Research Methods Guides: Sampling, Analysis & Proposals

Start with the question you want to answer, then choose evidence, recruitment and analysis that fit it. These guides help you explain the decisions and their limits.

Plan the project

Define the question, scope and feasible evidence before collecting data.

Research proposal planning
Qualitative and quantitative evidence

Choose a sampling approach

Compare selection decisions, recruitment routes and the conclusions each design can support.

Sampling methods overview
Convenience sampling example
Purposive selection criteria
Snowball referral recruitment
Stratified random sampling

Analyse and explain

State your methodological approach and distinguish the data from your interpretation.

Thematic analysis with a worked example
Compare content and thematic analysis
Developing themes from codes

Tools and next steps

Use free calculators and planners to check arithmetic and organise your workload. Their estimates do not replace programme rules, supervisor guidance or assessment instructions.

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