Deduce the research design

Metaphorically speaking

Research means making choices on how to reach your destination. In many cases, the destination itself will suggest or even demand a type of travelling. Island without an airstrip? You’ll be taking a boat, it seems. Summit of a mountain—why not hike?

Consequently, while many aspects of your final academic project look like design decisions that are entirely up to you, many of these decisions are intricately linked. If you choose to scale a mountain top, this will impact what and how much you can pack. It will require good weather. This requires access to information on weather patterns and suitable scheduling. In case of any travelling, it is a good idea to have a plan B in case plan A turns out to be unsuccessful or even risky.

The two big methodological domains—qualitative or quantitative research designs—are the first of many design decisions in your thesis. In many cases, this decision will depend on your desired destination: the nature and character of your research question. This often hinges on the state of the research field you seek to contribute to.

(This is a preview section. The full chapter on this topic continues with the sections “Rough coordinates”, “Train of thought”, “In essence”, “To reflect”, “Two travellers’ tales”, “Devil’s advocate”, and “How to tackle”.)