Factors to Consider While Choosing the Right Research Methodology
Research methodology is a scientific and logical technique that helps you decide on an appropriate research method to collect data. When you start your research, the first question that hits your mind is “What type of research do I need to meet my research objectives?” Selecting a research methodology is one of the most critical factors that can make or break your research project. Following are the factors to be considered while deciding your research methodology: Research Goal Think of your research goals. Consider what your research project wants to accomplish which will help you to decide the research design. Do you need to find out all the information at one fell swoop, or you want to conduct follow-up research? If you have an outline of the information that you need at the end of the research project, you will be able to use the right methodology to choose the right research method. Statistical significance Another essential factor to consider while choosing the research methodology is statistical results. If you need clear and highly data-driven research results or statistical answers, you will need quantitative data. However, if your research questions are based on the understanding of reasons, opinions, perceptions and motivations, your data will be less statistical and more thematic. Quantitative vs qualitative data Your research methodology will decide whether you need qualitative or quantitative or both methods. If you want to capture insights into a problem to develop ideas for a solution, you will use qualitative data. You will use qualitative tools such as open-ended interviews to collect data from the target audience. However, if you have any questions, quantitative tools such as surveys can be the best approach to achieve desired results. Sample size While considering a research methodology, the sample size is an important consideration. How big does your sample size need to be to determine answers to research questions and meet research objectives? Will you prefer surveying 50 or 1000 people. If you need a large sample size, you do not need time-consuming methods such as face-to-face interviews. Timing The availability of time is another crucial factor that comes into play at the time of deciding on research methodology. If you need results within the research frame, you might consider using tools and techniques that allow data collection in just a few days. For instance, random or convenience sampling can be your preferred data collection technique. However, if your prescribed data collection period is relatively long, you can organise in-person interviews with your samples. All in all, choosing the right research methodology is quintessential for any research in any subject domain....
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Having submitted your thesis, you will be called for your viva to defend your thesis. Thesis defence seems a daunting task as your doctorate title depends upon how perspicaciously you argue down your doctoral committee. Every university has specific rules and regulations for viva voce. Some allow for a public event where a researcher gives a lecture explaining his research to the audience present as well as a panel of examiners. However, some universities allow only a panel of examiners, one (or few) from another university, to conduct thesis defence. How to prepare for viva voce Though you have created an impeccable thesis, you cannot underestimate the preparation of your thesis defence. You should know your thesis thoroughly to make sure that you know everything about your research topic. Make a summary of each chapter, and prepare points that will give a big picture of your research. You should have enough knowledge about the background of your research. Try to frame a list of questions that you expect your committee to ask. Make sure that you have stayed abreast of relevant literature. What you need to do during the viva During a thesis defence, you have to discuss both strengths and weaknesses of your research. It is not unusual that examiners criticise your research owing to these research limitations. Do not become overwrought and take it as an indication of an adverse outcome. Instead, you should robustly justify each of their arguments like the sole expert owner of your research. Ask for clarification if you do not understand a question or an ambiguous term used, but answer in the most apt manner as possible to portray sheer confidence on your research work. Feel free to take your time to think before answering the questions. Discuss your research in the context of work by previous scholars or researched reviewed. What to do after your viva voce? Once your viva is done, your examiners will recommend your university to grant your degree. However, you may also be asked to do more substantial work to be eligible for the title. Work upon the comments given by the panel and incorporate the necessary points...
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