Describe each limitation in detailed but concise terms; Explain why each limitation exists; Provide the reasons why each limitation could not be overcome using the method(s) chosen to gather the data [cite to other studies that had similar problems when possible].

Regards,

Kuni Aisyah Habibah

Agreed with Ajit Singh Enumerate every constraint in context but succinctly; Describe why each restriction occurs. Specify reasons why each restriction could not be solved using the data collection method(s) employed [reference other studies that experienced comparable difficulties where possible]

These limitations will be clear for certain studies: limited sample size, numerous comparisons without adjustments, observational design, and the possibility of confounding. The limits of alternative designs may be less evident, but you must nonetheless list them.

To state the limitations of your study assess the following:

- study design (controlled trial/ observational)?

- duration of the study (was there any follow-up? or not?)

- participants characteristics (is the sample representative of the population of interest? is the same size large enough? was there power analysis for sample size estimation?....)

- what confounding factors were not addressed in your studies? did you adjust for relevant variables in your study?

- were the used instruments in the study (when applicable) valid or not?

I'd say just mention the actual limitations of your study, this will not undermine your research instead it will be an added value for future research and to your current one

An author must constantly be aware of the major limitations that may affect his or her work. This is done to show readers that the author is aware of such limitations and how they have influenced his or her study findings. Recognizing limitations such as small sample size and time constraints should be followed by a call for further research.

Overall, there's agreement that an author should state the limitations of his or her study, explain how they affect the research, and suggest a strategy for future studies and alternatives. If this is done after describing the limitations, the authors will be able to effectively highlight their study’s limitations without jeopardizing their study's quality and integrity.

You may visit the following websites for further information about presenting research limitations.

http://people.umass.edu/lisact/textbook/Chapter13.pdf

https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/limitations

You may also visit the websites listed below for more details about research limitations and how they differ from delimitations (i.e., restrictions within the researcher's control).

https://lucalongo.eu/courses/2021-2022/researchDesign/semester1/material/Assumptions-Limitations-Delimitations-and-Scope-of-the-Study.pdf

https://www.phdstudent.com/thesis-and-dissertation-survival/research-design/diving-deeper-into-limitations-and-delimitations

The guidance as per the following publications may further help:

• Akanle, O., Ademuson, A. O. and Shittu, O. S. (2020) Scope and Limitation of the Study in Social Research, in Akanle, O., Ademuson, A.O. and Shittu, O.S. (eds.) Contemporary Issues in Social Research. Ibadan: Ibadan University Press, pp. 105-114.
• Brutus, S., Aguinis, H. and Wassmer, U. (2013) Self-Reported Limitations and Future Directions in Scholarly Reports: Analysis and Recommendations, Journal of Management, 39, 1, pp. 48-75.
• Connelly, L. M. (2013) Limitation section, Medsurg Nursing, 22, 5, pp. 325-326.
• Perry, C. (1998) A structured approach to presenting phd theses: notes for candidates and their supervisors, Australasian Marketing Journal, 6, 1, pp. 1-57.
• Simon, M. K. and Goes, J. (2018) Dissertation and Scholarly Research: Recipes for Success. Cottage Grove, OR, United States: Dissertation Success, LLC. (See: ½ Cup Scope, Limitations, and Delimitations, pp. 288-290).