Research and Report Consultancy

The Myth of Objectivity in Research Design

The Myth of Objectivity in Research Design

In both academic and applied research, the oft-repeated claim—“This study is objective”—masks a deeper reality: objectivity in research design is neither absolute nor devoid of negotiation. Researcher assumptions, frameworks, and methodological decisions inevitably shape outcomes, thus making objectivity constructed and prone to compromise. 1. Framework Choice: The Lens That Filters Reality Every theoretical framework inherently … Read more

Saturation Is Not a Magic Number in Qualitative Research

Saturation Is Not a Magic Number in Qualitative Research

In qualitative research, data saturation is one of the most cited yet misunderstood concepts. Too often, researchers treat saturation as a “magic number” — usually 12 or 15 interviews — without considering research design or analytical depth. At Research & Report, we regularly review manuscripts and supervise doctoral work where saturation is misapplied. This article … Read more

The Overlooked Importance of Positionality and Reflexivity in Qualitative Research

The Overlooked Importance of Positionality and Reflexivity Statements in Qualitative Research

In qualitative research, validity is not merely technical — it is deeply interpretive, ethical, and relational. Yet, while researchers meticulously detail methods, tools, and coding frameworks, they often gloss over or omit a critical component: positionality and reflexivity. This oversight undermines not only the credibility of the study but also its epistemological integrity. At Research … Read more