TL;DR — Quick Answer Deductive reasoning works from a general theory or premise toward a specific conclusion — testing an existing theory by deriving and testing hypotheses (top-down). Inductive reasoning works from specific observations toward a general theory — building theory from patterns in data (bottom-up). Deductive reasoning is associated with quantitative research and theory […]
Read More →TL;DR — Quick Answer Research philosophy refers to the underlying beliefs and assumptions about knowledge and reality that shape how research is conducted. The main philosophies are positivism (reality is objective and measurable, favouring quantitative methods), interpretivism (reality is socially constructed and subjective, favouring qualitative methods), and pragmatism (focusing on what works to answer the […]
Read More →TL;DR — Quick Answer Triangulation in research means using multiple methods, sources, or perspectives to study the same phenomenon, in order to strengthen the validity and credibility of the findings. The main types are data triangulation (multiple data sources), methodological triangulation (multiple methods), investigator triangulation (multiple researchers), and theoretical triangulation (multiple theories). The logic is […]
Read More →TL;DR — Quick Answer An experiment is a research method in which the researcher manipulates one or more variables (independent variables) and measures the effect on other variables (dependent variables), while controlling other factors. It is the strongest method for establishing cause and effect. Key features include manipulation of variables, control of other factors, and […]
Read More →TL;DR — Quick Answer A case study is a research method that investigates a single case — an individual, group, organisation, event, or situation — in depth and within its real-world context. It aims to provide rich, detailed understanding of the case rather than to generalise statistically. Case studies use multiple sources of evidence (interviews, […]
Read More →TL;DR — Quick Answer Research limitations are the shortcomings, constraints, and weaknesses of a study that may affect its results or how far they can be generalised. Common limitations include small or non-representative samples, methodological constraints, limited scope, time and resource constraints, and measurement limitations. To write them: honestly identify the genuine limitations, explain how […]
Read More →TL;DR — Quick Answer A research question is the specific question a study sets out to answer — the central question that guides the entire research. To write a good one: derive it from your research problem and gap, make it clear, specific, and focused, ensure it is researchable and answerable through evidence, and match […]
Read More →TL;DR — Quick Answer Research objectives are clear, specific statements of what a study aims to achieve. To write them: derive them from your research question, make each one specific and focused, use action verbs (to examine, to determine, to analyse), ensure they are achievable and measurable, and align them with your overall aim. Most […]
Read More →TL;DR — Quick Answer A theoretical framework is the established theory or theories that underpin a study, drawn from existing literature, that explain the phenomenon being researched. A conceptual framework is the researcher’s own model of how the specific variables and concepts in their study relate to one another, often shown as a diagram. The […]
Read More →TL;DR — Quick Answer A variable in research is any characteristic, quantity, or factor that can vary or take different values among the subjects or conditions being studied. The main types are independent variables (the cause or factor manipulated), dependent variables (the effect or outcome measured), and control variables (factors kept constant). Other types include […]
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