Prevalence of Mis/Conception in Research Methodology: A Survey of Management Research Scholars

Abstract

The present study aims to address the issue on concepts of Research Methodology held by scholars of management, academic and related institutes. Literature review has been carried out to identify the common mis/conceptions related to research practices and methodology. Data were collected through the questionnaire administered among various Ph.D. students pursuing their research work in different fields. Findings highlighted that varied differences exist among the research scholars in their research practices and perception about qualitative, quantitative and mixed research traditions. Research scholars were found to have distinct perceptions regarding the superiority of one research approach over other- be it qualitative or quantitative research approach that they followed. Usually, quality as well as validity of research findings are greatly influenced by scholars' misconceptions regarding research methodology. Findings of the study have number of implications for academician, researchers, institutions as well as authorities and contribute toward the improvement of research quality in India.