Saunders Research Onion Model: A Complete Guide

Recognised as a reputable and informative model in academic research, the Saunders research onion is often shared to help students develop a systematic and effective research method by breaking the research process into clear layers. Each layer helps students make informed decisions throughout their study.

The model is just a diagram for many people, but it is actually a structured, step-by-step research process. It starts with your research question, the "seed" at the centre that shapes every decision you make in the outer layers, which helps to make sure that your study is consistent and meaningful from beginning to end.

In this Locus Assignment blog, we will simplify this research model and its layers in an easy way. So, read it till the end to get a clear understanding of this research model. And if you need any help with your assignments, our UK assignment writer is at your service at any time.

What is the Saunders Research Onion?

This is a constructed model for understanding the different stages of developing a research strategy. Mark Saunders and colleagues designed this model to help students understand research as a series of layers, like an onion. Each layer in the onion represents a step in the thinking around planning research.

The research onion model is widely accepted in academic writing and dissertations at UK universities, and students use it because it provides a gradual, structured process for making their research methods, philosophies, and strategies, etc. It makes the process of research manageable, regardless of whether it is a business dissertation project or simply doing research for a social science project.

The research onion saunders framework is widely recommended by universities because it helps students logically structure their research methodology.

Feeling confused by all the layers? Don’t worry! If you're stuck on your assignments, our UK assignment helpers can help you 

Layers of Research Onion Model

There are 6 layers in the Saunders Research Onion. Each layer describes different stages of developing a strategy. Let’s break it down into each layer:

This diagram visually explains the model, showing how research decisions progress from broad philosophical assumptions to practical methods. Each layer represents a key stage, guiding researchers to systematically choose their approach, strategy, and techniques.

Understanding the different layers of saunders research onion helps students align their research design with academic requirements.

Research Philosophy

This is the outer layer of the research onion. Your research philosophy is about the way that you think about the world and knowledge; it impacts every decision you make. 

To choose a philosophy, consider two key concepts:

1. Ontology: Your view on the nature of reality (What do you think reality is like? Is reality the same for all of us and objective, or is it constructed individually and subjective? )

2. Epistemology: Your view on what constitutes (What you consider as good knowledge counts. Do you only trust hard data, or do you also value human feelings and viewpoints?)

Philosophical Approaches:

1. Positivism: Focuses on observable facts; commonly used in scientific research

2. Interpretivism: This is an approach that focuses on understanding social context and human behaviours.

3. Pragmatism: This approach relies on a mix of other philosophical positions based on what works best in answering your research question.

4. Realism: This approach accepts an independent reality outside of our thinking but also accepts that the social world influences our understanding.

5. Critical Realism: It is one of the contemporary approaches in wide usage within the social sciences. It recognises a reality independent of the observer but also takes cognisance that this reality is socially structured and perceived.

Not sure whether to use positivism, interpretivism, or something else in your assignment? Our team can help you choose the right philosophy based on your assignment topic.

Research Approach

After deciding upon the philosophy you will take, the next layer of the onion is the research approach. This is all about how you plan to generate your theory and collect data.

1. Deductive Approach: You will start with a theory or hypothesis and test it using data collection.

2. Inductive Approach: You will start with observations and develop a new theory based on your data.

3. Abductive Approach: You will work back and forth between theory and data to find the best explanation.

Research Strategy

A research strategy is quite literally a plan of action. It states how you’re going to answer your research question.

1. Experimentation: Look at using a variety of methods to manipulate factors and see effects (often favoured in the sciences).

2. Survey: Collect and analyse a large amount of data from a group using questionnaires or interviews.

3. Case Study: Undertake a lengthy study of one case (or of a small number of cases).

4. Ethnography: Immerse yourself in a certain group, organisation or context to come to understand it.

5. Grounded Theory: Develop a theory from a dataset you collected.

6. Action Research: Solve a problem while also studying that problem and the process.

The research onion philosophy is also helpful in terms of how to select a strategy that meets your research aims and the resources you have available to you. 

Picking the right strategy can be tough. If you're unsure between a survey, case study, or something else, we’re here to help you make the best choice for your assignment.

Also Read: The Thomas Kilmann Conflict Model

Research Choices

This layer accounts for how you combine your data collection methods. This is often the most challenging for students, so I will make it simple:

1. Mono method: using a single data type, such as a purely quantitative survey.

2. Multi-Method: where more than one tool of the same type is used; for example, interviews and focus groups are qualitative.

3. Mixed Methods: combining different types of data, like a quantitative survey with qualitative interviews.

Making good research choices strengthens the credibility of your research onion model and makes it more solid.

Time Horizon

This concerns the length of time over which you collect your data, and the decision is based on whether you want a snapshot or a view of change over time.

1. Cross-sectional: Data are collected at one point in time. It provides a quick, inexpensive snapshot, but it doesn’t reveal changes or trends.

2. Longitudinal: Data are gathered over a long period of time. This method allows you to track developments and trends, though it involves more time and resources.

Techniques and Procedures

We are now at the innermost layer of the research onion model, where practical techniques and procedures are applied. This layer is where your methodological blueprint moves to a specific set of practices to collect and analyse your data. This layer incorporates and operationalises all of the decisions you have made in the previous layers.

Applying the research onion Saunders approach ensures that data collection and analysis remain aligned with research objectives.

Data Collection Methods

The way you gather information is determined by your research question, strategy, and approach. Common methods include:

1. Questionnaires/Surveys: To gather quantitative data.

2. Interviews: To gather qualitative data.

3. Observation: To record behaviours systematically.

4. Focus Groups: To obtain varying views on a subject.

5. Document Analysis: To utilise the available documents as information sources.

Sampling Techniques

Sampling defines what or whom you sample:

1. Probability Sampling: All members of the population have an equal opportunity of being selected.

2. Non-Probability Sampling: The participants are selected on the basis of convenience or relevance.

Data Analysis Procedures

This is the way you process and interpret the data collected:

1. Statistical Analysis (Quantitative): Determines trends and associations in figures.

2. Thematic Analysis (Qualitative): Identifies and presents trends in qualitative data.

3. Content Analysis (Quantitative/Qualitative): Interprets text, images, or social surroundings to discover meaning.

4. Discourse Analysis: Studies language and patterns of communication.

Validity and Reliability

The selection of appropriate methods will guarantee:

1. Validity: Your findings are correct.

2. Reliability: Your results are consistent.

These are some of the main criteria that UK universities use in marking research projects.

Applications of the Model

This research model is often transferable and can be used in many disciplines in UK universities. Here are some practical examples: 

1. Business: used for market research, organisational analysis, and leadership studies, where structured strategies with timeframes were required.

2. Social Sciences: ideal for consideration of human behaviour, social practice and policy influence from either or both interpretive or pragmatic perspectives. 

3. Health: taken from studies examining patient care practices, healthcare treatment effectiveness, or an evaluation of public health research using mixed methods. 

4. Marketing: useful for consumer behaviour studies, brand analysis, and campaign evaluation, using consumer surveys or cross-sectional research. 

Whether you are in business, social sciences, health, or marketing, this model will help you achieve and provide a structured approach for conducting systematic research that you can also justify academically. 

Also Read: Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle

Common Challenges and Drawbacks 

While the Saunders research onion can be useful to inform the choice of research methodology, some students may find it either confusing or time-consuming. All the layers of this onion are interrelated, meaning that choices should be carefully planned and logically consistent.

Some students treat the onion too rigidly, following it step by step without leaving room for creativity or flexibility. Remember, the onion is a guide, not a strict rule. While it works well for positivist studies, applying each layer properly can require extra time and reflection.

Sometimes, students misunderstand the underlying philosophy. This can lead to misapplication of the framework and weaken the methodology section. For interdisciplinary topics or usually unconventional ones, extra consideration might be required to deduce whether this onion is the best fit.

Conclusion

The Saunders research onion is an essential tool for any university student working on any research project. By reviewing each of the layers of the onion, you can build a sound, logical and impressive methodology section. Each layer is important for developing a research strategy. 

By using this method, any sector (business, marketing, education, or health) will get a comprehensive understanding of how to do research.

If you’re working on a research project and don’t know where to begin or how to apply the Saunders model properly, our UK assignment writers at Locus Assignments are here to help. Get in touch and make your assignment easier and better!

Frequently Asked Question

1. Who developed the research onion?

The research onion was developed by Mark Saunders, along with Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill, to help students structure their research process clearly.

2. What are the benefits of the research onion?

It provides a clear, step-by-step framework for planning research, helps align methodology choices, and is widely accepted by UK universities.

3. What are the limitations of the research onion?

The model can feel complex for beginners, may be applied too rigidly, and may not suit unconventional or interdisciplinary research topics.

About Author

Dr Sarah James is an experienced academic consultant and research methodology expert with a strong background in supporting UK university students. She specialises in simplifying complex research frameworks, including the Saunders Research Onion, and helps students structure clear, well-aligned methodology sections for high-scoring assignments and dissertations