DBA Research Methodology and Doctoral Research 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which research paradigm assumes that reality is socially constructed and subjective?
- Positivism
- Interpretivism (Correct answer)
- Post-positivism
- Pragmatism
Correct answer: Interpretivism
Interpretivism holds that reality is socially constructed through human experience and interpretation.
Question 2: In a DBA dissertation, which type of validity refers to whether findings can be applied to other settings?
- Internal validity
- Construct validity
- External validity (Correct answer)
- Face validity
Correct answer: External validity
External validity (generalizability) determines whether research findings can be applied beyond the original study context.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a systematic literature review in doctoral research?
- To support a single hypothesis
- To provide a comprehensive and unbiased synthesis of existing evidence (Correct answer)
- To replace primary data collection
- To demonstrate writing proficiency
Correct answer: To provide a comprehensive and unbiased synthesis of existing evidence
A systematic literature review uses rigorous, transparent methods to identify, evaluate, and synthesize all relevant research on a topic.
Question 4: Which sampling method selects participants based on their specific knowledge or experience relevant to the research question?
- Random sampling
- Stratified sampling
- Purposive sampling (Correct answer)
- Cluster sampling
Correct answer: Purposive sampling
Purposive (purposeful) sampling deliberately selects information-rich cases that can best answer the research question.
Question 5: What does 'triangulation' mean in qualitative doctoral research?
- Using three research questions
- Combining multiple methods or data sources to strengthen findings (Correct answer)
- Interviewing exactly three participants
- Applying three theoretical frameworks sequentially
Correct answer: Combining multiple methods or data sources to strengthen findings
Triangulation enhances credibility by cross-checking findings using multiple methods, sources, investigators, or theories.
Question 6: Which philosophical stance underlies mixed-methods research in DBA programs?
- Pure positivism
- Pure interpretivism
- Pragmatism (Correct answer)
- Critical realism only
Correct answer: Pragmatism
Pragmatism underpins mixed-methods research by focusing on what works and drawing on both quantitative and qualitative traditions.
DBA Research Methodology and Doctoral Research 1
Which research paradigm assumes that reality is socially constructed and subjective?