Research Onion Explorer
Work through the six layers of the research onion, from your research philosophy to how you will collect data. Each choice is explained, and you'll see how well it fits the choices you've already made, and why. The explorer never chooses a methodology for you.
Layer 1 of 6 Research philosophy
Your philosophy is the set of assumptions you hold about what reality is and how knowledge about it can be gained. It shapes every later choice.
Choose an option to see what it means and how it fits your earlier choices.
Next: Research design
The design you chose, the ones you considered, and why.
About the research onion
- The research onion was developed by Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill in their textbook Research Methods for Business Students. It pictures research design as layers that you peel from the outside in.
- The outer layers are about your assumptions: what you believe about reality and knowledge, and how theory relates to data. The inner layers are practical: your strategy, your time frame and how you collect data.
- Decisions in the outer layers usually shape the ones inside them, which is why the explorer compares each choice with the earlier choices it depends on.
How to read the fit ratings
- Strong fit: the two choices are commonly used together, and methodology textbooks treat the combination as typical.
- Possible: the combination is used, but you should explain how the two choices connect in your study.
- Needs careful justification: the combination is unusual because the two choices rest on different assumptions. It isn't ruled out, but you'll need to explain why it suits your research question.
- Only choices that directly shape each other are compared: for example, your time horizon is compared with your strategy, not with your philosophy.
How strong the evidence is
- Strong textbook agreement: Major methods textbooks consistently present this combination this way.
- Common methodology guidance: Methods texts commonly give this advice, though with more variation.
- Interpretive judgement: ResearchKit's reading of the general principles, not a position stated directly in the sources.
Limitations
- The fit ratings describe common practice in methodology textbooks. Your discipline, supervisor or institution may view some combinations differently, which is why differing views are shown alongside the ratings.
- Real studies often combine several techniques. The explorer asks for your main technique only; describe any others in your methodology chapter.
- Phenomenology is shown as a strategy, as many courses treat it, although it is also a research philosophy.
- The further reading is a starting point, not a complete literature. Check which editions your library holds, and cite the edition you actually read.
Privacy
Your choices stay in your browser. Nothing you choose is sent anywhere or saved. If you start a project in your research workspace, your work is also saved in this browser, and only this browser, until you delete the project.