Key Differences in Dissertation Methodology: PhD vs. DBA Approaches
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The selection of dissertation methodologies follows specific patterns because of various determining elements
Published 4rd March 2025
Introduction
1. Overview of Dissertation Methodologies
The methods used in dissertation research consist of three primary categories.
Quantitative Research
This method follows positivist principles through statistical evaluation.
The research design implements standardized methods of data acquisition which include surveys and experiments.
Aims for objectivity and generalizability.
Qualitative Research
Rooted in constructivism and interpretivism.
The researcher conducts open-ended data collection techniques through interviews and case study approaches.
Focuses on understanding complex social phenomena rather than numerical data.
Mixed-Methods Research
The research design combines numerical statistical analysis together with descriptive informational elements.
Comprehensive analysis becomes possible as researchers can obtain numerical data and in-depth insights from the same study.
How researchers choose their methodology affects the depth of their study and the interpretation of data, which in turn affects dissertation findings and contributions to academic literature.
2. Trends in Dissertation Methodology Selection
2.1 Examining Educational Leadership Dissertations
The research by Lunde et al. (2019) [1] analyzed educational leadership dissertations to discover the elements that determine students’ selection of methodology. The authors analyzed 398 dissertations from Virginia which included both PhD and EdD levels to study the impact of demographic elements on methodology selection.
Source:
Students made their methodology choices based on the variables which are given below.
Gender
Ethnicity
Age
Religious affiliation
Key Findings:
The analyzed variables failed to establish any meaningful statistical connection with the methods students selected for their studies [1].
The data implies that methodology selection does not depend on personal demographic characteristics although it might be determined by:
- Institutional guidelines.
- Faculty mentorship.
- The research topic and field of study.
Source:
2.2 Trend Analysis of Education Dissertations (2007–2017)
Krueger (2018) conducted a database examination of 130 education dissertations found in ProQuest Dissertations and Theses between 2007, 2012, and 2017 [2].
Source: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2895&context=doctoral
Key Findings:
- The number of students who enrolled in EdD programs grew at the cost of those who chose to pursue PhDs [2].
Source: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2895&context=doctoral
- The average completion time for EdD programs amounts to three years whereas PhD programs require students to finish within four years or more [2].
Source: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2895&context=doctoral
- Research shows that EdD programs gain increasing popularity as they provide practical training and shorter completion times which affects how education research unfolds [2].
Source: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2895&context=doctoral
3. The Need for More Research on Dissertation Methodology Trends
The methodology selection trends in Virginia studied by Lunde et al. (2019), Lunde (2017), and Krueger (2018) need further investigation to establish their national applicability in the United States.
3.1 Expanding Research Scope
Future studies should:
- Examine a larger collection of data points from different states.
- Research the role of institutional policies together with faculty mentorship on the selection of methodologies.
- Investigate which academic fields use particular methodologies as their primary method.
3.2 Implications for Future Dissertation Research
Students who understand methodology trends gain better abilities to select appropriate research approaches.
Universities should use these research trends to create dissertation guidelines that match the current developments in research practice.
4. The Selection of Appropriate Research Methods for Academic Dissertations
4.1 Key Considerations When Selecting a Research Methodology
Students should evaluate their research questions by asking three important questions to decide between quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches.
How does the nature of my research question appear?
- Quantitative research would be the most suitable approach when testing hypotheses alongside statistical analysis.
- Exploration of perspectives or experiences requires qualitative research rather than other methods.
- The research would benefit from mixed-methods research when it needs to combine numerical data with deep contextual understanding.
What research approach works best in my academic discipline?
- STEM fields depend on quantitative research approaches for their operations.
- Social sciences together with education typically conduct their studies through qualitative or mixed approaches.
What are the expectations of my dissertation advisor or institution?
- Certain universities together with their faculty mentors demonstrate preferences toward specific research methodologies.
- Past dissertations within the program provide valuable information regarding standard methodological practices.
5. Conclusion: Making an Informed Methodology Choice
Doctoral students require knowledge about how dissertation methodologies are evolving. The reviewed studies show individual demographic traits generally do not affect methodology selection, but several other factors do play a role which include,
- The type of doctoral program (PhD vs. EdD)
- The institution’s research culture
- The practical vs. theoretical focus of the dissertation
The selection of dissertation methodology becomes a leading factor that determines student academic choices. Students achieve dissertation research success by selecting the right methodology through a process of examining research objectives along with academic discipline and program requirements.
About PhD Assistance
For doctoral candidates and researchers, selecting and applying the right research method holds great significance in their outcomes. The right kind of research methodology can either make or break a dissertation.
Knowing this, some researchers struggle with their study in selecting and deploying a suitable research design. Inappropriate selection of methodology can ultimately result in misaligned research that derails from the objective.
Fortunately, you have research assistance and support services that back you academically. Ranging from topic selection services to dissertation analysis, PhD Assistance provides you with a complete range of support in which we make you excel and stand out in your research endeavors.
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