Research approach refers to the overall plan, logic, and philosophical orientation that guides how research is designed, conducted, analyzed, and interpreted.
It explains how knowledge is generated, how data is collected, and how results are interpreted.
In PhD-level methodology, research approaches are usually divided into:
- Quantitative Approach
- Qualitative Approach
- Mixed Methods Approach
- Other Specialized Approaches (Philosophical/Logical):
- Inductive vs Deductive
- Positivist vs Interpretivist vs Pragmatist
- Experimental vs Non-experimental
- Cross-sectional vs Longitudinal
Below is the detailed explanation.
1. Quantitative Research Approach
Paragraph-wise Explanation
The quantitative approach is rooted in positivist philosophy, which believes reality can be measured objectively. It focuses on numerical data, structured designs, and statistical analysis. Researchers define variables, measure them precisely, test hypotheses, and use mathematical models to understand relationships. This approach is suitable for large samples, generalization, and studies requiring objectivity and replicability.
Point-wise Notes
- Based on numerical measurement.
- Follows a structured, predetermined design.
- Uses surveys, experiments, tests, statistical tools.
- Emphasizes objectivity, reliability, and validity.
- Good for hypothesis testing and causal analysis.
- Common in sciences, economics, psychology, management, and empirical social research.
2. Qualitative Research Approach
Paragraph-wise Explanation
The qualitative approach is grounded in interpretivist philosophy, which views reality as subjective and socially constructed. It seeks to understand meanings, experiences, and interpretations from participants’ perspectives. Data is textual or observational rather than numerical. The researcher becomes an instrument in the process, engaging in deep exploration of social contexts, behaviors, and cultural patterns.
Point-wise Notes
- Deals with words, narratives, observations, experiences.
- Flexible, open-ended, and emergent design.
- Uses tools such as interviews, focus groups, observations, documents.
- Prioritizes context, depth, and richness of meaning.
- Suitable for exploring how and why questions.
- Involves coding, thematic analysis, grounded theory, content analysis.
3. Mixed Methods Research Approach
Paragraph-wise Explanation
Mixed methods research integrates both quantitative and qualitative approaches within a single study. The goal is to use the strengths of each while compensating for their weaknesses. It is rooted in pragmatism, which focuses on what works best to address the research problem. Mixed methods involve either sequential use (one after another) or concurrent use (at the same time) of qualitative and quantitative techniques.
Point-wise Notes
- Combines numbers + meanings, statistics + narratives.
- Aims at triangulation and comprehensive understanding.
- Designs include:
- Sequential Exploratory (Qual → Quant)
- Sequential Explanatory (Quant → Qual)
- Concurrent Triangulation
- Useful when one method alone is insufficient.
- Common in education, public health, social sciences, development research.
4. Inductive and Deductive Approaches
A. Deductive Approach
Paragraph:
Starts with theory → develops hypothesis → tests using data. Common in quantitative research. Moves from general to specific.
Points:
- Begins with existing theory.
- Hypotheses tested using data.
- Logic: General → Particular.
- Used in experiments, surveys, causal modeling.
B. Inductive Approach
Paragraph:
Begins with observations → identifies patterns → develops theory. Common in qualitative research. Moves from specific to general.
Points:
- Starts from field observations.
- Theory emerges from data.
- Logic: Particular → General.
- Used in grounded theory, ethnography, exploratory studies.
5. Positivist, Interpretivist, and Pragmatic Approaches
(Philosophical foundations behind approaches)
A. Positivist Approach
- Reality is objective and measurable.
- Researcher is independent of the subject.
- Uses quantitative methods.
- Focus on laws, prediction, measurement.
B. Interpretivist Approach
- Reality is subjective, socially constructed.
- Researcher interacts with participants.
- Uses qualitative methods.
- Focus on meaning, experience, context.
C. Pragmatic Approach
- Focuses on what works in practice.
- Supports mixed methods.
- Combines quantitative + qualitative tools based on usefulness.
- Problem-centered and flexible.
6. Experimental and Non-Experimental Approaches
A. Experimental Approach
- Researcher manipulates variables (independent).
- Measures effect on dependent variable.
- Establishes causality.
- High control, mostly quantitative.
B. Non-Experimental Approach
- No manipulation; variables measured as they are.
- Includes surveys, correlational, observational, case studies.
- Suitable when experiments are unethical or impossible.
7. Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Approaches
A. Cross-Sectional
- Data collected once at a single point in time.
- Useful for descriptive and correlational studies.
- Cost-effective.
B. Longitudinal
- Data collected over multiple time periods.
- Useful for studying changes, development, trends.
- Types: panel, cohort, time-series.
8. Action Research Approach
Paragraph
Action research aims at solving immediate problems through participation, reflection, and iterative cycles. Researcher and participants jointly diagnose issues, implement actions, and evaluate outcomes. Highly applied and practical.
Points
- Involves planning → action → reflection → re-action.
- Collaborative and participatory.
- Common in education, community development, organizational change.
9. Grounded Theory Approach
- Theory is developed from data, not imposed beforehand.
- Uses constant comparison and coding.
- Very systematic qualitative method.
10. Case Study Approach
- In-depth study of a single case or small number of cases.
- Rich, contextual understanding.
- Can be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed.
