Advancing Methodology Evaluation in PhD Research, this research project, consisting of two distinct phases, aimed to elevate the assessment of methodological rigor and quality criteria in PhD research. In the first phase, a comprehensive review of 48 scholarly articles was conducted systematically. The focus was on identifying distinct indexes for each methodology criterion previously documented in the literature. The research team confronted a landscape of overlapping and divergent criteria, demanding a synthesis to establish clear criteria for both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The outcome of this intensive phase was the delineation of 14 distinct criteria and 81 corresponding indexes, vital for evaluating the robustness of research methodologies.
In the second phase of the project, these criteria and indexes were put into practical application through a critical review of five PhD dissertations from renowned universities in the field. The research team employed content analysis software, ensuring transparency and confirmability in the evaluation process. Notably, the second phase introduced an innovative approach by presenting the critical review results visually, utilizing content analysis software tools. Additionally, a novel quantitative and qualitative assessment method was developed to gauge each PhD project's adherence to the established criteria and indexes.
This project contributes significantly to the advancement of methodology evaluation in PhD research by providing a comprehensive framework of criteria and indexes. It offers a valuable resource for assessing methodological rigor and quality, ultimately enhancing the credibility and transparency of research in the academic community.