First things first:
- Your methodology needs to align with your research goal and be well justified.
- There are two main types of research: qualitative and quantitative. Both are valid in their own right.
- Consider the time investment when choosing your methodology.
Before you start writing, you should decide how you plan to explore your topic. Typically, you have two main options: a literature-based paper or an empirical one. Empirical work can further be divided into qualitative and quantitative research. In this article, we’ll explain what each method entails, how they work, and when each one should be used.
Quantitative research vs. qualitative research
Quantitative research involves collecting numerical data in a research context, which can then be used to support a hypothesis. The goal is to demonstrate patterns and relationships through data. This often involves standardized methods like surveys with large random samples. The collected data is statistically analyzed, compared, and critically examined.
In qualitative research, the hypothesis is explored through the subjective experiences of selected interviewees. This allows you to understand behaviors and potential causes in depth. Unlike quantitative research, qualitative data is gathered in a more detailed and nuanced manner. Interviews, for example, are commonly used in qualitative studies, focusing on non-numerical results.
The choice between these research methods depends on the purpose of your paper. If you want to statistically test a hypothesis, quantitative research is your best bet, as numbers provide a measurable basis for your research question. However, if you want a more flexible and in-depth understanding of your subject, qualitative research is the way to go. Depending on your topic, a mixed-methods approach may also be an option. This means applying both methods to the same subject, allowing for complementary results and different insights into your thesis. For instance, a questionnaire could include both quantitative multiple-choice options and qualitative open-ended responses.
Literature review
If empirical analysis doesn’t suit your topic, then a literature review may be the best option for you. To do this, a thorough literature search is key. It’s not just about quantity, though! While a bibliography with 50 sources may look impressive, it doesn’t necessarily say anything about the quality of the analysis.
Topicality is a plus. When was the last academic paper on your topic published? Avoid relying solely on literature from the 19th or 20th centuries—try to include recent work, especially if your topic is current. If you’re discussing e-books, for instance, a source from 2003 may already be outdated unless you’re writing a comparison about how e-books have evolved. Technological advancements happen quickly, and so do studies on them. The aim of a literature review is to support or challenge a thesis by discussing existing research and weighing contrasting viewpoints.
Another option is to analyze a specific source, like a poem by Shakespeare, focusing on a particular topic. Historical sources are often examined in a literature-based approach as well, since empirical studies are rarely applicable here.
Conclusion: What now?
When choosing your methodology, it’s crucial to have a clear goal in mind. What do you want to achieve with your paper, and how much time do you have to complete it? Be aware that empirical research is often more time-consuming because you’re not the only one responsible for the outcome. If you’re creating a survey, for example, your participants need enough time to complete it. It rarely takes just three days. Afterward, you’ll need to analyze, present, and interpret the results. Due to the time commitment, empirical work is more common in thesis papers than in shorter term papers, which tend to rely on literature or source analysis.
Even in empirical work, you can’t skip literature entirely. You’ll still need to present the state of research, introduce the topic, and reference other studies. Justifying your choice of methodology also requires referencing existing literature, which helps you delve deeper into your subject.
You could also work backwards. If you have a preference for qualitative research, you might choose a topic for your thesis that fits this method well. If you’re unsure which method to choose, don’t hesitate to ask your advisor. They have the experience to judge which method suits your research question and workload best.
Now it’s up to you to choose your path and start writing your next academic paper with confidence. For more tips and tricks on writing papers, check out our magazine or our tutorials. If you still need help, take a look at our website: GRIN offers more than 260,000 academic papers, many of which cover topics related to writing term papers.
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