Importance Of Methodology Chapter In Dissertation – How Long It Should Be?

Research methodology is one section of the dissertation that includes information and explanation related to different techniques, methods and strategies. Also, the research tools and instruments are explained in the research methodology section. In simple words, it is the whole process in which you have to carry out research. Based on its importance, this article aims to discuss the methodology chapter in dissertation.

What Are Methodology Approaches In A Dissertation?

The best dissertation writers have shared the following methodology approaches to use in the dissertation:

Qualitative Methods:

The qualitative research method includes non-numeric data, which works well to get insights into a problem. This research method aims to work for causal relationships rather than processed one. It is a discipline of study and objective of research that decides if there should be a qualitative method. The best use of the qualitative method can be seen in the field of social sciences and organisational behaviours.

Quantitative Methods:

The research method which works for numerical data is a quantitative one. In this research method, you have to go for statistical and numerical analysis of data. The data is obtained through different means, including surveys, questionnaires and polls. Based on the problem statement and objective of the research, you have to find the best suitable way of data collection. The purpose of using quantitative research is to generalise a particular concept among the audience. The concept can be related to a phenomenon with different variables.

These variables can be in dependent as well as an independent forms. At the time of finding a variable, you have to be very careful. It is common to observe that novel writers conduct research and the cause of failure is the wrong selection of variables. A little mistake ruins all of other efforts. With the help of dependent and independent variables, you have to build a relationship and find trends from available data. The relationship of variables decides if there will be a single measurement or it requires multiple treatment settings. For example, if you have to go for a single measurement of a subject, it refers to a descriptive research design. On the other hand, multiple measurements refer to experimental research design.

Mixed Methods:

The last research method is a combination of qualitative and quantitative. By using this research method, you can better identify and analyse a problem. This research method works well to find all facets of a problem and come up with multiple findings. Other than mixed methods, you have to focus on a single aspect of the problem. For example, your research problem has 3 aspects. If you are working on other than the mixed method approach, you cannot hit all 3 aspects. You may have to conduct 3 different types of research. On the other hand, mixed methods save your time and effort and provide you with productive results. The methodology chapter in dissertation decides which methods of research should be there.

What Chapter is Methodology in Research?

The methodology chapter in dissertation comes on the third number. After the introduction and literature review, you need to work on the methodology chapter in dissertation. This is the major chapter that sets the design of whole research. This chapter contains detailed information related to the research method, strategy and design. Furthermore, it includes details about data type, collection method and process. For a reader, it is very difficult to know about the research process without having information related to methodology.

For many researchers, it is common to work on a research gap. You can also call it a limitation of past research. In this case, it is necessary to understand the methodology chapter in dissertation. This chapter works well to guide the reader about whole process. Furthermore, you need to take care of the length of methodology chapter in dissertation. The average length of a dissertation falls between 20-25 pages.

What are the Key Elements of Methodology Chapter in Dissertation?

Following are some key elements that must be addressed while working on the methodology chapter in dissertation:

Introduction:

The start of methodology chapter in dissertation should be from the introduction. You have to define and mention the research method. Clearly mention if there needs to be a qualitative, quantitative or mixed method.

Connection of Methodology:

When writing a methodology chapter in dissertation, you have to develop connections between the selected research method and design. For example, you have evaluated that the quantitative method will work for your research. Now, you have to justify how the quantitative method relates to the overall research design. Furthermore, a discussion should have a clear explanation that can link the research question and objectives with the methodology. Therefore, getting help from a reliable dissertation writing service becomes necessary to get it done in better way.

Instruments:

Another key element of the methodology chapter in dissertation is related to instruments. When conducting research, you have to use particular tools and instruments for different measurements. Also, the ways of data collection need explanation over there. It can be in the form of a survey, interview and case studies. The research instrument is defined in primary or secondary form. So, you have to mention which tool is finalised on what basis.

Analysis:

Data analysis is the basic requirement of any research. The analysis process depends on research methods. For example, quantitative methods facilitate statistical analysis. On the other hand, theoretical analysis is used in the case of qualitative method. That is how you need to explain the analysis process for methodology chapter in dissertation.

Sampling Techniques and Process:

This is the key element that works for data and its sampling. First of all, you have to calculate the sample size with standard formulae. With calculation, you get a defined number for collecting samples. In the same section, you have to discuss the targeted audience as well as the targeted area for sample collection. Also, you have to describe if you are collecting data through a survey, then what would be the criteria for targeting audience.

Research Gaps:

The last key element of methodology is about research gap. In your research, there would be some limitations of the study. These limitations define the boundaries for research and work as an aim of study for another research.

Concluding Lines:

The above-mentioned information and key elements of methodology define its importance in the dissertation. By understanding each element, you can better deal with the methodology chapter in dissertation.