Assessing the Quality of Entrepreneurship Research: A Review of Methodological Validity

What is it about?

This article offers a comprehensive assessment of the methodological foundations of entrepreneurship research. Reviewing 275 empirical studies published between 1999 and 2003, it evaluates the field’s internal, external, construct, and statistical validity. The analysis shows a heavy reliance on cross-sectional surveys and field studies, prioritizing external validity over methodological rigor. The authors call for stronger research designs, greater triangulation, and more longitudinal approaches to enhance the field’s credibility. For researchers and scholars, the study offers valuable insights into how methodological choices shape the robustness of entrepreneurship knowledge. It encourages the adoption of mixed-method designs, advanced analytical techniques, and longitudinal approaches that can better capture the dynamic nature of entrepreneurial processes. By reflecting on these methodological patterns, researchers can contribute to building a more cumulative and reliable body of evidence that advances both theory and practice.

Featured Image

Photo by Dan Dimmock on Unsplash

Photo by Dan Dimmock on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This paper stands out as one of the first systematic evaluations of validity in entrepreneurship research. By comparing findings with general management studies, it provides a benchmark for assessing how far the field has come in terms of methodological maturity. Its integrative framework helps scholars identify where existing practices fall short and where improvement is most needed, offering a foundation for future methodological innovation. As entrepreneurship research continues to expand globally, ensuring methodological rigor remains crucial. This review remains timely by emphasizing the importance of credibility and precision in an increasingly complex and interdisciplinary field. It guides current and future researchers in strengthening the scientific foundations of entrepreneurship inquiry.