Underlying Theoretical and Philosophical Assumptions             1100w

Research methodology is the term used to define the overall systematic approach undertaken in the process of trying to solve a research problem(s). Neuman (2006, pg. 60) stated that “methodology is what makes social science scientific”. It is very important to distinguish it from research method, which is the scientific techniques employed in the execution of a piece of research (Sim and Wright, 2000). When research methodology is mentioned, what should be considered is research method as well as the logic behind the research method and why the method was chosen (Kothari, 2004). Thus, methodology describes the overall approach taken in a piece of research, with particular emphases on the general principles of investigation that guides a study, based on its underlying theoretical and philosophical assumptions (Sim and Wright, 2000). This chapter will provide an insight into the process of deciding upon the methodology to be employed in this study with strong emphases on the underlying theoretical and philosophical assumptions and the rationale for using a literature review as the most appropriate methodology to adopt for answering the research question for this study. Furthermore, the process of literature review as a methodological approach will be discussed.

2.1 Research strategy