Fatimah this is really a tough question, because its reach is far and wide. The reason why we normally tell the students to make it simple is that they should understand and estimate the total quantum of work that is needed to accomplish the tasks to come to a reasonable completion of the problem. The student can identify a very clear path for research methodology and can present a reasonable conclusion. It is very rare that a single research will be able to provide a complete solution for a given problem. So you will be nibbling a small bit and make way for others to follow to further expand the scope of the problem.

Fatimah this is really a tough question, because its reach is far and wide. The reason why we normally tell the students to make it simple is that they should understand and estimate the total quantum of work that is needed to accomplish the tasks to come to a reasonable completion of the problem. The student can identify a very clear path for research methodology and can present a reasonable conclusion. It is very rare that a single research will be able to provide a complete solution for a given problem. So you will be nibbling a small bit and make way for others to follow to further expand the scope of the problem.

An interesting question ....

We have lots of information available and we run the risk of falling into certain traps. The increasingly common intersection of different disciplines can lead us to have to deal with lots of information at the same time. And there can be easy to forget the basic simplicity that should permeate everything we do.

We all know what Einsten once said: "Make it simple, but no simpler!". A great lesson!

Dear Fatimah

Simple is an adjective of two genders and two numbers, which describes something that is not complicated, it does not have ornaments, or it is clear, obvious or natural. You can also designate an easy task to complete or resolve (a problem of simple resolution). A simple thing can also mean that it is not mixed with another.

With respect to search the simple is more resolute

It is basically relative and must adjudged and decide by the experimenter. If experimenter wants, he may discuss with expert on methodology.

What I learned from my short span of research career and from my mentors, simple means very focused with very limited number of ideas at a same place. Any paper or research report becomes complex and creates too much ambiguity to the fellow researchers and readers when there are too many ideas packaged together to sale a research outcome.

Simple usually does imply focused research approaches that are not too 'shackled' by theoretical and/or philosophical methodological frameworks. For instance, in our post-graduate 30-credit Report schedule, we advise that research students undertaking qualitative research use a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory approach - with small samples of around 5 participants. The approach is based on generic qualitative principles i.e. thematic analysis - and does not impose complex methodologies i.e. phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography etc.

Thank you dear all. I think I understood what the word 'simple' implies. Its best to discuss the methodology with our supervisors, since they know us better before being panic - stricken or fell confused.

Dear Fatima, please do not perceive what you are being told by the "word by word" way: When they say you to be simple, they mean to be simple enough but without being naive!

So,be careful please...

Thanks Demetris. Will remember your advice.

SIMPLE is by itself not a simple word, as per the HUMAN MOTIVATION is concerned.... To be simple it requires the highest level of maturity or in otherwise as per Maslow's hierarchical needs only those in the SELF Actualization segment can exhibit or practice that. Big people are simple as they have crossed that motivational levels.

Thanks Krishnan

The American Psychological Association Task Force on Statistical Inference (Wilkinson, 1999) recommended that one use the simplest statistic that is able to address your purpose, or what they called the "minimally sufficient analysis." On the theory side, it is best to have a single coherent framework, perhaps based on a single theory, so that the study findings all fit together. Tests of competing theories, those that predict different outcomes, can be an important contribution to the literature if a study can show that one is supported and the other is not.

Wilkinson, L. (1999) Statistical methods in psychology journals: Guidelines and explanations. American Psychologist, 54(8), 594-604.

The word simple looks simple but being simple or making anything simple is most difficult task to perform :)

Anything which can be understood by normal person without much difficulties is simple.

For presenting any theory or concept in simplest way, it requires deep understanding of subject.

"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough" - Albert Einstein

Regards,

Nitish

The word "simple" is too simple.