How to Write a Research Methodology in 4 Steps | Scribbr 🎓

Summary

In this educational video, Jessica from Scribbr guides viewers through crafting a robust methodology chapter for their dissertations. She outlines four essential steps: explaining the research approach, detailing data collection methods, describing data analysis techniques, and justifying the chosen methods. Jessica emphasizes the importance of replicability, clarity, and the rationale behind methodological choices, providing tips to enhance the methodology's strength and addressing potential limitations. The video aims to help scholars ensure the reliability and validity of their research, with additional examples and resources available for further guidance.

Takeaways

• 📚 The methodology chapter is crucial for assessing the reliability and validity of research in a dissertation.
• 🔍 Step 1: Explain your methodological approach by identifying your research problem and the type of data needed to answer it.
• 🔑 Step 1 also involves choosing between quantitative or qualitative data, primary or secondary data collection, and experimental or descriptive data gathering.
• 📝 Step 2: Describe the methods of data collection, including sampling methods, tools, procedures, and materials used, as well as how variables were measured.
• 📈 Step 3: Detail the methods of data analysis, focusing on data preparation, software used, and statistical methods for quantitative data, or categorization and theme identification for qualitative data.
• 🚫 Avoid discussing results in the methodology section to maintain focus on the process.
• 📉 Use the past tense in the methodology chapter to reflect that the research has already been conducted.
• 📋 Step 4: Evaluate and justify your methodological choices, explaining why your chosen methods are suitable for your research objectives and addressing any limitations.
• 🔗 Strengthen your methodology by referencing similar existing research or citing methodological literature to support your choices.
• 💡 Address any difficulties encountered during data collection or analysis and explain how these were overcome to minimize impact.
• 👍 Enhance the methodology chapter by focusing on objectives, research questions, and demonstrating how the chosen methods are the best approach to answer the research problem.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the methodology chapter in a dissertation?

The methodology chapter allows readers to evaluate the reliability and validity of the research by detailing the approach and methods used to conduct the study.

Who is the presenter in the video and what is her role?

The presenter is Jessica from Scribbr, and her role is to guide viewers on how to write a strong methodology chapter for their dissertation.

What are the four steps outlined in the video to write a methodology chapter?

The four steps are: 1) Explain your methodological approach, 2) Describe your methods of data collection, 3) Describe your methods of analysis, and 4) Evaluate and justify your methodological choices.

What should be considered when explaining the methodological approach in step 1?

In step 1, one should consider the research problem, the type of data needed (quantitative or qualitative), whether primary or secondary data is used, and the type of data collection (experimental or descriptive).

Can you provide an example of what to include in the description of data collection methods?

In describing data collection methods, one should include the sampling method or criteria, the tools, procedures, and materials used, and how the variables were measured, especially in quantitative and experimental research.

Why is it important to provide enough detail in the methodology chapter for replication?

Providing enough detail allows another researcher to replicate the study, which is crucial for validating the research findings and ensuring the methodology's reliability.

How should the methodology chapter be written in terms of tense?

The methodology chapter should be written in the past tense because the research has already been conducted.

What are some examples of software that can be used for data analysis in quantitative research?

Examples of software used for data analysis in quantitative research include statistical software like SPSS.

What is the focus of qualitative analysis in the methodology chapter?

In qualitative analysis, the focus is on language, images, and interpretations, with an emphasis on categorizing responses to identify recurring themes and patterns.

Why is it necessary to evaluate and justify the methodological choices in step 4?

Evaluating and justifying methodological choices in step 4 helps to make a case for why particular methods were chosen, especially if they are non-standard, and to show how they contribute new knowledge or understanding.

What are some tips provided in the video to strengthen the methodology chapter?

Tips to strengthen the methodology chapter include focusing on objectives and research questions, referencing existing research or methodological literature that supports the chosen methods, and explaining how any difficulties encountered were dealt with.