Plan: How to choose methods and theme

1. Quantitative methods test hypotheses or problem statements and involve:

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  Close-ended and structured data collection
  
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  Large sample sizes
  
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  Deductive reasoning and objective approaches
  

Common study research methods under this are:

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    Laboratory experiments. These are conducted in controlled environments by manipulating variables to collect numerical data.
    
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    Meta-analysis. This is a statistical method used to deduce a universal conclusion from multiple scientific studies trying to answer the same question. It minimizes disparities across studies owing to differences in sampling strategies and other variables.
    
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    Surveys. These consist of a list of questions specifically designed to collect quantifiable information from a target group/population. For surveys, researchers should:
    
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      Select a sample representative of the target population
      
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      Pre-test the survey on a small number of people before rolling it out on a large scale
      
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      Adopt robust data-entry approaches such as a two-pass verification to avoid errors and discrepancies
      
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      Design a survey from scratch or use publicly available survey data
      
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    Secondary data collection. This study research method uses existing data from government reports, press releases, corporate reports, etc. to add significance to the primary research.
    

2. Qualitative methods explore intangible occurrences and are used to form themes or develop theories or concepts. These involve:

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  Smaller samples
  
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  Mostly semi-structured data collection
  
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  Inductive reasoning and subjective and open-ended approaches
  

Most widely adopted study research methods under this are

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    Interviews. Researchers ask open-ended questions to participants and collect qualitative data.
    
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    Focus groups. These allow researchers to
    
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      Facilitate or prompt a thematic discussion among a group of people
      
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      Collect opinions and thoughts via recordings and prepare transcripts
      
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      Segregate information into sets and subsets
      
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      Analyze information and interpret conclusions, themes, or patterns
      

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    Case studies. These are used to study a phenomenon using multiple data sources and uncover all of its facets to fine precision.
    
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    Literature review. This involves sourcing information from published articles, research reports, abstracts, and monographs. This study research method allows researchers to
    
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      Collect authentic information
      
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      Discover research methodology suited to their research
      
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      Find data-collection approaches
      
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      Interpret their results in light of related research