A brief teaching note on the main examples of research methodology

A brief teaching note on the main examples of research methodology (information from perplexity.ai)

My question 1: "Is it appropriate to consider the following topics as a kind of research methodology in social science? Try to clarify briefly with reference to the main features of a research methodology.

1. the case study research (of Robert Yin)

2. the grounded theory (of Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss)

3. the action research (of Kurt Lewin)

4. the ethnographic approach

5. the phenomenological approach

6. the hermeneutic approach"

The answer: "It is appropriate to consider the following topics as kinds of research methodology in social science, based on their main features that align with core characteristics of research methodologies:

1. Case Study Research (Robert Yin)

• Research methodology involves systematic investigation of a bounded system (case) over time using multiple data sources and methods.

• Features include clear problem definition, design framework, data collection, pattern matching, and explanation building.

• Emphasizes contextual analysis and real-life setting exploration.

2. Grounded Theory (Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss)

• A qualitative methodology aimed at inductively developing theory grounded in data.

• Features include iterative data collection and analysis, constant comparison, theoretical sampling, coding, and memoing.

• No initial hypothesis; theory emerges to explain social processes or interactions.

3. Action Research (Kurt Lewin)

• Cyclical problem-solving process involving planning, action, observation, reflection, and feedback.

• Collaborative and participatory with stakeholders, addressing practical problems while generating knowledge.

• Emphasizes change implementation and iterative learning.

4. Ethnographic Approach

• Immersive qualitative method studying people in natural settings.

• Close face-to-face interaction, participant observation, thick description, and cultural interpretation.

• Seeks to understand behaviors, beliefs, and social contexts in depth.

5. Phenomenological Approach

• Focuses on exploring lived experiences and meanings from first-person perspectives.

• Features include bracketing (setting aside assumptions), descriptive emphasis, and uncovering essences of phenomena.

• Uses in-depth interviews and narratives to understand subjective experiences.

6. Hermeneutic Approach

• Qualitative methodology centered on interpretive analysis of texts, communication, and human interactions.

• Emphasizes historical, cultural, and personal contextual interpretations, reflexivity, and the hermeneutic circle (iterative understanding).

• Aims for deeper insight into meanings, recognizing multiple valid interpretations.

In brief, all these approaches share key research methodology features such as systematic procedures, data collection and analysis methods, theoretical or conceptual grounding, and aims to generate understanding or knowledge about social phenomena, making them appropriate to consider as research methodologies in social science.

Hence:

• They define clear processes and techniques for inquiry.

• They use empirical data in structured or iterative ways.

• They adhere to principles guiding validity and rigor specific to qualitative or mixed-method research.

• They have theoretical foundation or philosophical bases guiding the approach.

This makes these six recognized research methodologies or methodological approaches in social science research contexts."

My question 2: "With regard to the project time constraint and limited research methods skills (for a new learner) of a part-time MBA or Housing Studies student doing a 4-month dissertation project, is it appropriate just to employ some of the ideas from one or more of these research methodologies in this kind of dissertation project?"

The reply: "For a part-time MBA or Housing Studies student facing a 4-month dissertation project with limited research methods skills, it is often appropriate—and recommended—to adopt some ideas or elements from one or more of established research methodologies rather than attempting to fully implement complex or extensive methodologies.

Key points supporting this include:

• Time Constraint: Short project timelines limit the depth and complexity of research approaches that can be realistically completed. Selecting manageable methods that fit the timeline is essential.

• Skill Level: For new learners, mastering full methodologies such as grounded theory or ethnography can be overwhelming. Using selected principles or simplified versions aligned with project scope reduces risk and increases feasibility.

• Practical Focus: Part-time students often balance study with work and personal commitments, so pragmatic and focused research approaches—like targeted case studies or semi-structured interviews—are typically more suitable than broad, time-consuming ethnographies or action research cycles.

• Research Rigor: Even when adopting parts of methodologies, key aspects such as clear research questions, appropriate data collection tools, and systematic analysis should still be applied to ensure credible and useful outcomes.

• Adaptability: Combining and adapting ideas from different methodologies (e.g., case study with some grounded theorizing) can enrich the research without overextending the project beyond capabilities and time limits.

In summary, for a part-time student with limited research skills and a 4-month timeframe, it is appropriate and advisable to selectively employ ideas, techniques, or principles from established research methodologies rather than pursuing comprehensive methodological frameworks. This approach supports feasibility, learning progression, and achievement of meaningful results within constraints.

Thus, employing some ideas from case study, grounded theory, action research, ethnography, phenomenology, or hermeneutics in a simplified or focused manner can be a practical and effective dissertation strategy."

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