So, you have pinned down your topic of research and begun the literature review. Now, in the next step, you will need to write a research methodology section of your thesis, dissertation, and research paper.
But, the question is, what exactly is a research methodology section in a dissertation? Also, how do you write one? Well, in this guide, this is exactly what we will guide you through.
What is a Thesis Research Methodology?
In simple terms, research methodology is the practice or the method you will plan to implement in your study. The section of the methodology clarifies and outlines what you have performed in your research.
Moreover, this chapter comprises plenty of stages such as gathering data, statistical analysis, observing the participants, and measures involved in the practice of research. There are currently two accessible methodologies, and these are the most widely chosen in research.
How to write a research methodology? Tips and Structure
Below is the basic structure of the research methodology.
- Restate your thesis and research problem
In the first step, while you are writing a dissertation, you will need to restate your thesis. Later, it investigates the problem of research.
Thus, this step allows your readers to follow your work every step from start to end. So, once you restate your thesis, you will easily tackle and handle any norms you created. Further, you will list down any variables or conditions that are tested in your research.
- Clarify your style of research
In the 2nd section, you have to clarify what kind of research methodology style you must choose to gather data. After that, you ought to define the reason why you chose these certain kinds of styles of research.
- Clarify your mechanism
The mechanism covers the methods of research or instruments that you will use to develop your research methodology. In other words, this section is where you will mostly gather the data. There are certain ways you will gather data, such as interviews, surveys, tests, checklists, etc. But then, the mechanism mostly depends on the method you choose to gather the data.
You can also approach an honest Dissertation Help Malaysia, and they will help you choose the right method of research. They own the best team of PHD writers who can help you to finish your thesis on time. Lastly, you will need to write a certain reason why you chose this instrument.
- Significances of results
The effects or results will be accessible once you are done testing. But then you need to recall, you have to tell the reasons how you will plan to utilize the data and findings.
Further, this section also assists in grasping the problem from the inside, breaking the content into small chunks. Lastly, you will easily view the problem statement from different points of view.
- Examine and defend the research methodology of choices you created
Now, you will need to define and clarify the criteria and why you chose this style of research in your thesis. Then, you will need to list any possible weaknesses in your methodology.
Lastly, add a brief evaluation of other methodologies you may choose.
- Challenges and limitations
This section is what a lot of learners think is not vital, but then it is essential like the other sections. In the challenges and limitations section, you will need to select a strategy. Also, you should be classified whereas you are performing different kinds of research.
Common data collection in a research methodology
When the researcher wraps up their research methodology, in the next section, they need to add instruments on how they will gather data. There are plenty of ways you can collect data. Some of them are as follows.
- Interviews
There are a lot of formats of interviews that you can use to collect data, such as structured, semi-structured, and unstructured formats. It depends on you.
- Focus groups
Focus groups are part of the qualitative research dissertation methodology. In focus groups, interviewees share their thoughts, ideas, and points of view. The moderator normally leads the debate group in focus groups. And they ensure that every person has the chance to share their ideas and take part in the debate.
- Surveys
Surveys can be online or in-person. There are a lot of forms of surveys, such as essay style, open and close ended questions, and as well free style of surveys. But then, the data needed, the surveys can as well use mixture.
- Observations
In this type of research dissertation methodology, direct observation is mostly used to gather the data. It normally involves the behavior of the participants without the engagement of a researcher. On the other hand, the participant’s observation is more structured, and the researcher engages with the participants.