RESEARCH METHODS
Keywords:
Research methods, philosophical foundations, paradigms, qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, research design, rigorAbstract
This article provides a comprehensive overview of research methodology, highlighting its foundational role in systematic knowledge generation. It explores the philosophical underpinnings of research, including ontology and epistemology, which shape distinct paradigms like positivism, interpretivism, critical theory, and critical realism. The discussion covers major research approaches—qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods—emphasizing nuanced application over simplistic distinctions. Further, it details research design, data collection, sampling, and data analysis techniques. The article concludes by addressing critical aspects of research rigor, including ethics, validity, reliability, and trustworthiness, essential for producing defensible findings across disciplines.
References
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