Doctoral research is the cornerstone of a PhD program. In order to write the dissertation, you must complete extensive, detailed research, and there are different types of research for different types of studies\u2014involving very different methodology.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe method of research is informed by the research question,\u201d said Garvey House, PhD, associate director of research and residencies for Capella University\u2019s School of Business and Technology. \u201cThe problem that\u2019s being addressed usually involves either a gap or a controversy in the literature.\u201d Once the research problem has been identified, the student can employ the methodology best suited for its solution.<\/p>\n
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Qualitative research focuses on examining the topic via cultural phenomena, human behavior, or belief systems. This type of research uses interviews, open-ended questions, or focus groups to gain insight into people\u2019s thoughts and beliefs around certain behaviors and systems.<\/p>\n
Ayn O\u2019Reilly, PhD, core research faculty in the School of Public Service Leadership (PSL) and co-chair of the PSL Scientific Merit Review Committee, notes there are several approaches to qualitative inquiry. The three most routinely used include:<\/p>\n
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House recommends working on your face-to-face and phone\/Skype interview skills if you\u2019re going to use qualitative methods. \u201cYou have to understand your own biases and not to ask leading questions. You\u2019ll need to learn when and how to probe more deeply.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Quantitative research involves the empirical investigation of observable and measurable variables. It is used for theory testing, prediction of outcomes, and determining relationships between and among variables using statistical analysis. Ellen Mink, PhD, core research faculty in the School of Public Service Leadership and co-chair of the PSL Scientific Merit Review Committee, outlines two primary data sources for quantitative research:<\/p>\n
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The choice of whether to use a qualitative or quantitative methodology is based on the nature of the questions being asked, the state of the field, and the feasibility of the approach with the population of interest.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are so many variations and possibilities,\u201d House said. \u201cPhD students need to be resourceful and willing to shift their expectations as they learn new research techniques. Researching a doctoral dissertation is an ongoing learning process.\u201d<\/p>\n
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