Research methods and statistics are inter-related and co-dependent. The research methods deployed in the research study determines the use of statistical tools in the study. Statistics involves developing of quantitative information through enumeration, measurement, analysis and dissemination. This information is developed by researchers to describe the social, economic and general conditions of the research subject. Research method is the use of systematic, objective process to discover and analyze relationships between variables (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2003). Both statistics and research methods use individual data during the analytical process however represent the findings in the aggregate form. This describes the relationship between the research methods and the statistics. Moreover, the statistical tools are fundamental to the quantitative research as it enables the researcher to analyze the data and draw useful inferences from it.
Constructs and benchmarking correlates the research method and statistics with constructs defining the method of the research as the broader level and benchmarking specifying the type of result intended which assists in the selection of the statistical tool to be used for analyzing the research data. The statistics is an extension of research method and depending on the context, statistics and the benchmark of the study also defines the research method to be adopted for the study. Benchmarking also assist in the interpretation and analysis of the data which is done using statistical tools. The statistical tools like one sample t test, correlation coefficient etc are used to analyze the data acquired through research and present the results in a concise and coherent manner to facilitate understanding of the research data. Thus, research methods and statistics are inextricably linked.
References
Saunders M, Lewis P & Thornhill A. (2003). Research Methods for Business Students. Pearson Education.
