How to Craft a Dissertation Methodology Structure? | Tips,Types & FAQs

Dissertation Methodology and Its Importance

In simple terms, dissertation methodology is the process you use to collect data and answer your research questions. It includes the tools and techniques you will use and your decisions about how best to collect and analyze your data.

Your methodology should be aligned with your research questions, and it should be clear why you are using the methods that you are using. It should also be clear how those methods will help you answer your research questions.

Your methodology is important because it determines how you collect and analyze your data. It is important to utilize a methodology appropriate for your research question, allowing you to collect the data you need.

If you choose an inappropriate methodology, it won't be easy to get accurate results. Additionally, if your methodology is not well-justified, it will be difficult to convince your committee that your research is worth doing.

Different Types of Dissertation Methodology Structures

There are many different research methodologies that you can use in your dissertation, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. Choosing a methodology most appropriate for your research question is the most important thing. Below are multiple types of research methodologies that you can use in your research paper or dissertation.

1.      Qualitative Dissertation Methodology

Qualitative dissertations are based on data collected through methods such as interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and document analysis. This methodology is best suited for research questions that seek to understand a phenomenon from those who experience it.

2.      Quantitative Dissertation Methodology

Quantitative dissertations are based on data collected through methods such as surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis. This methodology is most appropriate for research topics that aim to test hypotheses or provide precise numerical responses.

3.      Mixed-Methods Dissertation Methodology

Mixed-methods dissertations are based on data collected through both qualitative and quantitative methods. This type of methodology is best suited for research questions that cannot be answered using only one method and require the use of both to gain a complete understanding.

4.      Action Research Dissertation Methodology

Action research dissertations are based on data collected through methods such as interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and document analysis. The study topics that aim to enhance a specific practice or remedy are best suited for this methodology.

5.      Survey Research

One of the most common research methodologies used in dissertations is survey research. Survey research involves administering a questionnaire to a group of people to collect data about their opinions, beliefs, or behaviours. Surveys can be administered online, by mail, or in person. Data from a large number of individuals may be efficiently collected through survey research.

However, one potential downside of survey research is that getting people to respond to surveys can be difficult. Furthermore, people may not always answer surveys truthfully.

6.      Interviews

Another common research methodology used in dissertations is interviewing. Interviews involve asking questions either face-to-face or over the phone/video call to collect data about someone’s opinions, beliefs, or experiences.

One advantage of interviews is that they allow for more in-depth responses than surveys. However, conducting interviews can be time-consuming, and finding people willing to be interviewed may be difficult.

7.      Observation

Another common research methodology used in dissertations is observation. Observation involves observing people's behaviour in naturalistic settings (i.e., not asking them directly about their opinions or experiences).

Observational studies can be conducted in person or remotely (e.g., via video). One advantage of observational studies is that they allow for collecting detailed data about people's behaviour. However, one disadvantage of observational studies is that they can be time-consuming and expensive to conduct.

How to Choose the Right Structure for Your Dissertation?

Selecting the appropriate format for your work is one of the most fundamental decisions you will make when writing a dissertation. There are many different ways to approach dissertation writing, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

The best way to choose the right structure for your dissertation is to consult with your advisor and other experts in your field. They will be able to guide you on what dissertation methodology structure is best suited for your topic and research goals. With their assistance, you can ensure that your dissertation is well-organized and flows smoothly from start to finish.

Tips for Writing a Well-Structured Methodology Section

These expert tips for Writing a Well-Structured Methodology Section will help you craft an authentic dissertation methodology section. 

1.      Define the Research Problem

The first step in creating a well-structured methodology section is to define the research problem. It will help to provide a focus for the rest of the section and ensure that all of the information included is relevant.

2.      Describe the Research Design

The next step is to describe the research design used to investigate the research problem. It should include a description of the research methods that were used, as well as how the data was collected and analyzed.

3.      Discuss the Participants

Another important aspect of the methodology section is to discuss the participants who took part in the study. This should include information on who was included in the study, as well as any exclusion criteria that were used.

4.      Describe the Procedures

Once the participants have been described, it is important to describe the procedures used in the study. This should include a step-by-step account of what happened during each phase of the study, from recruitment to data analysis.

5.      Discuss the Measures

The methodology section should include a discussion of the study's measurement methods. The dependent, independent, and any additional variables assessed should all be mentioned here.

Summarize

6.      Summarize the Findings

Finally, it is important to summarize the study's findings in the methodology section. It should include a brief overview of the findings and how they relate to the research problem.

Faqs about Dissertation Methodology

1. What is a Dissertation Methodology?

A dissertation methodology is a section that explains how the research was conducted and how the data was collected. The methodology should be clear, concise, and easy to understand.

2. How do I Choose a Dissertation Methodology?

The best way to choose a dissertation methodology is to consult with your advisor or committee members. They can offer guidance on which methods are most appropriate for your research question.

3. What are the Most Common Dissertation Methodologies?

The most common dissertation methodologies are qualitative and quantitative research. Qualitative research typically collects data on human behaviour, while quantitative research collects data on physical or numerical phenomena.

4. How do I Write A Dissertation Methodology?

When writing a dissertation methodology, deciding which methods you will use to collect data is important. Once you have decided on the methods, you must explain how you will collect the data. Finally, you will need to discuss how you will analyze the data once it has been collected.

5. What are Some Common Mistakes Made in Writing Dissertations?

One of the most common mistakes in writing dissertations is failing to explain the chosen methodology properly. This can make it difficult for readers to understand how the research was conducted and make it difficult to replicate the study. Additionally, it is important to avoid plagiarism when writing a dissertation by properly citing all sources used.

6. How can I Avoid Plagiarism in My Dissertation?

There are multiple ways to avoid plagiarism in your dissertation. Any sources you utilize in your work should first be properly cited. Second, any direct quotations in your work should be included in quotation marks. Last but not least, avoid copying ideas directly from other sources and instead paraphrase them.

Dissertation Methodology Structure and Complete Example 

Chapter 3: Methodology

3.1 Research Philosophy and Approach

According to Saunders, Lewis, & Thornhill (2012) there are different research philosophies which can be selected to conduct a research, namely; Positivism, Interpretivism, Realism, Subjectivism, Pragmatism, Objectivism, Functionalist Interpretive, Radical structuralist and Radical humanist philosophies. The positivist philosophy (Positivism) was used in this research in line with the research questions and objectives. The Positivism research philosophy is based on collection of numerical data which permits statistical analysis therefore it helps in determining research findings which are based on facts and are determined objectively (Bryman & Bell, 2011). The objective of this study was focused to analyse the perception of professionals in the financial institutes around the world regarding the potential of bitcoin as a currency or as an investment for future. Therefore it was necessary to obtain the perception of a number of professionals in the financial institutes around the world via quantitative research using questionnaire. As per Gratton and Jones (2004: 26) stated that, “Deductive research is more generally associated with positivist and quantitative research.” As the research was intended to be completed using quantitative research and data analysis therefore it was appropriate to select Positivism in line with the literature related with research methodology. Moreover, the deductive research approach enables researchers to carryout statistical analyses, which was required to analyse the quantitative data.

3.2 Selected Methodology and its Justification 

The methodology of this research is primary which is based on quantitative research method to address the research aim and objectives. The quantitative research method was selected in accordance with the Positivism research philosophy and Deductive research approach (Gratton & Jones, 2004). The research aim and objectives necessitated that primary data is collected to analyse the perception of professionals in the financial institutes around the world regarding the potential of bitcoin as a currency or as an investment for future. However, due to limited availability of time and resources it was not possible to use qualitative research method such as interviews. Therefore questionnaire was used as a quantitative research method because it enabled the researcher to collect data from a large sample of respondents within limited time and resources.

3.3 Sampling Method and Size

A sampling method which is suitable to use in this study is non-probability or non-random sampling method. As per Saunders et al. (2011: 223), “Non-probability sampling (or non-random sampling) provides a range of alternative techniques to select sample based on your subjective judgement.” Some of the non-probability methods are; convenient sampling, snow ball sampling, purposive or judgmental sampling, self-selection sampling, and quota sampling. In this research convenient sampling method is the non-probability sampling method which was used to select the research sample. As this research is based on primary data collected from a sample of professionals in the financial institutes around the world, therefore as per literature it was appropriate to select convenient sampling to select the participants in the most convenient manner. As limited time and resources were available therefore selecting the participants in the most convenient manner was appropriate. A sample size of 60 respondents was selected based on convenient sampling, where 30 male and 30 female professionals in the financial institutes around the world were selected using convenient sampling.

3.4 Data Collection Method

Data collection method was primary as the research aim necessitates that data is collected directly from 60 employees work in the financial institutes around the world. As per Saunders (2011: 119) in positivism research philosophy the data collection techniques which can be used are, “highly structured, large samples, measurement, quantitative”. In view of this quantitative data collection method was employed in this study, where closed ended questionnaire is used to collection quantitative data from the 60 participants suggested above.

The questionnaire was constructed after reviewing the past literature and the questions were developed to seek perception of professionals in the financial institutes around the world regarding the potential of bitcoin as a currency or as an investment for future. The questionnaire was comprised of dichotomy based questions, where the respondents were asked to select yes or no answer choices (Bryman & Bell, 2011). The closed ended questionnaire was distributed online via sharing the link to the online questionnaire with the selected respondents on social media platforms. Pilot study was performed initially to evaluate the construct validity of the constructed questionnaire. As per literature 10 percent of the sample size is selected in the pilot study, and 10 percent of 60 sample size was 6 (Field, 2013). Therefore the pilot study was conducted by collecting questionnaire responses from 6 respondents on social media platforms. After ensuring the construct validity of the constructed questionnaire the questionnaire was used to conduct full-fledged study using 60 respondents (Creswell, 2009).

3.5 Data Analysis Method

The quantitative data in the form of closed ended responses was analysed using descriptive analysis by utilising frequency distribution analysis. As per Walliman (2010: 117), “frequency distribution simple shows the values for each variable expressed as a number and as a percentage of the total of cases.” Therefore by using frequency distribution the percentage of different answer choices selected by the respondents were identified, where the most frequently selected answer choices represented the opinion of the majority. The frequency distribution of the quantitative data was conducted on the SPSS and the results were expressed in tables, bar charts and pie charts. The results output tables of the SPSS analysis are provided in the Appendix section.

3.6 Ethical Dimensions 

Various ethical dimensions were covered in this research. Informed consent from all the participants was obtained to ensure that they understand the purpose of the research and they were willing to participate. Besides, the confidentiality and data security was also ensured during all stages of this research by keeping the names and details of the participants anonymous, while keeping data in password protected files and locked cabinets. The university guide was followed during the research process to avoid ethical misconducts such as plagiarism. According to Vera and Nelson plagiarism is defined as, “use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work” (2007: 65). To avoid plagiarism while reviewing the past literature the reviewed text was properly referenced, cited, and page numbers were mentioned with quotation marks when a quotation was copied from another source.

You can seek guidance from this dissertation methodology structure for future reference or contact Premier Dissertations to structure an amazing dissertation methodology section.