The methodology section is one of the most vital parts of a dissertation. It is also the most complex because of the scholarly emphasis linked to this part. In general terms, a methodology informs the readers of the methods used for the research. It further explains and introduces the tools used for collecting data. In most circumstances, this section needs a lot of research and details. It must explain why you used the particular tools, and how you did it. The main goal is to convince readers that you have the right approach and it will end in accurate results.
We have ten tips for you to form a dissertation methodology structure in a comprehensive and clarified manner.
1. Review samples of dissertations
For a clear image regarding the structure of your methodology, read through other dissertations. Select the best examples of your own topic and field and explore their methodology sections. By reviewing these samples, you will get a precise idea of how to write it.
Samples of dissertation can provide precedence for writing a methodology. If you read relevant methodologies, you will be able to compare yours to others belonging to the same subject area. Adopting this technique will give your research authority and relevance.
2. Outlining the research approach
Craft your research approach prior to the methodology. Otherwise the quest will drag you into a never-ending cycle of confusion. There are three types of research approach which is qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. You need to figure out which one is the most relevant for your dissertation topic.
Qualitative research focuses upon subjectivity and meaning. Quantitative research has numerical and statistical data at it base. While a mixed method approach combines both these techniques. If you do not choose carefully, your research can quickly turn into a mess. So, make sure to consider it in depth.
3. Being descriptive
Make sure the methodology is as descriptive as it can be. Make an effort to break down the whole research process. Explain each step of the analysis and discuss the stages thoroughly. This will assist letting the reader know how you reached the results of the dissertation.
You must also justify the choices you made since merely presenting the data is not fully reliable. Provide a good amount of details about the reasons you chose for the approach. Explain why you decided to use the methods you choose. If you answer all these queries in the methodology, you make the reading process more effective for the reader.
4. Knowing your boundaries
For creating an impactful dissertation, you must be aware of the limitations and strengths of the paper. The methodology section must display these boundaries to the audience. Do not merely mention the lack of resources you had. Discuss every kind of limitations you have faced, including the ones that result from a deliberately made choice or error. Along with that, try to keep ethics in consideration and meet the expected standards. This basically means that none of the information you have collected can be used without consent.
5. Use appendices wisely
Appendices can appear to present a challenge. But if you let yourself become familiar with them you can add indirectly relevant content in the methodology. For instance, appendices can be used to put the consent forms of the participants. You can even use them to insert any surveys you have conducted. Mention where exactly they can be found in the methodology section while writing appendices.
6. Define the research question
In your methodology, make certain that you have described the tool you have used to answer research questions. Thus, you must define how the questions are answered before you begin explaining the methodology. If you miss out on this step then your methodology will remain vague and incomplete.
7. Keep it clear and concise
While writing this section of your dissertation, you should appear to the readers as a well-informed writer. The audience should be able to see that have a clear understanding and specific purpose behind it. In order to achieve this, aim to write precisely and clearly to express your ideas. Your methodology is not a place where poetic language can be used. It is a key part of the dissertation and should convey everything concisely.
8. Justifying the research method
Even if you have managed to the perfectly state your methods, the audience will still want a justification. For the audience to take your methodology seriously, you must make them see it has reliable information. Justifying the research methods is the best way to do that.
It is also particularly important when you are using a new and non-standard methodology for your research questions. Otherwise, you can refer to other relevant academic sources and use them to justify your finding on their basis.
9. Include all alternatives present in the rationale
It does not actually matter what kind of paper you are writing, for it to be good you need to target on the rationale. There are many methodological approaches that are available for every research paper. Because of this your rationale must evaluate all the alternate approaches and defend your selected method or methods. Weigh the pros and cons of your methodology and other alternatives to demonstrate the perfect choice for your dissertation.
10. Use appropriate sample techniques
Sampling can prove to be extremely complicated if it is not done carefully. The techniques used and the size of the samples is essential for your research. Focus upon choosing the sampling technique that fits the methodology approach.
Now that you are aware if all these techniques, you are well prepared to write an effective methodology section. Be focused on the goal and do your best to work as hard as possible for good results. At times you feel overwhelmed, contact our writing service for the most excellent research methodology examples. We make sure to provide you top quality content in the most affordable prices.