Research is considered the foundation for innovation and discoveries. Practical and helpful research helps to open the path for finding solutions to many existing and new problems. Technology has now provided us with multiple ways of doing a single task. According to PhD dissertation writing services, there are different ways of conducting academic research. Some of these ways are
- Questionnaires
- Surveys
- Interviews
- Observations and analysis
- Ethnography
- Experiments
- Case Studies
- Using Existing Data
- Delphi Studies
- Archetypes and metaphors
- Visual and verbal stimuli
- Storytelling and narrative techniques
- Modifying known techniques
The first eight methods are very common for conducting academic research and are widely used for research purposes. The last five techniques are uncommon, and individuals consider them less to use for their research. When you use techniques and strategies different from usual techniques and strategies, it brings creativity to your work. And creativity is the demand of the time. We will be discussing these five uncommon techniques in this article.
Delphi Method:
Delphi’s method is based on forecasting. This method was developed between the 1950s and 1960s by the US in the military area. In this method multiple questionnaires are sent to the experts and their opinion is taken. The experts are chosen based on their knowledge and experience in their relevant field. The group opinion is considered as the result. There are different rounds, and each round has a different questionnaire. After each round of questionnaires, the responses of the experts are combines, and results are shared with the experts.
After knowing the group’s response, the experts can adjust their answers. The final answers or result is considered as the final answer of the group. In the Delphi method, there is no limit to the number of experts in a panel. But normally the number of experts for the panel is kept between 10 and 15 for easily managing the results and opinions. This technique is best to use for policymaking or decision-making. It can also be used when the sample size is very large, and face-to-face interaction is not possible.
Benefits of Using Delphi Method:
This method saves the researcher from scheduling, traveling, and lengthy discussions. In this method, the dominant or authoritative people do not have an impact on the results. The opinions or answers are given without peer pressure. Thus the opinion received through this method is non-adversarial. In the Delphi method, each opinion is given equal weightage.
Drawbacks of Using Delphi Method:
This basic flaw in the Delphi method is that its methodology is not clearly defined. The same questions are asked from individuals multiple times which can annoy them. So there is a need for a proper commitment from the participant for their continuous participation. There is no elaboration of views or discussion options. There is less reliability.
Storytelling and Narrative Techniques:
Storytelling is a very different technique mostly used in service areas. This technique gives the participant option to talk. This technique helps know the perspective of the individuals who are participating. In this method, the participant tells about his or her story. The researcher has to observe and note down which part of the story was most important for the participant. It will help to identify the participant’s point of view. Next, the researcher asks the participant to retell the story, but this time the researcher asks the questions, and the participant gives the answers.
Visual and Verbal Stimuli:
While conducting the research, it is common to get a NO from individuals for responding to your questions. Not everyone is ready to participate and answer. Many respondents have a problem in answering or giving their opinion or sharing their feeling. But also do not want to leave the questions unanswered. For such types of respondents, the visual and verbal stimuli are the best methodology to use. In this method instead of usual question answers, stimulus (word, image, or symbol) is used.
Metaphors and Archetypes:
This research method is used in the field of cultural studies and anthropology. This technique is best to use when you have to do the analysis. In this technique, the respondents talk about their roles, and the researcher has to make the analysis. The respondent discusses his role from a different perspective. For example, the doctor can discuss his role as a warrior. This technique best fits qualitative research.
Adjusting Already Existing Techniques:
As mentioned at the start the already existing and commonly used research techniques are already trusted worldwide, and everyone blindly relies on them for research. But a researcher can modify them, and can bring alteration in them according to his desire for getting better results, or for adjusting it according to his research. It also involves using different tools and techniques according to the demand of your research.
Before using uncommon or new research methodologies, the researcher should keep in mind the actual purpose of his research study. It is important to remember that your purpose is to find the technique that best suits your methodology not to change or invent new techniques.
