The Landscape of Research Methodology Selection: Appropriate or Convenient?

Purpose of the Paper ‐ The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the motivations behind choosing a particular research methodology. A critical reflection on this topic seems to be clearly neglected. Theoretical... [ view full abstract ]

Purpose of the Paper ‐ The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the motivations behind choosing a particular research methodology. A critical reflection on this topic seems to be clearly neglected.
Theoretical background – There is some controversy among researchers regarding their methodological preference (quantitative, qualitative or triangulation).
Design/Methodology/Approach ‐ 9 semi-structured interviews were carried out in order to explore researchers’ perceptions on the choice of research methodology in a University in the North of Portugal.
Findings ‐ Researchers focus predominantly on external pressures or convenience in the process of adopting a research stance, thus often neglecting what the research is actually calling for.
Research/Limitations/Implications - This research is of an exploratory nature and thus focuses on a small, specific sample. It is recommended to continue the research in different settings.
Originality/Value/Contribution of Paper ‐ This research is innovative since it questions the status quo of research design. This may be helpful to researchers making them more aware of the implications on research methodology selection. Also, it may be beneficial for publishers and research funding bodies to promote a more diverse research landscape.