In 800 words Generate research methodology using the following: 1.Study Setting 2.Research Design 3.Data Sources 4.Target Population and Sample Size 5.Determination Sampling Technique(s)Research Instruments 6.Data Analysis Plan and demonstrate how data wi

**Research Methodology** **1. Study Setting** This research will take place in the Wa Metropolis, located in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The metropolis serves as a thriving hub for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that contribute significantly to the local economy. The various industries within the area encompass trade, agriculture, and services, making it an ideal setting for studying financial statement usage in investment decisions. Utilizing the urban environment of Wa Metropolis and its business landscape allows for a richly contextual examination of how SMEs utilize financial statements to inform investment decisions. **2. Research Design** The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative research designs. This triangulation is crucial for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the financial decision-making processes among SMEs. The quantitative component will involve structured surveys to gather numerical data related to the use of financial statements in investment decisions. The qualitative aspect will include semi-structured interviews to delve deeper into the nuanced perceptions and experiences of business owners regarding financial statements and their impact on investment choices (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). **3. Data Sources** Data for this study will be collected from primary sources. Primary data collection will ensure that the research findings specifically reflect the attitudes and practices of SMEs in Wa Metropolis. Quantitative data will be sourced through surveys designed to capture relevant information about financial statement usage, investment decision-making, and demographic information of the respondents. Qualitative data will be gathered through interviews that will explore the reasons behind investment choices and the perceived importance of financial statements. **4. Target Population and Sample Size** The target population for this study includes SMEs operating within the Wa Metropolis, as defined by Ghana's Ministry of Trade and Industry. According to data from the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), there are approximately 500 SMEs in the area. To ensure statistical significance and generalizability, a sample size of 150 SMEs will be selected, following Cochran's formula for sample size determination, which is suitable for large populations (Cochran, 1977). This sample size has been chosen to enable the gathering of enough data to identify trends while allowing for an adequate representation of the various sectors within Wa Metropolis. In terms of qualitative data collection, 15 participants will be selected using a purposive sampling technique to ensure that a diverse range of experiences and insights concerning financial statement utilization in investment decisions are included. **5. Determination of Sampling Technique(s) and Research Instruments** To sample the SMEs, a stratified random sampling technique will be employed. This technique ensures that different categories (e.g., trade, agriculture, services) within SMEs are represented. Each sector's proportionate representation will provide a holistic view of the investment decision-making process across the various industries in Wa Metropolis (Etikan, Musa, & Alkassim, 2016). The research instruments for data collection will include: - **Surveys**: A structured questionnaire will be designed with both closed-ended and open-ended questions. The closed-ended questions will quantify the use of financial statements, while open-ended questions will allow respondents to elaborate on their experiences and perceptions. - **Interviews**: A semi-structured interview guide will be developed to steer in-depth conversations with select SMEs. This guide will include questions on how financial statements influence decision-making and other factors that SMEs consider during investments. These instruments will be pre-tested to ensure validity and reliability. Feedback from a small group of SMEs will allow the researchers to refine questions, thus enhancing the clarity and relevance of the instruments. **6. Data Analysis Plan** Quantitative data gathered from the surveys will be analyzed using statistical software such as SPSS or R. Descriptive statistics will be employed to summarize demographic data and the responses regarding financial statement usage, while inferential statistics, such as regression analysis, will be used to examine the relationship between financial statements and investment decisions. Qualitative data obtained from the semi-structured interviews will be coded and analyzed thematically to identify key patterns and themes (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The NVivo software may be utilized to facilitate the thematic analysis process. The findings will be triangulated with quantitative data to validate and enrich the overall insights. **Data Collection and Rationale** Data collection will be achieved through a sequential process. First, surveys will be distributed to the identified sample of SMEs, either through online platforms or face-to-face interactions. This multi-channel approach ensures broader engagement, considering the varying levels of digital accessibility among SMEs. Following the survey phase, interviews will be conducted with respondents who indicate willingness to participate in qualitative interviews, aiming to capture deeper insights based on their survey responses. The choices regarding data collection methods are informed by the need for both breadth and depth in understanding the importance of financial statements in investment decision-making for SMEs. Mixed-methods research interlinks quantifiable data with subjective experiences, offering a more profound comprehension of the research topic (Creswell, 2014). **References** Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. *Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3*(2), 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa Cochran, W. G. (1977). *Sampling Techniques* (3rd ed.). John Wiley & Sons. Creswell, J. W. (2014). *Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches* (4th ed.). SAGE Publications. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). *Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches* (5th ed.). SAGE Publications. Etikan, I., Musa, S. A., & Alkassim, R. S. (2016). Comparison of Convenience Sampling and Purposive Sampling. *American Journal of Theoretical and Applied Statistics, 5*(1), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajtas.20160501.11