In writing your methods/methodology section, you should explain the methods used to gather your data and the means by which you will analyse your data.
The terms methods/methodology/research design are often used interchangeably however they often refer to specific aspects of the research process.
Methodology refers to the "philosophy or general principle which will guide the research" (Dawson, 2009, p.14).
Methods are the specific process by which data is collected. The chosen research method is the tool by which information is gathered, for example, a survey questionnaire or experiment procedure.
Research design includes things such as methods, sampling, recruitment of participants, ethical considerations and data analysis. This is how researchers turn "research questions into projects" (Robson and McCartan, 2016, p.71).
Different subjects will require a different focus on each, with some research traditions and philosophies being so central to the subject itself that there is no requirement to address them in the dissertation. It is important that you use the terminology which is consistent to your area of study. Please check your dissertation guidance for your specific requirements.
It is important to keep in mind the purpose of your methods/methodology section.
Within this section, your reader will want to know
This can be visualised using the graphic below from Punch (2006, p.44) which will be the central thread of your methods section:
Your methods or methodology section should demonstrate to the reader how your research was conducted so they can evaluate the justification for, and suitability of, your decisions. This can also ensure that your research can be recreated if necessary (O'Siochru, 2022).
In writing your chapter, you may wish to include subheadings to guide your reader through the chapter, for example, design; participants; materials; procedure; ethics (O'Siochru, 2022).
The dissertation templates provide some suggestions as to how you may wish you structure your methodology chapter.
Ethics are an important consideration in your dissertation as they provide the framework within which research is carried out.
The ethical considerations of your dissertation research may be explored within your methodology section to demonstrate your awareness of broader ethical considerations as well as the specific ethical guidelines of the professional or governing body for your subject area. Please refer to your dissertation guidelines for your course specific requirements.
Biggam, J. (2021) Succeeding With Your Master's Dissertation: A Step by Step Handbook. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill.
Dawson, C. (2009) Introduction to Research Methods. 4th Edition. Oxford: How to Books Ltd.
O'Siochru, C. (2023) A Student Guide to Writing Research Reports, Papers, Theses and Dissertations. London: Routledge.
Punch, K. (2006) Developing Effective Research Proposals. 2nd Edition. London: SAGE.
Robson, C. and McCartan, K. (2016) Real World Research. 4th Edition. Chichester: Wiley.
Scribbr (2020) How to Write a Research Methodology in 4 Steps. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yplWZs3dqNQ. (Accessed: 3 August 2024).