Research Methods in a Nutshell: What, Why, When, Where, Who, and How?

Abstract

Over the years, it has been observed that discussions on research methods in academic writing often oscillate between two extremes: either abstract philosophical debates or purely technical instructions. Many early career researchers—and sometimes even experienced scholars—struggle with the simple question: Which method should be used? The answer, however, is rarely straightforward. It depends not only on the convenience or the disciplinary habit of a researcher but also on the nature of the research question, the timing of the inquiry, the context in which it is situated, the units of analysis involved, and the resources available for its execution. Textbooks have contributed richly to our understanding, yet they frequently overwhelm rather than provide clarity. In this context, we provide a comparative overview of important research methods using the 5WH framework (What, Why, When, Where, Who, and How), based on years of experience as an Editor. We provide a synthesis of regression-based methods, experimental methods, multivariate methods, qualitative methods, mixed methods, configurational and comparative methods (QCA family), big data and computational methods, AI-driven methods and techniques, and finally, literature review methods.