Approaches to Qualitative Research

Undergraduate dissertations do not require something new, but the goal in itself is still a valid one for improved research

Requiring the researcher to address, for the reader, why her / his research is of interest focuses the researcher toward ‘selling’ the rationale of the research and why the reader should care.

primarily written for the evaluating academic audienc

requires the student researcher to become conscious of the consequences this decision will have on her / his own research process.

Marital relations might well be considered from anthropological, sociological, legal or financial perspectives

A more specific area of research then needs to be considered within the broad topic area. After identifying the discipline or functional area, a sub-topic or research idea can be identified (Saunders et al., 2007).

Should a research project contribute only to theory, i.e., pure research, and not societal needs or practice, i.e., applied research, a question mark might be raised

mirroring the needs of society will receive greater emphasis from policy-makers

this is to consider the different subject areas in your course of study and / or functional areas or types of jobs you might wish to work in

The first step in the research process is to identify a broad research topic representing a broad area