Methodology is a Critical Component of a Research Study
How to Write a Robust Research Methodology
Methodology is a critical component of a research or a dissertation study and one of the key chapters in the research paper. Therefore, knowing how to write methodology is essential for a student undertaking study programs such as Bachelors, Masters or PhD degrees. Methodology outlines the study methods employed in carrying out the research and reflects the robustness and validity of the study.
A sound knowledge of research methods is required of the writer and there are good handbooks to guide students of non statistical backgrounds on this subject. What ever theory being discussed within the methodology must have relevance and linkage to the study. The chapter is used by the writer to enumerate on the choices that are being made for the study in terms of research methods, techniques, etc. The methodology chapter follows the literature review chapter and therefore these two should be in synch with each other in terms of format and flow of language. Refer to the post on how to write literature review for further details on this separate subject.
Format of your Chapter
The methodology chapter can be formatted as per general essay format. It should have an introduction section, the main body and the conclusion. Within the introduction, the overview of the study, the gaps in knowledge which was identified through the literature review and the direction in which the study will proceed should be outlined. The methodology chapter will benefit from conceptual framework of your study question where a model is developed to illustrate how the study question pertains to the causal relationships between study variables.
The body of the chapter will discuss various sub topics such as research design, data collection, analysis, limitations etc. The conclusion will be a brief summary of what was discussed within the chapter. By following a logical and comprehensive research methodology format the chapter can be completed to professional standard that is expected at these academic levels.
Research Design
Research design is the section which outlines what choices you have made in terms of research methods, the techniques and analysis. This section outlines reasons for the choices and justifies these choices. Merely mentioning what you choose is not sufficient as you need to show the appropriateness and linkage between your research methodologies with the overall research study. Some of the choices you need to make include whether it is a quantitative or qualitative study and whether you will be relying on primary or secondary data sources. If the study is based on primary data, field research plans have to be designed including data gathering techniques such as surveys, interviews, observations and focus groups.
Data Collection
Data collection process includes deciding on the population, the sample size and the instrument to be used in the collection. If it’s a survey, a questionnaire is the most common instrument. These need to be tested for their validity and reliability. Seasoned essay writers will consider using well established scales slightly modified to suit the context. This is because they are already tested for validity and reliability. The chapter will be complete when the study limitations such as non response bias and confidentiality issues, and sample size etc. are discussed as well.
Robustness of the Methodology
If your methodology is written well, it will show its strength and robustness. This in turn reflects upon how sound and valid is the results you acquire by applying this methodology in the study. So educate yourself thoroughly on how to write dissertation prior to embarking on your research project
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Tags: Essay Format, How to Write Litreture Review, How to Write Methodology, Research Methodology Format
