How to Write Methodology For Dissertation
Writing the methodology of a dissertation is an important part where you present tools used to unearth research findings. The methodology section gives a clear description of research processes employed to shore up your findings. It also explains various techniques and a direct link to methods used to arrive at your conclusion(s).
Well-written methodology provides valuable information about all tactics used and why certain methods were chosen. In this guide, we’ll get to see all essential steps necessary to write a methodology and other important information.
How to Write a Methodology for a Dissertation
Step 1: Reintroduce the research problem of your dissertation
The methodology section could begin with a brief introductory paragraph restating problems your dissertation investigates. Writing the paragraph ensures you follow your methodology proper across phases. The introductory paragraph also gives you an opportunity to outline assumptions, conditions, or variables relevant to your dissertation.
Step 2: Clearly describe your chosen approach to solve the research problem
Next, you need to outline your research design. The research design reflects what form of techniques you will apply to solve problems in your dissertation. Most research approaches adopt quantitative or qualitative methods to process information required to arrive at findings in dissertations.
Step 3: Elaborate on any special processes you might need to use
You should add information about special techniques unrelated to your chosen research design. Write information about these methods properly and why they are relevant in your dissertation. Clearly spelling out this information ensures your research can withstand any potential criticism from your supervisor(s) or readers.
Step 4: Explain how you collected data
Next, you should report if you used qualitative or quantitative data in your research. You can describe the following in this section:
- Experiments conducted and their design,
- Tools required to conduct the experiment,
- Information about how you sourced your data,
- Steps about how the data was gathered,
- Criteria used to selecting data from all sources
Step 5: Explain methods used to analyze data you collected
Two forms of research are usually possible in a dissertation – quantitative and qualitative research. For quantitative research, your methodology section should:
- Outline steps taken to ensure the accuracy of data,
- Identify the technique(s) used to process collected data, and
- List software programs used to analyze figures or carry out statistical tests
For qualitative research, this section should be based on a proper discourse, content, or theme.
Step 6: Write a brief rationale on why you chose the methods to collect and analyze data respectively
You need to describe methods employed in your methodology section. State reasons why you chose those methods above, and provide information about any perceived weaknesses these methods might possess. Also, write a general evaluation of all techniques selected throughout the dissertation.
Step 7: Outline any limitations to your research methods and how to solve them
Obstacles are common in many forms of academic research. You should state challenges faced during the methodology stage of your dissertation. This section is optional and you can place it in the general limitations you encountered while writing your dissertation.
Tips to Write a Killer Methodology in Your Dissertation
Be descriptive
You should give reasons why you chose to use particular methods in your methodology section. Resorting to naming the methods along won’t work – it’s best to offer simple descriptions of each technique.
Writing the methodology correctly ensures you provide readers information about why and how you used the chosen techniques.
Outline and document all details carefully
Ensure you keep tabs on your methodology by taking notes of techniques used during your research phase. Documenting methods used mid-research ensures you represent your methodology in better terms after gathering and analyzing relevant information.
Always relate methods in this section to your research questions
Your methodology section isn’t disconnected from earlier parts of your dissertation. The dissertation should show why it is the best approach to answer your research questions and solve stated problems.
Cite sources properly
Your methodology could get vital backing from citing references about existing studies with the same methods.
Citing relevant authors in your methodology ensures you followed accepted research practices in your methodology. It also provides an opportunity to discuss how you decided on your approach to address flaws or gaps in previous literature.
Structure the methodology properly
The methodology section should be properly structured and written clearly. It should address your readers correctly and ensure they get better understanding of your methods.
Your methodology section should not appear as a mere list of procedures but a link to understand how your dissertation arrives at its conclusion(s).
FAQs
1. Where does the methodology go in a dissertation?
In dissertations, the methodology section appears immediately after your review of related literature. This section usually precedes the results and conclusion parts of dissertations.
2. Are there differences between the methodology and methods used in a dissertation?
There are differences between the methodology of a dissertation and methods used in the section.
Methodology refers to the general strategy your research adopts to get results from information. Methods; however, are procedures used to achieve the methodology of your dissertation.
3. Do I need to conduct validity and reliability tests for all data through the methodology section?
You may need to carry out validity and reliability tests for data in the methodology section. The validity and reliability tests helps students confirm if data collected for research will provide reliable results.
Final Word
Properly describing the methodology and applying it to your dissertation is essential to score full marks for your essay. You will be able to present better findings when your research is based on an appropriate methodology.
The methodology in your dissertation should clearly explain techniques used. It should also show a direct link to how you arrived at your findings and conclusion(s). Well-written methodologies describe all strategies employed to present your case in simplistic form to help most readers understand easily. Follow the steps in this guide to draft a proper methodology in your dissertation and guarantee academic excellence without hassle!