Research Methods, Methodologies, and Paradigms: A Practical Guide to Research Design for Postgraduate Students

Abstract

Research design is the backbone of any postgraduate study, yet many students struggle with the conceptual and practical steps required to align paradigms, methodologies, and methods. This paper provides a comprehensive guide to research design across qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods traditions. Drawing on foundational and recent scholarship, it clarifies key terms, introduces the major paradigms (post-positivism, constructivism, critical/transformative, and pragmatism), and explores methodological choices such as case study, ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, narrative inquiry, experimental and quasi-experimental designs, surveys, and mixed methods frameworks. Practical sections address sampling strategies, data collection, data analysis, quality and rigour (validity, reliability, trustworthiness), as well as ethics and reflexivity. The paper culminates in a writing guide enabling students to structure and justify their methodology chapters effectively. By combining conceptual clarity with practical guidance, this article equips postgraduate researchers to craft defensible and coherent research designs that satisfy both academic and ethical standards.