I am currently working on my MS Thesis. And all I can say, I am a little stuck in the methodology section. I wrote it but still not satisfied. However, if anyone can share a good practical guide for writing Methodology (soft copy) and also for statistical tests to be run (soft copy) or kindly answer to my question with a bit detail on methodology writing, I will be greatly thankful.
Below three bullets are just for an information what methodology I chose for study.
- Research Strategy: Quantitative
- Research Design: Descriptive and Explanatory
- Sampling: Random Sampling Method
How to structure methodology thesis chapter?
Is there any rule of thumb for writing methodology?
I am specially thankful to senior researchers on this forum for a guidance in this regard and those who always had an answer(s) to my questions!
Hi Zeeshan,
It may vary from place-to-place - but my long-standing experience, in a number of different 'Westernised' countries supervising thesis completions, has me advising my students the same way each time. The methodology component is the initial part that justifies/rationalises the theoretical/philosophical (more likely philosophical if it is a qualitative study) approach/framework part to the study. In the same chapter (or separate I would encourage with a PhD thesis) - what follows is the methods/design section. That is the physical 'doing' part of a study i.e. ethics, sampling, data collection and data analysis.
Zeeshan,
You would need to expand on the information you have given for appropriate feedback. For instance, are you talking specifically about how to structure your methodology thesis chapter? Where you say that your strategy is 'quantitative' - that is your paradigm approach. Where you say that your design is descriptive - that probably actually means your methodology i.e. a survey. Your sampling approach is essentially part of your design process - not its methodology.
@ Mr. Dean, thank you for your answer!
Yes, it would be one thing "how to structure methodology thesis chapter" and also I am confused because I read different things about methodology and also read papers and thesis to understand this chapter but every single time I find something that is different. Is there any rule of thumb for writing methodology?
Your reply is very much appreciated, sir.
Hi Zeeshan,
It may vary from place-to-place - but my long-standing experience, in a number of different 'Westernised' countries supervising thesis completions, has me advising my students the same way each time. The methodology component is the initial part that justifies/rationalises the theoretical/philosophical (more likely philosophical if it is a qualitative study) approach/framework part to the study. In the same chapter (or separate I would encourage with a PhD thesis) - what follows is the methods/design section. That is the physical 'doing' part of a study i.e. ethics, sampling, data collection and data analysis.
I agree with Dean! Methodology should be at the begging of your thesis explaining in depth all the steps of the thesis. Then you start materialising each step!
I agree with Dean.
When I did my dissertation, I always made sure, each subsections of the method chapter covers all the objectives of my research. Each objective may employ both quan and qual...so, you need to breakdown according to your objectives.
Dear @Zeeshan, YES, I think that the methodology should be at the beginning of your MS thesis. Here is a good paper "Guide How to Write a Master’s Thesis"! You may find time and listen the following guide about writing the methodology!
http://www.kf.vu.lt/dokumentai/Uzsienio%20reikalai/Masters_Thesis_Guide.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQFSNB-0sfQ
Formulate methodology with help of earlier similar papers and also write your how actually you did, covering all the objectives and methods used in a sequential way like a story that can be understood by any one.
Formulate methodology with help of earlier similar papers and also write your how actually you did, covering all the objectives and methods used in a sequential way like a story that can be understood by any one.
Hello,
Can somebody recommend some books about methodology or sources where I can learn about it?
The following sources/links (communications and referred articles) should be helpful:
- Azevedo, L. F., Canário-Almeida, F., Fonseca, J. A., Costa-Pereira, A., Winck, J. C. and Hespanhol, V. (2011) How to write a scientific paper - Writing the methods section, Revista portuguesa de pneumologia, 17, 5, pp. 232-238.
- Jonker, J. and Pennink, B. (2010) The Essence of Research Methodology: A Concise Guide for Master and PhD Students in Management Science. New York: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
- Kallet, R. H. (2004) How to write the methods section of a research paper, Respiratory care, 49, 10, pp. 1229-1232.
- Kumar, R. (2011) Research Methodology - a step-by-step for beginners. 3rd edn. California: SAGE Publications Ltd.
- Opoku, A., Ahmed, V. and Akotia, J. (2016) Choosing an appropriate research methodology and method, in Ahmed, V., Opoku, A. and Aziz, Z. (eds.) Research Methodology in the Built Environment: A Selection of Case Studies. London: Routledge, pp. 32-29.
- Walliman, N. (2011) Research Methods: The Basics. New York, NY: Routledge.
- How to write research methodology chapter in Qualitative research?: https://www.researchgate.net/post/How_to_write_research_methodology_chapter_in_Qualitative_research
- What major point should be covered in research methodology section ?: https://www.researchgate.net/post/what_major_point_should_be_covered_in_research_methodology_section
You can check this out, it is really helpful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQFSNB-0sfQ
I always use a retrospective approach in writing methodology part of my research. I consider the results that I would like to show in my report, the methodology should be well aligned with the results. In my point of view, methodology is nothing the methods that you have applied for finding your final results. To make a strong discussion one need to review the literature carefully.
You can follow the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6ZoCuzixao
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