The following is about the possible problems of methodology and the possible impact of these problems on the research results:
When probability sampling/random sampling is used, it is possible that the sampled sample cannot represent the population under study, and then problems related to statistical "sample bias" or "selection bias" will arise.
For example, when using questionnaires to obtain research results, we will ask the samples (respondents) to answer the questions listed in the questionnaire. However, if no suitable respondents can be contacted, or the geographical area involved is not wide enough, in these cases, the selected samples (respondents) cannot be regarded as random samples.
Adequate sample size is very important when conducting research and hoping to obtain effective research results. The larger the number of samples, the more accurate the research results. However, when the sample size is not large enough, it is difficult to prove the significant relevance of the research content with limited data.
Usually, in statistical analysis, a larger number of samples can better represent the population, so the results obtained through analysis can also be applied to the population. If you don't know how to choose the appropriate sample size, you can refer to scientific calculation tools.
When doing research, we should refer to the past literature as the basis of this study, and reviewing the literature can provide theoretical basis for the research topic. However, due to the different scope of research topics, the relevant literature may be limited.
When there is not enough literature related to the research topic, it may be necessary to develop a new research framework or theory. In this case, we can take the lack of past literature as an opportunity to open up research gaps and put forward suggestions on future research directions in related fields.
After writing the research analysis results (in the discussion section), you may find that the methods used to collect data limit the ability to comprehensively analyze the research results.
For example, maybe you find that the questions in a questionnaire should be stated from other perspectives, or you ignore some important questions that are not in the questionnaire. At this time, you must mention the imperfections in this area in the "research limitations" and point out what specific data collection methods can be used to solve this problem in future research.
Extended data
Adding a description of the limitations of the research in the writing of the paper will help to increase the credibility of the article. If the reviewer finds the limitations, but the author does not explain them in advance, the reviewer may have a negative impression on the paper. If every limitation of the paper is discussed in the future research background, then the article is more likely to be cited, because it will provide valuable information for other researchers' research problems.
In addition, mentioning the limitations of the research also shows that we have fully considered the shortcomings of the research, and we have a full understanding of the subject under study. Because all research will inevitably have limitations, if it is presented honestly and in detail, it will leave a better impression on critics and other researchers than deliberately ignoring it.