π― The Short Answer: Yes, you can remove outliers, but only using a standardized, mathematically defensible method like the IQR (interquartile range) test. Always document and cite your approach to maintain transparency and credibility. One of the most common concerns...
π― The Short Answer: If you're working with a large volume of data (50+ interviews or 200+ documents), dedicated software like NVivo or Dedoose is (potentially) worth the investment. For smaller projects, a simple spreadsheet approach works just fine. One of the most...
π― The Short Answer: Dissertation examiners want to see clear, coherent research that demonstrates your methodological competence, strong engagement with existing literature, and honest acknowledgment of your study's limitations. They're looking for evidence that you...
π― The Short Answer: Qualitative analysis follows a structured process: collect and record your data, clean and verify your transcripts, code your data to identify patterns, organize codes into themes, and then write up your findings with supporting quotes. If you're...
π― The Short Answer: Start by reviewing the statistical tests you've already learned, then match your research question to what you're actually trying to accomplish (describe, compare, find relationships, or predict). Different tests do different things, so...
π― The Short Answer: Ontology asks "what is real?" while epistemology asks "what is knowledge and how do we know it?" Both matter for your research because you're essentially creating new knowledge, and you need a clear framework for how you'll do that. If you're...
ο»Ώ π― The Short Answer: Choose a methodology that aligns with your research question, fits your skills, and works within your time and access constraints. Your methodology should help you answer your question clearly and realistically, not impress anyone with...
π― The Short Answer: Mixed methods studies can be powerful, but they require far more time, planning, and integration than most students expect. The biggest pitfalls are workload overload, poor integration between methods, IRB delays, and weak justification. If you...
Triangulation In Research: The BasicsData, methodology, investigator and theoretical triangulationBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | Updated August 2025TL;DR - What is triangulation in research? Triangulation is about using...
What Are Inferential Statistics?A Plain-Language Explainer - With Practical Examples πBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Review By: Kerryn Warren (PhD) | Updated August 2025TL;DR - Inferential Statistics 101 Inferential statistics help you test whether the patterns in...
What Are Descriptive Statistics?Means, Medians, Modes & More - Explained Simply πBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewers: Kerryn Warren (PhD) | Updated August 2025TL;DR - Descriptive Statistics Descriptive statistics summarise the key features of a dataset (a sample)...
Validity & Reliability In ResearchA Plain-Language Explanation (With Examples)By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Kerryn Warren (PhD) | September 2023alidity and reliability are two related but distinctly different concepts within research....
What (Exactly) Is Research Design?A Plain-Language Explainer With Examples + Free Template πBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewers: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) & Kerryn Warren (PhD) | Updated August 2025TL;DR - Research Design Your research design is the blueprint for...
How To Write The Results SectionFor QUANTITATIVE Studies - Includes Free Template πBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewed By: Kerryn Warren (PhD) | July 2021o, youβve completed your quantitative data analysis and itβs time to report on your...
Quantitative Data Analysis 101A Plain-Language Explainer With Examples + Free Template πBy: Derek Jansen (MBA) and Kerryn Warren (PhD) | Updated August 2025TL;DR - Quantitative Analysis Methods Quantitative analysis is about making sense of number-based data using...
Qualitative vs Quantitative Research 101How To Choose The Right Methodology For Your Project πBy: Kerryn Warren (PhD) & Derek Jansen (MBA) | Updated: March 2025o, itβs time to decide what type of research approach you're going to use -...