This is my PhD Research Operational Framework (ROF). In other words, my research journey for 3 and 1/2 years from start till end.

So what is takes to come out this ROF? Well a clear Research Methodology is a must

What is the research methodology? I bet every research students already know about this.

But do you really know how to design the best research methodology for your own research?

Well that’s is a tough question.

….and how many times do you change and revise your research methodology and plans?

A research methodology is very important in PhD and Master research/project because it is the record of how the research needs to be carried out. It is generally the part where researchers explain their study. The methodology has greater importance in research. A researcher needs to design the right methodology to arrive at the conclusion of the problem.

A research methodology or involves specific techniques that are adopted in the research process to collect, assemble and evaluate data. It defines those tools that are used to gather relevant information in a specific research study. Surveys, questionnaires and interviews are the common tools of research.

In a simple way, how do you introduce a research methodology?  Well, this is the base, as long as you follow these FOUR steps well you are in the right track.  What you need to do is just to explain in details, to the very extreme details without any dispute…(yes I am serious).

Step 1: Explain your methodological approach. Begin by introducing your overall approach to the research. …
Step 2: Describe your methods of data collection. …
Step 3: Describe your methods of analysis. …
Step 4: Evaluate and justify your methodological choices.

Since I am from Information System domain and I choose to conduct qualitative and quantitative research, my favourite reference books in Research Methodology are:

Saunder, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2012). Research Methodology for Business Students. England: British Library.

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.

Plus of course, you should read also as many reference books to make you understand better

My advice:

1. Choose the approach that suitable with your ability and nature (liking)
2. Of course, the approach must fit with the research problem (so decide early, how you want to solve that research problem)
3. Find a doable and possible method with accessible data collection. Without empirical data, it is though
4. Be flexible with the research plan (change is constant in research)
5. Always have plan A,B,C….even Z
6. Be quick to adapt and respond if you plan didn’t work
7. Again always have a backup plan and in fact backup data.

This is what I mean to collect more data (refer the above figure)

My study requires the experts to validate the findings, and out of three categories of experts only two categories respond with 12% and 45% respond rate, however, I don’t worry much because the % is sufficient (also because this is mixed-method study, hence I still have other quantitative data to support my findings). Also, the experts’ criteria for these three categories are at the same level of expertise, therefore the results are valid though ONE group never responded to my evaluation questions.

So, in doing research (PhD), again, don’t be stress, trust, sad if the respondent didn’t respond, let it be. You have any other potential respondents (that’s why planning and research method is very important at the early stage, you will know how to act when this situation occurs). Always have a backup plan and backup data (it is better to collect more, not that too much-but just enough to compensate if anything happened when you want to analyse the findings later)

I think enough for now, I believe there are many more tips and resources on research methodology that you can get from other researchers and experts out there.  Till then, if you want to discuss or tips on this topic don’t hesitate to email me at azaliah@utm.my

p/s: that ROF is not publishable anywhere. For reporting purposes in the thesis that ROF was redesigned into a clear, concise and comprehensive diagram.  That ROF was a ‘wallpaper’, in front of my study desk..

 

 

Sharing my knowledge and experience~Lets learn from each other