What Is The Research Onion

WEB Saunders (2007) Research Onion

What is the Research Onion?

The Research Onion is a framework that helps researchers make decisions about their research design. It consists of six layers, each of which represents a different aspect of the research process. The layers are:

• Research philosophy: This layer refers to the researcher's overall approach to research. There are three main research philosophies: positivism, interpretivism, and pragmatism.
• Research approach: This layer refers to the researcher's strategy for collecting and analyzing data. There are two main research approaches: quantitative and qualitative.
• Research strategy: This layer refers to the specific method that the researcher will use to collect data. There are many different research strategies, such as surveys, experiments, and case studies.
• Research methods: This layer refers to the specific techniques that the researcher will use to collect data. There are many different research methods, such as questionnaires, interviews, and observation.
• Data analysis techniques: This layer refers to the methods that the researcher will use to analyze data. There are many different data analysis techniques, such as statistical analysis and thematic analysis.

How to Use the Research Onion

The Research Onion can be used as a tool to help researchers make decisions about their research design. By working through the different layers of the onion, researchers can ensure that they have considered all of the important factors that will affect their research.

The Research Onion is a valuable tool for researchers who are designing a research study. It helps researchers to make informed decisions about their research design, and it can help to ensure that the research study is conducted in a rigorous and ethical manner.