural map with city stakeholders.

6. Narrative Inquiry
Explanation: Exploring people's stories and personal accounts.
Use: When identity, memory, or meaning-making is central.
Example: Collecting narratives of cultural identity from migrants in Coimbra.

2. Quantitative Methodologies

7. Descriptive Survey
Explanation: Collects numerical data to describe a population.
Use: To gather structured opinions or habits.
Example: Surveying students about their awareness of local cultural events.

8. Experimental Design
Explanation: Tests cause-effect by controlling variables.
Use: In labs or field trials.
Example: Testing if AR apps increase cultural engagement compared to static maps.

9. Statistical Modelling
Explanation: Uses advanced math to find patterns in large datasets.
Use: When analyzing big datasets (e.g., census, geospatial, web traffic).
Example: Regression analysis on visitor frequency vs. digital outreach.

3. ​Mixed Methods

10. Explanatory Sequential Design
Explanation: Starts with quantitative (e.g., survey), then uses qualitative to explain.
Use: To understand the “why” behind statistical patterns.
Example: Survey → Follow-up interviews with respondents to understand low participation.

11. Exploratory Sequential Design
Explanation: Starts with qualitative (e.g., interviews), then uses quantitative to test.
Use: To test patterns found in interviews.
Example: Interviews → Design survey questions based on themes discovered.
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12. Convergent Parallel Design
Explanation: Collects quantitative and qualitative at the same time, then merges results.
Use: When time-limited but want full picture.
Example: Spatial data + interviews analyzed in parallel to identify gaps in visibility and access.

4. ​Spatial and Design-Based Approaches

Other Methods Approaches

13. GIS-Based Spatial Analysis
Explanation: Uses geographic mapping to analyze spatial patterns.
Use: For urban planning, accessibility, infrastructure studies.
Example: Mapping underused cultural assets in Coimbra.

14. Design Research / Research Through Design
Explanation: Solving problems by creating a design prototype.
Use: For architecture, digital tools, experience design.
Example: Developing a gamified AR prototype to test digital heritage storytelling.
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15. Participatory Design / Co-Design
Explanation: Involves users in the research/design process.
Use: When you want research with people, not on them.
Example: Workshops with students to co-create a cultural app.

16. Policy Analysis
Explanation: Systematic study of policy content, design, and impact.
Use: When evaluating existing plans or suggesting new ones.
Example: Evaluating how well Pavia’s urban strategy addresses cultural sustainability.

17. Framework Analysis
Explanation: Applying or comparing existing conceptual frameworks.
Use: When testing global indicators locally (like UNESCO Culture|2030).
Example: Comparing city policies against the CCCM or Culture 21 principles.
​
18. Digital Audit
Explanation: Reviewing digital presence and online communication.
Use: To assess digital engagement or visibility.
Example: Analyzing social media and websites of local cultural institutions.

Resources

Creswell, J. W. & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. SAGE Publications.
→ https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/research-design/book255675
Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2018). The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research. SAGE.
→ https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/the-sage-handbook-of-qualitative-research/book245268
Silverman, D. (2021). Qualitative Research. SAGE.
→ https://uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/qualitative-research/book268361