PHD SUCCESS: MASTERING RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

We take a first look at research methodology as a strategy for solving a problem. We address basic considerations like formulating your methodology around your research problem and not the other way around to ensure objectivity and credibility of your research.

We introduce Saunders’ Research Onion - a well-known model that helps you take a step-by-step approach to building your research methodology. We’ll guide you through its layers, from research philosophy and approach to strategy, choices, and techniques. By the end, you’ll understand how each decision connects and why a holistic view of methodology is essential for writing a coherent and credible methodology chapter.

We discuss what the essence of Qualitative research is and when it is appropriate to use this research approach. We give helpful examples of research questions and situations when it makes sense to do qualitative research. At the end, we give a step-by-step overview of a typical qualitative research procedure from defining the research question to reporting the results.

We discuss what the essence of Quantitative research is and when it is appropriate to use this research approach. We give helpful examples of research questions and situations when it makes sense to do quantitative research. At the end, we give a step-by-step overview of a typical quantitative research procedure from defining the research question to reporting the results.

We discuss what the essence of Mixed-methods research is and when it is appropriate to use this research approach. We give helpful examples of research questions and situations when it makes sense to do mixed-methods research. Common concerns such as when to know when NOT to do mixed-methods research and how in-depth you should go are addressed. We look at some of the most common mixed-methods research designs and how qualitative and quantitative methods can be integrated in different ways.

We look at the methodological decisions that make up the methodology chapter. We address a common concern of how detailed the explanation of each decision should be. Finally, we give tips into how this chapter can be structured, and provide a template for writing your own chapter.

We clarify the important question of what it means to present and discuss empirical results, and why these are two separate things (but not always!). We look at important differences when presenting and discussing qualitative and quantitative results, and finish with a step-by-step formula for how you can structure this important section of your dissertation.

We present three real-life use cases from our students, which have applied three different research approaches - qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods. We first present an overview of their dissertation topics and structure before analysing the reasons for choosing the specific research approach, and the quality of its implementation.