One of the major parts of a dissertation is the methodology. At the same time, because of the emphasis that scholars have put on this particular section, this is the most difficult section. A methodology is generally used to educate the public about the methods used in the research and to introduce and explain the tools used to collect data. This section requires in most cases a great deal of research and attention to detail. It needs to explain why you did and how you did it. Its fundamental objective is to convince the public that your approach is the correct one and leads to precise results. Below are tips on how to write a dissertation methodology:
- Go through Samples of Other Dissertations
Take a look into other dissertations to get a clear picture of what you should do in your methodology chapter. Choose the best theses on your subject or at least some related theses. You will gain a more accurate idea by examining such samples of your methodology.
Thesis samples can give you a key source – precedence, for your methodology. You can compare your project with the subject by examining relevant methodologies. Adopting other methods gives you authority and relevance in your research.
- Outline the Research Approach
What is the approach of your research? Before the methodology is developed, determine this. You will only spin in an endless circle otherwise.
Research approaches include three categories: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Which is the best for your investigation?
- Quantitative research uses statistics and numerical data as its core
- Qualitative research focuses on meanings and subjectivity
- Mixed-methods research combines the qualitative and quantitative approach
Choosing the wrong approach can lead to a badly researched topic, so make sure that you consider your approach in detail. This is what the dissertation methodology section serves for – to prove that you have chosen the most reliable approach to research the chosen topic.
- Be Descriptive
As descriptive as possible, your methodology should be. Try to break down the processes of research, explain data analysis step by step and talk thoroughly about each step. This helps the reader to understand how you came to the dissertation findings.
Not everything. All your choices must also be justified because the data itself is not really reliable. Provide a lot of detail on why you decided to use the methods, etc. You have chosen that approach. In the methodology section, if you answer all these questions, the reading process is much easier for the audience.
- Know Your Limitations
You must know the strengths and limitations of the paper if you wish to create a quality dissertation. These limitations should be presented to the audience by the methodology section.
Don’t just miss out on resources. Discuss all kinds of limitations, including those resulting from a deliberate choice or human mistake. Furthermore, consider ethics and try to meet your expected ethical standards. In other words, without consent from all participants, you cannot use information.
In this part of your dissertation, these considerations should also be documented.
- Define Your Research Questions
You should describe the instrument for answers to all research questions from your methodology section. Therefore, before you begin to explain the methodology to answer these questions you have to define. If your methodology is incomplete and unclear, you do not complete this step correctly.
- Keep the Section Concise and Clear
As an informed writer who has a specific purpose and a wide understanding of the subject, you should present the methodology section. In order to do this, try and write clear, concise phrases that speak directly to your mind.
You don’t use poetic language in your methodology section. This is one of the key components of research and should concurrently and clearly provide all relevant information.
- Use the Proper Sampling Techniques
If you don’t pay enough attention, sampling can be very complex. For your research, the size and the techniques used to collect samples are important, so you should focus on selecting a technology that fits your approach best.
You are ready to write your dissertation methodology now that you know all of these tricks. Remember that dissertation methodology is extremely important, so spend your time to ensure it is perfect.