Students studying in the UK, whether it is a thesis or a course dissertation, will encounter a tricky section – Methodology, which is usually located in the third chapter of the dissertation, the first two chapters are introduction and literature review.
Professors pay particular attention to the Methodology chapter and ask questions frequently. As a result, it is important to relate closely to the research question, rather than just exploring the methodology itself. So what exactly is Methodology?
This section needs to explain why you chose a particular method and detail its application. Here’s a little dissertation booklet with detailed explanations of each section to keep you up to date.
Research method
Qualitative analysis
Categorising subjects and ideas, more interpretative and subjective.
Quantitative analysis
How you collected and analysed data, removed outliers and transformed variables; what software you used to process the data; what statistical methods you used.
Data collection
Provide an overview of how the data was collected, the process, and the selection criteria.
Is the data collected primary or secondary? If primary, how did you obtain the data? If secondary data, what were the sources and reasons for selection?
Data analysis
Describe the method of data analysis for the current study.
Analysis software, reasons for choice.
What kind of data can be generated using this software to test the hypothesis of the article?
Limitations & challenges?
Limitations of quantitative research and specific quantitative methods.
Limitations of qualitative research and specific qualitative methods.
What are the challenges that may be faced during the data collection process? How do you plan to address them?
Chapter 3 Methodology
In this chapter you will need to explain in detail why you have chosen a particular research methodology and detail its application. In addition to this, you will need to consider issues such as data collection, data analysis, limitations and challenges of the study, and the format of the report.
– Importance of the Methodology Chapter: The Methodology chapter is a very important part of your dissertation because it deals with your research methodology and data analysis. Professors usually pay a lot of attention to the Methodology chapter because it is a reflection of your academic and research skills.
– Methodology: The Methodology chapter covers your research methodology, data collection, data analysis, limitations and challenges of the study, and report format. This chapter needs to clearly state why you chose a particular research method and explain its application in detail. In addition, the process of data collection and analysis needs to be described in detail with relevant evidence and explanations.
– Tips for writing a Methodology chapter: In order to write a good Methodology chapter, you need to pay attention to the following points:
1. Clarity: When writing a Methodology chapter, you need to describe your research methodology, data collection and analysis process in a clear and concise manner. Try to use simple language and avoid overly complex terms and concepts.
2. Logical: The Methodology chapter needs to be very logical, describing your research methodology, data collection and analysis in a certain order. Try to use diagrams, flowcharts, etc. to help the reader understand your research process.
3. Data support: The Methodology chapter needs to provide relevant evidence and explanations to prove the rationality and validity of your research methodology, data collection and analysis. Try to use graphs, charts, data, etc. to support your points.
– Formatting Requirements for Methodology Sections: The formatting requirements for a Methodology section usually include the following:
1. Title: The title of the Methodology chapter should be concise and summarise your research methodology, data collection and analysis process.
2. Introduction: The introduction to a Methodology chapter should briefly describe your research question, the purpose of the study, the research methodology, and the process of data collection and analysis.
3. Main Body: The main body of the Methodology section describes in detail your research methodology, the process of data collection and analysis, and provides relevant evidence and explanations.
4. Conclusion: The conclusion of the Methodology section should summarise your research methodology, data collection and analysis process, and provide relevant conclusions and recommendations.
Overall, the Methodology section is a very important part of your dissertation and needs to be well prepared and written. Through a sound research methodology, data collection and analysis process, you will be able to better answer the research question and provide strong support for the conclusion of your dissertation.
