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8 years ago in Dissertation/Thesis By Jessica

How to choose appropriate research methodology?

Hi, I am a PhD scholar, in the midst of approaching deadlines and load of work ahead of me, I am losing faith in my capability to even complete this research. I am entangled in so much disappointment regarding this, I had been so hopeful and passionate about this project. I have to formulate a research methodology, by the end of the month and instead of helping me with it, my guide has left me with a couple of confusing theoretical terms like ‘Realism’ ‘Positivism’ and ‘Interpretivism’ from which I ought to choose to where do I lay my study, along these theoretical lines. The PhD manual of my Department has come to no use either. I am fretting over what methodology would be suitable for my PhD research, I am researching on ‘The Impact of Same- Sex Parenting on the children in UK’. This portal seems like a discussion hub for PhD scholars, and I hope my request is not falling on deaf ears.  

All Answers (1 Answers In All)

By Shubham Answered 2 months ago

You are not alone, this confusion is very common at the PhD stage, especially with abstract philosophical terms. For your topic, interpretivism fits well if you aim to understand children’s experiences and social meanings, while positivism suits quantitative outcome comparisons. Many studies adopt a mixed-methods or critical realist stance to balance evidence and lived experience. Start by aligning your research questions with what kind of knowledge you want to produce this will clarify the methodology.

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