What is scope of the study in research methodology

The scope of a study refers to the boundaries or limitations that researchers set for their research. It helps to define what aspects of the research topic will be included and excluded from the study. The scope of the study in research methodology can be defined based on several factors including:

1. Geographical boundary: Researchers might limit the study to a specific geographic area, such as a particular country, region, or city.

2. Timeframe: The study may focus on a specific period, such as a year or a particular time in history. Alternatively, it may be a cross-sectional study conducted at one point in time.

3. Population: Researchers might limit their study to a specific group of individuals, such as a certain age group, gender, or profession.

4. Variables: The study may focus on specific variables or factors of interest, while excluding others. For example, a study on the effect of a new drug might only look at its impact on a specific health condition, while not considering other factors.

5. Methodologies: Researchers can define the scope of the study based on the research methodologies they plan to use. For example, a study might focus only on quantitative or qualitative approaches, or a combination of both.

By setting a clear scope, researchers can ensure that their study remains focused, manageable, and relevant to the research question.