GREAT ZIMBABWE UNIVERSITY

MUNHUMUTAPA SCHOOL OF COMMERCE

DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS

ASSIGNMENT 1

BACHELOR OF COMMERCE PART 2 SEMESTER 2

NAME SURNAME REG NUMBER

FELIX SIBANDA M200323

LIZZY MUPINGO M202040
NATASH VUNGANAYI M204635
KENNETH GOTA M202960
COURSE CODE

BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS

DUE DATE: 04/07/2022

EXPLIN LIMITATIONS IN RESEARCH. QUESTION (I)

Scientific research is an imperfect process. The core aspect of research, to investigate research
questions, on topics both known and unknown, inherently includes an element of risk. These
include human error, barriers to data gathering, limited resources, and bias. Researchers are
encouraged to discuss the limitations of their work to enhance the process of research, as well as
to allow readers to gain an understanding of the study’s framework and value.

Definition

The limitations of a study are defined as any characteristics, traits, actions, or influences that
could impact the research process, and therefore its findings. Types of limitations can differ
significantly, ranging from internal aspects, such as flaws in design and methodology, to external
influences that a researcher was unable to control. A study may have several limitations that
impact how its findings withstand validity tests, the generalizability of conclusions, or the
appropriateness of the study design in a specific context.

Importance of Discussing Limitations

Many new researchers fear openly and clearly stating the limitations of their studies as they
worry it will undermine the validity and relevance of their work for readers and other
professionals in the field. That is not the case, as a statement of study limitations allows the
reader to better understand the conditions of the study and challenges that the researcher has
encountered. Not including this section, or leaving out vital aspects, which can address anything
from sampling to the specific research methodology, can be detrimental to the general research
field as it establishes an incomplete and potentially fallacious depiction of the research. Within
academia, it is expected that all studies have limitations to some extent. Including this section
demonstrates a comprehensive and holistic understanding of the research process and topic by
the author.

A discussion of limitations should be a subjective learning process that assesses the magnitude,
and critically evaluates the extenuating impact of the said limitations. This leads to the
importance of stating limitations as it creates opportunities for both the original author and other
researchers to improve the quality and validity of any future studies. Including limitations is
based on the core principle of transparency in scientific research, with the purpose to maintain
mutual integrity and promote further progress in similar studies.
Descriptions of Various Limitations

Sample size or profile – sampling is one of the most common limitations mentioned by
researchers. This is often due to the difficulty of finding a perfect sample that both fits the size
parameters and necessary characteristics of the study to ensure generalizability of results.
Various sampling techniques are also open to error and bias, which may potentially influence
outcomes. Sometimes researchers are faced with limitations in selecting samples and resort to
selective picking of participants or, the opposite, including irrelevant people in the general pool
to reach the necessary total.

Availability of information or previous research – generally, studies are based on previous

knowledge or theoretical concepts on a specific topic. This provides a strong foundation for
developing both the design and research problem for the investigation. However, there are
instances where research is done on relatively specific topics, or is very progressive. Therefore, a
lack of knowledge or other previous studies may limit the scope of the analysis, lead to
inaccuracies in the author’s arguments, and present an increased margin for error in many
aspects of the research and methodology.

Methodology errors – the complexity of modern research leads to potential limitations in

methodology. Most often, it is regarding data collection and analysis, as these aspects can
strongly influence outcomes. Data collection techniques differ and, although fitting for the study
design, present strong limitations in terms of privacy, distractions, or inappropriate levels of
detail.

Bias – a potential limitation that can affect all researchers. This is a limitation that researchers
attempt to avoid by ensuring there are no conflicts of interest, lack of any emotional or
prejudiced attitudes towards the topic, and establishing a level of oversight by referring to an
ethics committee and peer-review procedures. As humans, it is inherent that bias will be present
to some extent. However, it is the responsibility of the researcher to remain objective and attempt
to control any potential bias or inaccuracies throughout every stage of the research process.

Summary
Limitations are an inherent part of any research study. Therefore, it is generally accepted in
academia to acknowledge various limitations as part of the research process. Issues may vary,
ranging from sampling and literature review, to methodology and bias. However, there is a
structure for identifying these elements, discussing them, and offering insight or alternatives on
how limitations can be mitigated. This not only enhances the process of the research but also
helps readers gain a comprehensive understanding of a study’s conditions.