In the recent wake of time, many trending methods have been emphasised due to their efficiency and accuracy. Some of these trending methodologies include a mixed approach of both qualitative and quantitative techniques, increased use of specific qualitative methodologies like ground theory or phenomenology, increased use of technology in terms of tools and software, use of data analytics in research, and collaborative research techniques encouraging interdisciplinary research.
Along with the integration of primary research methods, the integeration of big data analytics with AI and the utilisation of ethnographic and participatory approaches are shaping the future of research methodology.
Moreover, there is also an emphasis on collaborating with organisations and communities to answer real-life problems. The recent emphasis on actively observing diversity and inclusion is also something you will observe a lot in recent trends.
It's fast and risk-free
1. Mixed-Method
Combining both qualitative and quantitative methods results in better comprehension of research questions. Due to this reason, many researchers are increasingly starting to adopt this approach for research methodologies.
2. Qualitative Research Methods
In terms of the exploration of different phenomena, several specific qualitative methodologies have experienced a surge in popularity due to their capability to provide deeper comprehension and insights about subjective experience.
3. Integration Of Technology And Data Analytics
Technologies have advanced by leaps and bounds recently and without a doubt, it has been widely integrated in the research sector as well. The use of advanced technological tools and software. Has been increased which has helped researchers to enhance the speed of processes and automate many phenomena. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are the ones that have been observed a lot. Additionally, in lieu of the recent pandemic, the manual mode of data collection has been shifted to using online surveys and virtual research environments to continue the research process without any restrictions on geography.
4. Interdisciplinary Research
Collaboration with other disciplines has been observed a lot lately in order to address complex issues that span multiple domains. Interdisciplinary methodologies are used when a complex problem arises affecting multiple aspects of life. Collaborating with individuals from different domains enables them to contribute to the research from their perspective effectively enhancing the research and answering the gaps.
5. Participatory Action Research
With the advancement and evolution of society, many industries have encountered problems that need to be solved via a personalised approach. Collaborating with organisations and communities has been proven to be effective in addressing real-world issues to enhance our way of living.
6. Diversity And Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion have gained much attention quite recently and researchers are placing strong emphasis on performing studies that represent a wide range of people with different perspectives. The human subjects are selected from a diverse range and ethnicity of people ensuring the results benefit everyone despite the variables due to natural differences.
It's fast and risk-free
❓What is a dissertation?
A dissertation is the longest form of academic paper assigned as a research project to students to be completed as part of their undergraduate or postgraduate degree programs. Typically, a dissertation enables a student to present their research findings in response to a question that they propose themselves. It is probably the longest and most difficult piece of academic work a student will produce in their academic journey.
A dissertation has two purposes, firstly to contribute to the existing knowledge and to demonstrate the student’s ability and expertise in their chosen field. By conducting original research, scholars aim to fill the gap in the literature, challenge prevailing theories, or propose novel perspectives.
The importance of research methodologies in dissertations is quite profound. It enhances the credibility of your research project ensuring the outcome of your work is trustable and respected in the community.
✅ Traditional Research Methodologies
Conducting traditional research is a slow process due to a lack of technology and software use. A researcher must manually process all data available for analysis to reach any outcome or valuable results. The sample sizes of data are usually very small due to the limitations of manual data collection. Traditionally, research often involves doing a face to face interview or getting answers from subjects via normal conversation or interrogation. The qualitative method involves group discussions and manual data collection while the quantitative method involves statistical analysis of present facts and figures.
⭐ Benefits and challenges of using new methodologies
Using traditional methodologies has many limitations but the advantages do not end with limitations. Some of the advantages and disadvantages are listed below:
✅ Advantages:
- Cost-effective
- No time required to learn new techniques
- High control over variables
❌ Disadvantages:
- Slow process
- Lack of innovation
- Geographic limitations
New and Emerging Research Methodologies
Any research method that is unconventional and augments traditional methodologies is referred to as emerging methods. They reflect innovation and uniqueness in the process. The main reasons for developing new methodologies are often associated with advancement in technology, development in scientific research, and the evolution of society in the new technology-driven digital era. Newer techniques could also be developed to answer research questions that can not be answered via conventional methods.
There are a number of techniques that have been developed quite recently, some of which are:
- Data science and big data analysis
- Machine learning
- Social Network Analysis
- Blockchain Research
- Virtual and Augmented Reality
- Neuroimaging Techniques
- Digital Ethnography
- Sentiment Analysis
Benefits and challenges of using new methodologies
Innovative approaches to dissertation methodologies come with their own set of benefits and challenges. These approaches largely impact the research outcomes and hold much significance in advancing society and the field of research.
✅ Advantages:
- Improved accuracy and precision of data collection
- Enhanced flexibility and adaptability
- Potential for exploring new research areas
- Faster data collection and analysis
- Increased engagement and participation
❌ Disadvantages:
- Lack of established guidelines or standards
- Limited availability of training and expertise
- Higher costs associated with adoption and implementation
- Possible biases or limitations inherent in the methods
- Ethical considerations and privacy concerns
Technological Advancements in Dissertation Research
Technology is advancing at a rapid pace continuously innovating various fields. These innovations are changing the world as we know it providing boundless opportunities for research. Many tools and software have been developed to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and results of the research. If you want to stay at the top of research excellence then you must stay updated on advanced methodologies for example machine learning, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and lab automation.
1. Free Online Statistical Testing Tools
2. Microsoft Excel
3. Google Scholar
4. ResearchGate
5. Plagiarism detection software tools
6. Project management tools
It's fast and risk-free
✍ Ethical Considerations in Dissertation Research
Research ethics matter for scientific integrity, human rights and dignity, and collaboration between science and society. These principles make sure that participation in studies is voluntary, informed, and safe for research subjects. Ethical considerations in research are a set of principles that guide your research designs and practices. These principles include voluntary participation, informed consent, anonymity, confidentiality, the potential for harm, and results communication. Scientists and researchers must always adhere to a certain code of conduct when collecting data from others. These considerations protect the rights of research participants, enhance research validity, and maintain scientific integrity.
Types of Ethical Issues in Research Methodologies
There are a number of ethical issues that every researcher should pay close attention to.
Voluntary participation
Voluntary participation means that all research subjects are free to choose to participate without any pressure or coercion. All participants are able to withdraw from, or leave, the study at any point without feeling an obligation to continue. Your participants don’t need to provide a reason for leaving the study.
It’s important to make it clear to participants that there are no negative consequences or repercussions to their refusal to participate. After all, they’re taking the time to help you in the research process, so you should respect their decisions without trying to change their minds.
Voluntary participation is an ethical principle protected by international law and many scientific codes of conduct. Take special care to ensure there’s no pressure on participants when you’re working with vulnerable groups of people who may find it hard to stop the study even when they want to.
Informed consent
Informed consent refers to a situation in which all potential participants receive and understand all the information they need to decide whether they want to participate. This includes information about the study’s benefits, risks, funding, and institutional approval.
Usually, you’ll provide participants with a text for them to read and ask them if they have any questions. If they agree to participate, they can sign or initial the consent form. Note that this may not be sufficient for informed consent when you work with particularly vulnerable groups of people.
If you’re collecting data from people with low literacy, make sure to verbally explain the consent form to them before they agree to participate. For participants with very limited English proficiency, you should always translate the study materials or work with an interpreter so they have all the information in their first language.
In research with children, you’ll often need informed permission for their participation from their parents or guardians. Although children cannot give informed consent, it’s best to also ask for their assent (agreement) to participate, depending on their age and maturity level.
Anonymity
Anonymity means that you don’t know who the participants are and you can’t link any individual participant to their data.
You can only guarantee anonymity by not collecting any personally identifying information—for example, names, phone numbers, email addresses, IP addresses, physical characteristics, photos, and videos.
In many cases, it may be impossible to truly anonymize data collection. For example, data collected in person or by phone cannot be considered fully anonymous because some personal identifiers (demographic information or phone numbers) are impossible to hide. You’ll also need to collect some identifying information if you give your participants the option to withdraw their data at a later stage.
Data pseudonymization is an alternative method where you replace identifying information about participants with pseudonymous, or fake, identifiers. The data can still be linked to participants but it’s harder to do so because you separate personal information from the study data.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality means that you know who the participants are, but you remove all identifying information from your report.
All participants have a right to privacy, so you should protect their personal data for as long as you store or use it. Even when you can’t collect data anonymously, you should secure confidentiality whenever you can.
Some research designs aren’t conducive to confidentiality, but it’s important to make all attempts and inform participants of the risks involved.
Potential for harm
As a researcher, you have to consider all possible sources of harm to participants. Harm can come in many different forms.
- Psychological harm: Sensitive questions or tasks may trigger negative emotions such as shame or anxiety.
- Social harm: Participation can involve social risks, public embarrassment, or stigma.
- Physical harm: Pain or injury can result from the study procedures.
- Legal harm: Reporting sensitive data could lead to legal risks or a breach of privacy.
It’s best to consider every possible source of harm in your study as well as concrete ways to mitigate them. Involve your supervisor to discuss steps for harm reduction.
Make sure to disclose all possible risks of harm to participants before the study to get informed consent. If there is a risk of harm, prepare to provide participants with resources, counselling, or medical services if needed.
Results communication
The way you communicate your research results can sometimes involve ethical issues. Good science communication is honest, reliable, and credible. It’s best to make your results as transparent as possible.
Take steps to actively avoid plagiarism and research misconduct wherever possible.
-
Plagiarism
Plagiarism means submitting others’ works as your own. Although it can be unintentional, copying someone else’s work without proper credit amounts to stealing. It’s an ethical problem in research communication because you may benefit by harming other researchers.
Self-plagiarism is when you republish or re-submit parts of your own papers or reports without properly citing your original work.
This is problematic because you may benefit from presenting your ideas as new and original even though they’ve already been published elsewhere in the past. You may also be infringing on your previous publisher’s copyright, violating an ethical code, or wasting time and resources by doing so.
In extreme cases of self-plagiarism, entire datasets or papers are sometimes duplicated. These are major ethical violations because they can skew research findings if taken as original data.
-
Research misconduct
Research misconduct means making up or falsifying data, manipulating data analyses, or misrepresenting results in research reports. It’s a form of academic fraud.
These actions are committed intentionally and can have serious consequences; research misconduct is not a simple mistake or a point of disagreement about data analyses.
Research misconduct is a serious ethical issue because it can undermine academic integrity and institutional credibility. It leads to a waste of funding and resources that could have been used for alternative research.
Relating Dissertation Research Methodologies to Specific Fields
A. Social Sciences
Social science is a key discipline that deals with the interrelationship among communities around the globe. Advancement in social sciences majorly happened due to the economic shift and access to boundless data via online resources. Demographics also played a vital role in breaking the trends and emergence of new techniques in social sciences to move research forward keeping up with the rapid evolution we are experiencing. Contemporary research within the boundaries of social sciences emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research in which collaboration is encouraged to understand how different aspects of society impact each other. Moreover, empirical and applied research has emerged as a preferred methodology in this landscape. Some of the methodologies inspired by the advancement in social sciences are:
- Positivism, Behaviorism, and Statistical Analysis
- Analyzing Experimental Data With ANOVA
- Analyzing Nonexperimental Data With Regression-Based Statistics
- Nonlinear Analyses
- Fieldwork and the Subjective Turn
- Understanding Diplomatic Cultures
- Breaking Down the Barriers
B. Natural Sciences
Natural sciences have unbelievable potential in terms of advancements. The rapid innovation in this landscape may very well redefine the way of living. Recently, many advancements have been made in this sector with a combination of synthetic biology making new discoveries to enhance the mode of life and encourage researchers to think out of the box and push boundaries of what is possible and not. This limitless opportunity raises many challenges to adopting new methodologies for further advancement in this regard.
Many methodologies have become trending in natural sciences out of which three have gained the most significance. Firstly, collaborative research has emerged as a preferred method in this field as well, encouraging interdisciplinary research. This method covers more complex issues requiring a larger group of researchers to work on the matter for a comprehensive conclusion. Moreover, addressing societal challenges has become a burning concern which resulted in institutes partnering with industries to analyse the issues closely and come up with personalised solutions. Not only universities are collaborating with organisations and communities but also considering the commercialisation of student projects that have greater potential for new discoveries. Lastly, in the technology-driven era, how could it be possible that scientific research stays behind in the race? The use of technology enhances academic research and makes the process faster and easier. Computer simulation modules have made researching contemporary subjects possible which were previously considered unattainable.
C. Business and Management
Research in business and management uses both qualitative and qualitative approaches to come to a conclusion. Advancement has pushed researchers to discover innovative approaches bridging the gap between empirical methodology and new understanding of innovative theories. Integration of imagination and creativity to come up with innovative ideas and theories. Some of the methodologies utilised in business and management are as follows:
- Qualitative Approach:
- Embodied practice-based research
- Phenomenographic method
- Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA)
- Interviewing and transcription
- Quantitative Approach:
- Bayesian factor analysis for mixed data
- Insider econometrics (IE)
- Multilevel modelling for panel data
- Development and validation (D&V) of attitudes’ measurement scale
- Differences in differences
- Mixed Approach:
- Log-transformed dependent variable
- Network analysis
- Garfield’s algorithm
Conclusion
Trends in research methodologies often vary across different disciplines and the evolutionary work may also act as a catalyst to raise the need for new methodologies enhancing the curve of opportunities. Constantly consulting recent studies and research being made, and reading academic journals and discussions are important to stay up to date with further developments in the field and in methodologies used to tackle innovative research problems.
Students should seek assistance with dissertation methodology help for a better understanding of complex methodologies and get access to insights about the new developments in their field of study. There are a number of dissertation writing services that provide expert assistance with every aspect of a dissertation. Students can easily pay for dissertation and hire an expert from their field of study who can help them navigate the complex process of dissertation writing.
