Research is a broad and cyclical process. It carries no definite path to follow during a study. It is the researcher who needs to establish a clear path. The researcher needs to establish it for conducting a reliable study. For this, researchers opt for methodological approaches. Methodological approaches provide a step-by-step framework for conducting a study. These assist in completing a study within the required time. The best-fit match of the methodological approaches with the topic enhances the reliability of findings. Moreover, it enhances the generalisability of study findings. Yet, incorrect methodological approaches affect the validity of the findings. Therefore hiring a PhD dissertation writing service becomes necessary. This article will explore how wrong methodological approaches can be a factor in failure.
Understanding Methodological Approaches in Research
Methodological approaches refer to those approaches that researchers uses to explore a topic. They are of considerable importance to the researcher. Their importance is as follows;
- It enables the researchers to devise a true and authentic conclusion.
- They allow researchers to select most appropriate research methods in a study.
- It provides a well-developed and transparent plan to the researcher.
- The plan provides a brief and guidance for data collection.
- It provides appropriate data collection strategy in a study.
- It guides the researcher for opting suitable data analysis technique.
- Research methods are different from one study to another.
- Researchers opt for them on the basis of their research questions and hypotheses.
What Are The Most Prevailing Methodological Approaches In Research Studies?
The most prevailing methodological approaches are as follows:
Quantitative Research Methods
A quantitative research method is a methodological approach that relies on statistical information in a study. Moreover, it focuses on numeric information on the attitudes and behaviours of the respondents. This statistical information enables the researcher to identify the association between variable. The survey questionnaire is the most appropriate technique in this method for data collection. It enables the researcher to collect data from large population group. The data analysis technique entails regression and correlation analysis.
Qualitative Research Methods
It involves non-statistical subjective information for the study. This information enables to answer research questions from in-depth data collection. This in-depth data collection is on the attitudes and behaviours of the respondents. The interview is the most appropriate technique in this method for data collection. The data analysis techniques involve thematic, discourse, or many more. The sample size is small in this research method.
Mixed-method Research Methods
This methodological approach comprises both characteristics of quantitative and qualitative. It provides a broad room to collect data. The data collection assists in answering study’s research questions and hypotheses. Moreover, the information confirms or rejects the hypotheses of the study. The rationale behind this approach is to overcome loopholes in any research method.
What are the Benefits of Using the Appropriate Methodological Approach for a Study?
The appropriate methodological approaches serve purposes as follows;
- It leads to good research.
- Intended results are achievable according to the research questions and hypotheses of the study.
- Study findings are reliable and valid.
- The results of the study are generalisable.
- The study completes with efficiency.
- It provides good marks to the researcher.
How Using Wrong Methodological Approaches Can Be a Factor of Failure?
The wrong choice of methodological approaches has many drawbacks. It is bad for students, researchers, and academicians. Moreover, it is unsatisfactory for the society as a whole. Some of its drawbacks are as follows:
Poor Research
The selection of wrong methodological approaches leads to poor research. For instance, a topic that is exploratory in nature, in reality, it is not explored by the researcher. It is due to the wrong choice of methodological approaches. Besides, a topic that requires statistical information in a study. The researcher conducts it with non-statistical information.
The Result Cannot Be Achievable
The intended outcome cannot be possible to meet with the wrong choice of methodological approaches. The study will not generate results to affirm or reject the study’s hypotheses. Moreover, it will not answer the research question of the study.
Low Validity and Non-generalisable Findings
The use of wrong methodological approaches affects the validity of the study’s findings. The study with low validity has less reliability as well. Moreover, with low validity and reliability, the study cannot be generalisable.
Inefficient Research Will be the Outcome
The choice of wrong methodological approaches results in inefficient research. The inefficient research will not only consume the time of the researcher, but it will also involve a high budget or expenses for the researcher.
Poor Grades
Any research that is poor with inefficient results leads to poor grades. The student cannot get good marks with poor results of the study.
How a Researcher Can Ensure Its Methodological Approach is Appropriate for the Study?
The researcher should ensure the best fit of methodological approaches in a study. It is possible as follows:
- Consult with its supervisors.
- Research and Research.
- Reconcile with prior research studies to get an idea.
- Identify methodological approach is aligning with the topic under investigation.
- In qualitative studies, they align with the research questions.
- In quantitative studies, they align with the hypotheses of the study.
Final Thoughts
A researcher needs care in opting for methodological approaches for the study. The selection of an appropriate methodological approach should relate to the nature of the study. Otherwise, it will affect the study result and lead to a poor research.