PhD Research Methods

By Laura Parr,
What research methods you should use depends on your research
question.
PhD students research topics in order to answer specific questions and
their research methods do not differ from any other research methods.
The two main kinds of research are quantitative and qualitative research,
and these are broken into further types of study. Which research methods
you use should depends on the nature of your research topic and personal
preference.

1. Quantitative and Qualitative

Quantitative researchers use numerical values to quantify

disparity between variables to predict causal relationships and to
describe characteristics of the study population. Questionnaires are
structured with closed-ended questions and study designs remain
rigid throughout.

In contrast, qualitative research seeks to explore responses to openended questions. Researchers use interviews, focus groups and
participant observation in a fluid fashion, changing the course of the
study along the way, according to answers given.

2. Questionnaires and Interviews

Both quantitative and qualitative studies make use of

questionnaires and interviews, but in different ways. Quantitative
questionnaires break answers into measurable quantities, and a
random sample of the population is usually compared with a
control group. The random sample may be stratified, that is,
divided into classes according to social or other strata. In a
qualitative study, broad questionnaires elicit more general
responses from participants, and answers tend to be complex.

Participant Observation

In quantitative studies, such as randomized controlled trials, or

RCTs, researchers observe participants and record data
numerically. In qualitative studies, researchers describe the
changes they see.

Literature Search

 A literature search is a way to collate information on a certain

subject, without interviewing any new participants. Researchers
review all literature on the subject, and by taking all results into
account, arrive at their own conclusion.

Focus Groups

Sometimes studies use focus groups to collect data on the cultural

norms of a specific group or population. Focus groups may
generate a need for further research or discussion in a certain
area, or may highlight broad issues of concern in a qualitative
study.

Data Collection

When it comes to collecting and collating your evidence, it's

important to remember to write at PhD level. Writing for
education website, FindAPhD.com, Professor Shahn Majid, PhD,
reminds you to include a beautifully written introduction, to
ensure that your referee wants to read on. Your paper should
also include your motivation for the study, your
methodology and results, an acknowledgement of
relevant literature, anda clear and concise abstract.