research-methodology

To match your research question to a research design, first classify it as Exploratory, Descriptive, Comparative, Relational, Causal, or Mechanism. The classification directly determines whether you should use quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods designs for your study.

Choosing between qualitative and quantitative research methodology depends on your core inquiry type. Exploratory questions about lived experiences suit qualitative methods like phenomenology, while causal or comparative inquiries require quantitative experimental designs to establish relationships.

For phenomenology studies, selecting participants involves targeting individuals with specific lived experiences relevant to your exploratory research question. Data collection strategies typically involve in-depth interviews to gather rich qualitative data for thematic analysis.

You need mixed methods research design when your inquiry requires both exploratory qualitative insights and confirmatory quantitative data. It is recommended when a single approach cannot fully address the complexity of relational or causal research questions.

To ensure validity and rigor in experimental design, apply strict sampling strategies and validity controls. This involves detailing participant selection, standardizing data collection procedures, and discussing potential trade-offs and limitations to maintain research trustworthiness.