RESEARCH ONION

The research onion was developed by Saunders. It illustrates the stages that must be
covered when developing a research strategy. When viewed from the outside, each layer of the
onion describes a more detailed stage of the research process.
Layers of Research Onion

1. Philosophies (Outer Layer)

2. Approaches

3. Strategies

4. Choices

5. Time Horizons

6. Data Collection Method (Inner Layer)

Research Philosophy
Research philosophies form the foundational layer of the Research
Onion, guiding the overall approach and perspective of the research study.

Key Philosophies
 Positivism
 Interpretivism
 Realism
 Pragmatism.
Approaches
Research approaches form the second layer of the Research
Onion, connecting philosophical foundations to specific
methodologies.

Key Approaches

 Deductive

 Inductive
Strategies
Research strategies are the third layer of the Research Onion,
detailing specific plans and procedures for collecting and analyzing
data.
Key Strategies
 Experiment
 Survey
 Case Study
 Action Research
 Archival Research.
Choices
The next layer of the research onion is simply called “choices”. In
any case, this layer is simply about deciding how many data
types (qualitative or quantitative) you’ll use in your research . There are
three options -\

 Mono

 Mixed

 Multi-method
Time Horizons
Time horizons form the fourth layer of the Research Onion,
defining the temporal scope of the research study.

Key Time Horizons

 Cross-sectional
 Longitudinal
Data Collection Method
Data collection methods form the fifth layer of the Research
Onion, detailing the specific techniques used to gather information
for the study.
Key Methods
 Interviews
 Surveys
 Observations
 Document
 Data Analysis.