Writing a dissertation methodology

Writing dissertation methodology involves discussing methods used in doing your research. In a research proposal, it involves discussing research methods you plan to use. This chapter addresses the following;

  • Type of methodology
  • Research design
  • Data collecting method
  • Data analysis technique
  • Ethical considerations
  • Study limitations

When writing it, explain why some methods were useful and not others. Give an explanation for all your choices. You should not include data in this section. Just explain what you used to collect data and how you did it. Also, remember to cite great sources in this area. This will also help to make your paper strong. Such sources mean scholarly sources good for your topic.

Below is a 5 step guide on writing a dissertation methodology.

Read on and learn how to do this.

Step 1: Provide an overall methodological approach

This is the first thing. So start by explaining your research methodology.

There are two major ones. Firstly is the quantitative method. This depends on statistical methods in the analysis of data. Secondly, is the qualitative method. This method also relies on descriptive narrative in the analysis of data. There is also a mixed method. This then puts together qualitative and quantitative approaches. So the choice depends on your research question.

After providing your choice, then provide a rationale. Provide enough details as a reason for your choice.

Step 2: Describe your research design

The next step is writing your research design. The choice depends on your overall methodology. For example, quantitative research may consider an experimental or non experimental design. Either, for the latter, you may collect data through surveys or observation.

For qualitative research, there are different research designs. Such methods include;

Narrative research. Participants share their experiences on the area of interest. For example, they may give their experiences with job discrimination. This method aims to put together their stories with the researcher’s experience. The stories may also be used together with documents and investigations.

Ethnography research. This is collecting data from the target population through observation in the natural setting.

Grounded theory. In this, the researcher uses literature and emerging patterns from participants’ views to conclude.

Phenomenology research. This finds meaning through participants’ view of things.

Again, you must give reasons for your choice. Explain why you believe it is the best.

Step 3: Data collection procedures

Start by noting your sample and sampling methods. There are two main types. First is the probability sampling method. This  involves choosing participants randomly. Such methods include;

Simple random sampling. Under this, every member of the target population can be selected.

Cluster sampling. This divides the target population into sub groups. These have the same characteristics. Then, the whole groups are randomly selected.

Stratified sampling. Here, you divided the target population into sub groups. These have some differences. Then, a random sample of each group is selected.

Systematic sampling. Under this, you select members at regular intervals.

Then, there is the non probability sampling. These include; convivence, snowball, and purposive sampling.

Give enough details about your sample and sampling method.

The next step is about data collection method. Give specific methods you used while collecting data. Did you use interviews? Were they face to face, telephone, or, computer assisted interviews?

If you used questionnaires, were they face to face, mail, or web based surveys? Other methods include document review, observation, and experiments among others.

Give enough details here. It should be easy to follow your method and get the same results.

Step 4: Data analysis

The next element is your data analysis method. Your approach depends on your methodology. For example, for qualitative research, you may use discourse, narrative, or content analysis. For quantitative research, you may rely on software such as SPSS.

Give a clear description of your method of choice. Explain why you prefer this method. Explain why other methods were not used.

Step 5: Ethical considerations and study limitations

The last element is ethical considerations and study limitations. This should always come to your mind when finding out what to include in this research chapter.

Firstly, start with ethical considerations. Then explain how you protected or plan to protect human subjects. You should not harm participants in any way. How do you plan to protect data? Explain your data protection methods. Also, explain data handling and sharing processes.

Then, talk about study limitations. These can be in sampling, data collection, or data analysis. There is no perfect study. So, do not shy away from including your limitations. A good dissertation will always have some of them.

Conclusion

Writing dissertation methodology can make or break your paper grade. So, you need to spend enough time on this chapter. You also need to follow proper guidelines to write a great chapter. Today, you have learned what is needed. Next time, you know what to include in your your structure. Our guide is helpful when planning to write a methodology for your paper. It is also helpful to those asking how to write one in a research proposal. For expert help in this, contact our support team today.

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