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05 May 2024
Tips for writing your methodology
Drafting and writing a persuasive methodology, also known as a research method, for your thesis can be a challenge for many students. It is often ambiguous what should and should not be included. Whether you are studying at a higher professional or university level, these practical tips will assist you in describing your research methods clearly and effectively.
Why write a methodology?
The methodology of a thesis is the section where you describe the research you conducted and the methodological approach you used. It includes the specific methods and techniques employed to address the research questions or test the hypotheses. A well-crafted methodology is precise and comprehensive, enabling others to comprehend and potentially replicate your research.
What do you put in your methodology?
You begin by introducing the methodology, identifying the research methods employed, and discussing their strengths and weaknesses. In qualitative research, for instance, interviews come in various forms like in-depth interviews, structured interviews, and semi-structured interviews. Evaluators will not only consider the methods you have chosen but also pay close attention to the justification behind your choices. Remember to always keep the research objective in mind.
You describe the following components in your methodology:
- Research design: Describe the type of research, such as quantitative research, qualitative research, or exploratory (descriptive) research.
- Research methods: Describe the specific methods used to collect and analyze data. This may include questionnaires, surveys, interviews, observations, experiments, literature reviews, case studies, or statistical analyses.
- Research population and sample: Describe the target group of your research and how the sample was chosen.
- Data collection instruments: Describe the instruments used to collect data, such as interviews, questionnaires, surveys, and observations.
- Data analysis methods: Describe how the collected data was analyzed. Explain how statistical analyses were conducted and which qualitative analysis methods were applied.
- Reliability and validity: Discuss how you assessed and ensured the reliability and validity of your research.
- Ethics: If applicable, discuss the ethical considerations of your research, such as obtaining consent from participants.
- Limitations: Identify any limitations of your study, such as sample size limitations and limitations of the methods used.
- Generalizability: Discuss the extent to which the findings of your research can be applied to other situations, populations, or contexts.
Optional (for academic university level):
- Discuss the design of your study, including the dependent and independent variables, possible groups, and potential biases.
- If needed, please provide a conceptual model in the form of a schematic representation.
Tip: Pick a good book on research methods
Choose a suitable book on research methods, preferably one that focuses on your specific research method. This will help support the choices you make. Please remember not to simply copy the book’s content, but rather apply it to your own research. Therefore, make sure to provide proper source references.
Need help with the methodology?
Are you currently busy with drafting the methodology for your thesis and feeling stuck? No problem! Our team of experienced thesis coaches is ready to assist you. Whether you’re facing challenges in selecting the appropriate research methods, describing your research design, or ensuring the reliability and validity of your study - we are here to support you.
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