Mastering Research Methods with YouTube: A Guide to MCDM

Learning research methods is essential to any academic program, but finding the right resources to guide your learning can be challenging. Fortunately, YouTube has become a valuable tool for learning research methods, providing access to many tutorials and demonstrations. In this blog post, we explore how you can use YouTube to learn about four popular methods in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM): analytic hierarchy process (AHP), analytic network process (ANP), decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory with ANP (DANP).

MCDM is a decision-making process that involves considering multiple criteria or factors. It helps to quantify subjective factors and objective factors to aid decision-making. The AHP method is a commonly used MCDM method that organizes criteria in a hierarchical structure, allowing for comparisons between the criteria. ANP is another MCDM method that considers the interdependence between the criteria, allowing for more complex decision-making. DEMATEL is an MCDM method that can identify the cause-and-effect relationships between the criteria, while DANP is a combination of DEMATEL and ANP.

There are many YouTube tutorials available for each of these MCDM methods. For example, the following are some of the best tutorials for each method:

AHP: "Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)" by Fawaz Aldabbagh

ANP: "Analytic Network Process Tutorial" by Zahid Younis

DEMATEL: "DEMATEL - An Introduction" by Dr. Hasan Güngör

DANP: "How to Use DANP (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory with ANP) in Super Decisions" by Nerija Banaitiene

Using YouTube to learn research methods has several advantages, including the ability to pause, rewind, and repeat tutorials until you understand the concepts. YouTube also offers a diverse range of tutorials from different perspectives, making it easier to find a style of teaching that suits your learning needs. However, it is important to remember that not all YouTube tutorials are created equal, and some may provide inaccurate or incomplete information. Therefore, it is essential to use critical thinking and validate the information you find on YouTube with other sources.

Learning research methods can be challenging, but YouTube provides a valuable platform for students and researchers to learn and improve their skills. The four MCDM methods discussed in this blog post are just a few examples of the many research methods you can learn through YouTube tutorials. By taking advantage of the benefits of YouTube and being mindful of its limitations, you can master research methods and apply them to your academic work.

Finally, it's important to note that while YouTube can be a helpful tool for learning research methods, it should not be the sole source of information. It's always a good idea to supplement your learning with academic papers, textbooks, and guidance from professors or experienced researchers in the field.

Here are the YouTube links for tutorials on MCDM, AHP, ANP, and DANP:

MCDM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9zwPqLkH1w&list=PLFsDe5VTL0GONrBajWDmh6J2MdzrW0UwM

AHP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChkBNabdfjo

ANP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow-BUs7ojaQ

DANP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEBKnRmRt8M

These tutorials provide a great starting point for anyone looking to learn more about these methods, but it's important to remember that they are just the tip of the iceberg. To master these techniques, you'll need to do additional reading and practice applying them to real-world research problems.