Example methodology dissertation topic 3:

A critique of Bryman.

To many, the work of Alan Bryman has been pivotal to their own studies. Offering a range of key texts on issues relating to methodology and ethics within research, Bryman is an acknowledged guru of research techniques within the social sciences, particularly within the United Kingdom. However, not all agree that, without Bryman, a research methodology bibliography is ‘not complete’. This dissertation addresses some of the questions raised by authors such as Leahey and Tashakkori, who contend that mixed methods research can be anomalous as it attempts to cross the qualitative/quantitative divide.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Bryman, A. (2008). ‘Of methods and methodology’. Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal, vol. 3(2), pp. 159-168.
• Leahey, E. (2007). ‘Convergence and confidentiality? Limits to the implementation of mixed methodology’. Social Science Research, vol. 36(1), pp. 149-158.
• Sandelowski, M. (2003). ‘Tables or tableaux? The challenges of writing and reading mixed methods studies’. In, Tashakkori, A. and Teddlie, C. (eds), Handbook of mixed methods in social & behavioral research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, pp. 321-350.