Projects without laboratory access can combine several methods according to the question and the researcher's strengths. A literature study supplies context and maps the existing debate, while case studies bring evidence together around particular events, objects, or problems. Interviews provide original qualitative material through detailed answers. Surveys can produce much larger quantities of quantitative data for charts and comparisons. The useful design is the combination that produces enough evidence while remaining practical for the researcher.
Chapter · 7:48-10:03
Combining literature, case studies, interviews, and surveys
Several viable dissertation designs combine a literature study with case studies, interviews, or surveys, using interviews for qualitative depth and surveys for larger quantities of comparable data.