Dear researcher,
In a research article, the methodology section cover mostly about the technique which is used in that research article. But what is the other point should be mention in the methodology section such as the answer of the question "why we use this particular method?" Please suggest some questions which are answered in the methodology section.
I would suggest you include:
Research questions/hypothesis (depends if your using qualitative or quantitative approach)
Theoretical underpinning - what is your ontological position, etc.
What is your sample size/make up
How did you select the sample
Participant details 0 interviewees/questionnaire respondents, etc.
How was the data was gathered
How the data was analysed
Ethical issues, i.e. anonymity, etc.
reliability, generalisability, reflexivity (again it depends on your ontological position)
I hope this is useful! Good luck.
I would suggest you include:
Research questions/hypothesis (depends if your using qualitative or quantitative approach)
Theoretical underpinning - what is your ontological position, etc.
What is your sample size/make up
How did you select the sample
Participant details 0 interviewees/questionnaire respondents, etc.
How was the data was gathered
How the data was analysed
Ethical issues, i.e. anonymity, etc.
reliability, generalisability, reflexivity (again it depends on your ontological position)
I hope this is useful! Good luck.
In my opinion are two: theoretical background and methods. Remember that methodology is not the same that methods.
Any instrumentation utilized should also be described along with any evidence of reliability and validity.
And a clear statement as to IRB approval should be included.
It may also be necessary for the researcher to explain why the approach is the best for the study under prevailing circumstances.
Agree with Steven Pattinson. the points may very as per the particular research approach you adopt.
The following sources should be helpful, particularly: the methodology chapter checklist (Saunders et al, 2009, p. 535); the research methods chapter or section (Denscombe, 2010, pp. 316-317).
- Denscombe, M. (2010). The Good Research Guide For Small-scale Social Research Projects, Berkshire, England, Open University Press.
- Perry, C. (1998). A structured approach to presenting phd theses: notes for candidates and their supervisors. Australasian Marketing Journal, 6, 1, pp. 63-86.
- Sampson, J. P. J. (2012). A Guide to Quantitative and Qualitative Dissertation Research. Educational Psychology and Learning Systems Faculty Publications, Paper 1. Available from: http://diginole.lib.fsu.edu/edpsy_faculty_publications/1/?utm_source=diginole.lib.fsu.edu%2Fedpsy_faculty_publications%2F1&utm_medium=PDF&utm_campaign=PDFCoverPages
- Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2009). Research Methods for Business Students, Harlow, England, Pearson Education Limited.
- How do you write Methodology in MS Thesis?: https://www.researchgate.net/post/How_do_you_write_Methodology_in_MS_Thesis
While talking about Methodology in research the method chosen will depend on the type of research being carried put and for what purpose and who the audience are. The major components of research methodology are; research design, population,sample and sampling technique, instrument used for the study,validity both facial and content validities,reliability and the method used for reliability, then comes the question of how the instrument was administered and finally data analysis. There is however the need for careful explanation of each of this section so that anyone reading will easily understand how the research was carried out. It is however important to note that the methodology that will in choosing the type of research design audience should be considered.
In context of Qualitative research (Area: Management), what point should be kept in mind to write the methodology section?
the theoretical underpinning of the data collection process (subjective? objective)
Data collection methods and justification,
sampling and sampling frame
What major point should be covered in research methodology section ?
Within research methodology section of thesis or article can include the following:
Quantitative Research
Qualitative Research
I suggest to to read Uma Sekaran Book( Business research methods)
The methodology section should describe the rationale for selecting the methodological approach/strategy, the justification for using the methods you have used, the description of sample(s), the description of the data analysis process, the overview of ethical considerations.
In research methodology section of thesis/ article can include the following:
Quantitative Research
· Conceptual framework / research model with hypotheses - some researchers / scholars include them towards the end of literature review section, or separate section by its own or embedded into the research methodology section.
· Research design e.g. correlational study, experimental study, groups comparisons, cross-sectional / longitudinal study etc.
· Operational definition of all the constructs / variables in the research model.
· Operationalization of the variables e.g. survey questionnaire etc. & how you adopt, adapt or develop from scratch.
· Data collection methods e.g. paper & pencil survey, computer / online survey etc.
· Sampling e.g. probability / non-probability sampling & their respective types.
· Data analysis approach - only depicting what statistical analyses to be used .e.g reliability & validity tests, multiple regression, structural equation modeling, mediation, moderation, ANOVA & justification of their use (note: no result findings included in this section whereby result findings usually is a separate section by itself).
Qualitative Research
· What research design to be adopted & its justification e.g. Interpretative, Narrative, Phenomenology, Grounded Theory, Case Study, Ethnographic Study etc.
· Sampling selection & its justification.
· Data collection methods e.g. Interview, Observation, Documents / Artifacts Examination etc.
· Strategies to ensure validity & reliability which are qualitative research oriented.
· Data management & qualitative data analysis e.g. open coding, axial coding, selective coding, framework analysis etc.
http://www.syedmazharali.com/uploads/9/7/6/9/97695052/thesis_to_research_paper.pdf
Points from my website:
(1) Methodology
(a) Research approach (Quantitative / Qualitative)
(b) Research Design (Descriptive / Explanatory / Exploratory / Experimental)
(c) Sampling approach (Probability-Simple Random Stratified / Non-Probability-Convenience, Purposive
(d) Sample with its justification from other studies (Citations for similar target groups (Students / Self-employed).
(e) Statistical justification of sample size.
(f) Questionnaire source(s)
(g) Data collection procedure (Separate Paragraph)
The CONSORT Methods-list (http://www.consort-statement.org/) establishes a set of sections:
1. Trial design
Description of trial design (such as parallel, factorial) including allocation ratio
Important changes to methods after trial commencement (such as eligibility criteria), with reasons
2. Participants
Eligibility criteria for participants
Settings and locations where the data were collected
3. Interventions
The interventions for each group with sufficient details to allow replication, including how and when they were actually administered
4. Outcomes
Completely defined pre-specified primary and secondary outcome measures, including how and when they were assessed
Any changes to trial outcomes after the trial commenced, with reasons
5. Sample size
How sample size was determined
When applicable, explanation of any interim analyses and stopping guidelines
6. Randomisation:
Sequence generation. Method used to generate the random allocation sequence
Type of randomisation; details of any restriction (such as blocking and block size)
Allocation concealment mechanism. Mechanism used to implement the random allocation sequence (such as sequentially numbered containers), describing any steps taken to conceal the sequence until interventions were assigned
Implementation. Who generated the random allocation sequence, who enrolled participants, and who assigned participants to interventions
7. Blinding
If done, who was blinded after assignment to interventions (for example, participants, care providers, those assessing outcomes) and how
If relevant, description of the similarity of interventions
8. Statistical methods
Statistical methods used to compare groups for primary and secondary outcomes
Methods for additional analyses, such as subgroup analyses and adjusted analyses
Normally research methodologies are methods how you go about doing your research. It covers all activities in a research process, right from charting research design up to data analysis, and finally documenting them into a hardcover binding.
1. Identify issues to be studied
2. Search for past researches, already done in the same area/issues
3. Previous findings will give idea not only for your LR but also for your new theoretical and conceptual framework.
4. Then craft your framework, and if questionnaires is necessary/obtained try test the framework through pilot study. This will serve as an initial finding from pseudo respondents.
5. When we talk about research methodologies, i am sure you are referring to how to write (normally Chapter 3 ) Research Methods in a correct sequential manner. To make life simple, RM is arranged as simple as:
a. Research Design (Quanti or Quali)
b. Population and sampling (type of sampling,sample size and sampling procedure)
c. Research Questionnaire
d. Reliability Test
e. Data Collection (procedure and process)
f. Data analysis plan
g. Expected Findings
h. Milestone (normally it consist of flow chart and Gantt Chart of the whole research processes, expected to be done by certain timeline.)
TQ
Hello Shahbaz, this links can be useful for you:
http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/methodology
Article How to write the methods section of a research paper
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-write-a-method-section-2795726
According to Bryman & Bell, (2011) and Saunders et al., (2007) the below mentioned components need to be included.
1.The nature of relationship between theory and research
2. Research philosophy
3. Research strategy
References
Bryman, A. and Bell, E., 2011. Business research methods. Oxford University Press, USA.
Saunders, M.N., 2007. Research methods for business students, 5/e. Pearson Education India.
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