Exploring the research approaches of South African researchers in psychology: Question-led or method￾led?

Abstract

This research study explored whether South African researchers in psychology adopt a question-led or method-led approach in their research. It emphasised that selecting methods based solely on familiarity or preference can undermine the coherence of the research process. Instead, the research question should guide the choice of methodology, methods and data sources to ensure alignment and rigour. In light of South Africa's unique socio-cultural context and historical challenges, such as limited resources and a legacy of inequality in education and healthcare, the study also aimed to understand how these factors might influence the adoption of question-led or method-led approaches in psychological research. A qualitative research approach with a case study design was used. Participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling, and data was gathered through a qualitative online survey with open-ended questions. Fourteen academic researchers from various South African tertiary institutions wereincluded in the research study, offering insights into their research practices. Conventional content analysis was used to analyse the data. The research study found that most participants (85.7%) followed a question-led approach, highlighting the importance of tailoring methodologies to the research questions. The participants conveyed that the research question should be the foundation of the research process. They also stressed the importance of choosing methods that are well-suited to both the nature of the research question and the aim of the study, as this ensures the quality and rigour of the research. Additionally, the participants emphasised the pivotal role of formulating the research problem and question properly. These findings demonstrate the value of adopting question-driven research practices to enhance the relevance and impact of psychological research. The research study provides foundational insights for researchers and educators, promoting the integration of methodological adaptability and question-led inquiry in future research.