Understanding Research Philosophies and Designs: A Guide for Early-Career Researchers

Purpose: This paper aims at providing a comprehensive guide for novice and early-career researchers to understand different research philosophies and designs. Moreover, the paper aims to address common challenges researchers face in aligning theoretical and practical research strategies in the quest to enhance methodological rigor. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employs a qualitative approach, utilising autoethnography and a documentary review of 22 peer-reviewed articles. Autoethnography draws on the researcher's personal expertise and experiences, while the documentary review ensures alignment with existing scholarly knowledge. Findings: The study presents the meaning of different research philosophies (positivism, interpretivism, critical realism, and pragmatism). It further highlights their influence on methodological choices. Further, the study categorises research designs based on four criteria which include research purpose, time frame, type of data, and scope and contexts. It also defines each design and explains the consistent methods and approaches to be used. Originality: This paper bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications of research philosophies and designs. It further offers early-career researchers a clear and structured guide to navigate the complexities of research methodologies. Practical Implications: This paper empowers researchers to align theoretical knowledge with methodological rigor. This enables them to conduct coherent studies that contribute meaningfully to scientific knowledge and address real-world challenges.