Approaches to Research

Abstract

In the first chapter, we asked you to consider what kind of researcher you are. But given the fact that you are most likely new in the field of research, how on earth should you know what kind of researcher you are? Well, deciding on which approaches to research suit you best is a good place to start. You do not necessarily have to decide on only one approach. You will find that projects often incorporate more than one approach, especially in the setting of multidisciplinary research. This chapter will provide an overview of the different research approaches involved in taking an initial idea all the way to its implementation as a new technique, treatment or ground-breaking theory. We then show how these approaches can be interconnected in a global view of research. You will then be in a position to make an informed decision as to which type of research activities are the best fit for you.