Exploring the most significant layers of the research onion model: The ‘approach’ & ‘strategies’

Developing a research paper, that involves various stages, is a strenuous and tedious process. One must consider several key elements such as availability of reference sources, access to the relevant resources, organisation of the content as well as the chapters, inclusion of suitable tables, figures, etc. Although every single chapter in a research paper is crucial and demands equal attention from the research scholar, the most significant among them is research methodology chapter. This is because the methodology section often known as the backbone of the research paper, explains to the reader what was actually done rather than what was intended to. That is, it explains the methods employed in the research (qualitative/quantitative/ a mixture of both), how the data was collected, equipment/software used and the procedure followed to obtain the significant findings of the research. 

As per a report, 6 out of 10 research paper gets rejected by the review committee/journal because of poor crafted or unorganised methodology section. Hence it becomes mandatory to pen-down an exceptional methodology section. While one can pen-down this section as per the general layout, the most appropriate way to write this chapter is by following the layers of the research onion model. This model basically explains the stages that need to be included within the methodology section. Today, research onion model consisting of research philosophy, approaches, strategies, timezone horizon and data collection layers is demanded by majority of the Universities across the globe. 

However, while writing the research paper (by following this model), one must pay attention to research approach and strategies layers. So, what elements are included in these layers? Simply said, research approach figures out basis of the study strategy and the strategy layer explains the research method adopted throughout the study process. 

I.e, research approach mainly provides direction to the research methods by identifying the foundation of the research strategy. This approach consisting of inductive & deductive method, helps you identify the aims & objectives of the research, evaluates different methods utilised in obtaining answers to the research question and determines the logical reasoning. 

• Deductive approach –

 In this type of approach, the previously existing theories are exploited for demonstrating the hypothesis that is related to a particular situation and for deriving empirical evidences. This approach starts explicitly with a tentative hypothesis which can offer a relevant answer or explanation the specific research problem. 

• Inductive approach – 

The aim of the inductive research approach establishes generalisations about the patterns of association amongst, measured or observed features of individuals or social phenomena. It is the reverse of deductive approach starts with singular or particular statements and concludes with general propositions.

However, the selection of the inductive or deductive approach depends on the type of study. If you have already written this portion but haven’t included in the inductive/deductive approach in an apt manner, consider taking help from the professional editors offering research paper editing service and make it look perfect. 

Whereas research strategy layer refers to how you have intended to carry out the research, i.e. methods used to collect the data.  However, there are various ways through which you can choose the research method.

• The first method is the mono method. This method involves utilisation of one research approach for the study. That is, here you will have to use single data collection method and is followed by a corresponding quantitative or qualitative analysis technique.

• Next is the multi-method. Here as the name suggests, you have to use multiple methods to collect the data. The analysis of multi methods can be done either using the various data collection methods or the use of mixed methods. While one can use the multiple quantitative data collection techniques with statistical analysis procedures, the multimethod qualitative designs, the data collection technique is used with analysis procedures. 

• The third one is the mixed method. In this type of method requires you to exploit two or more research methods and normally uses both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. 

To conclude, now that you know what sums up research approach & strategy layer, carefully pen-down these portions in your research paper. If you have already crafted the sections but have missed out the crucial points & want to include the same inorder to make it flawless and get the paper published, take help from a team providing research paper editing and submission service.