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Let's start with the fundamental question. What is a research methodology? Why is the methodology section important? And, how to write a methods section?
Research methodology refers to the various ways that researchers collect and analyze data. There are a number of different research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as experimental and non-experimental methods. Research methodology provides a roadmap for how a researcher should proceed to answer a specific research question. It is a vital part of any dissertation, research paper, or lab report. This detailed guide will help you craft your method section expertly.
What to Include in a Research Paper's Methods Section
The methods section should include the following essential aspects:
- What type of research did you conduct? Qualitative or Quantitive?
- The methods implied for collecting, segmenting, and analyzing the data.
- What kind of equipment, tools, or subjects were used in the research?
- What is the reasoning behind choosing the methods you deployed for research?
A sound methodology section should be able to answer the above questions and satisfy the reader's need to understand the ability to conduct research.
How to write a Methods Section in a research paper?
The first step in starting the methods section is to analyze your research design.
The three most common research designs are
- Experimental
- Quasi-experimental
- Observational
Experimental research is the most reliable, allowing direct manipulation of variables and measurement. However, experimental research can be expensive and time-consuming.
Quasi-experimental research is similar to experimental research but does not allow for direct manipulation of variables. Instead, quasi-experimental research relies on naturally occurring groups or preexisting data.
Observational research is unreliable as it's only qualitative and based on observations. Observational research is often less expensive and time-consuming.
Once you are done with the observations and measurements, follow these steps to draft your methodology section.
Part 1: The Introductory Section
In the first few paragraphs, you should aim to introduce your research methodology and the approach you undertook for the study. You can start by describing "what" was your research problem or "why" you chose the specific method to answer the thesis statement.
Also, explain why your approach is best suited to derive results and deliver conclusive evidence to prove the thesis statement.
Part 2: Explain your Experimental Techniques and Data Collection Method
In the second part, explain your procedures to collect the data. There are two major types of data collection methods
- Quantitative Data Collection
- Qualitative Data Collection
1. Quantitative Data Collection
Quantitative data collection methods generate numerical data or data that can be converted into numbers. These methods are generally more structured than qualitative methods and often involve using tools, equipment, and observations.
Quantitative methods can collect data about attitudes, beliefs, or behaviours and also fetch factual information about events or circumstances.
Quantitative data collection methods include:
- Surveys
- Experiments
- Observations
Surveys are the most frequent type of quantitative data collection method. They can be administered in person, by phone, mail, or online. If you opted for Surveys for research, describe;
- How you designed the questionnaire?
- What question type did you use?
- How was the survey conducted?
- How was the target audience selected and approached?
- How many responses did you generate?
- What was your sample size?
Answering these questions will allow you to clarify your choices expertly.
Experiments are typically used when direct observation of phenomena is impossible. It is essential to explain
- your methods for experiment design.
- Which equipment did you choose and use?
- What were your control group and experimental group?
- Which variables did you tweak or control during the experiment?
Observations are another type of quantitative data collection method. It involves making systematic observations of events or behaviours as they occur naturally. In case of observation, describe;
- Which sample data did you choose?
- The reason for choosing the said data set
- Who created the data originally?
- How did you leverage it from the perspective of your thesis statement?
Pros and Cons of Quantitative Methods of Data Collection
Quantitative data collection methods have numerous advantages;
- Efficient
- Able to generate large amounts of data quickly
- Substantiate and critique the research question
- Numeric data offers multiple analysis opportunities
- More reliable and authentic
However, they also have some disadvantages:
- Potential for bias
- Human errors
- Mechanical Aberrations
- Difficult to observe and analyze
2. Qualitative Data Collection Methods
Qualitative data collection methods are focused on obtaining non-numerical information. Data is usually collected through open-ended questions, observation, or analysis of existing documents.
Qualitative data can prove vital in research by providing insights that would not be gleaned from quantitative data alone. For example, qualitative data can be used to understand people's motivations, values, and beliefs. It can also identify patterns and trends that may not be immediately apparent.
Some standard qualitative data collection methods include
- Interviews
- Focus groups
- Participant observation
When writing the methodology section for qualitative data collection methods, try to be as objective as possible by answering questions like
- Location of your target group
- Age of your target group
- Number of participants
- How rational or irrational were the interviews
- The setting in which the focus group was conducted or interviews were done.
- The mental state of participants etc. etc.,
Part 3: Analysis Methods
This section starts by highlighting the importance o data generated by observations and experimentation. Describe the most valuable methods in the literature used to analyze data in such scenarios.
Explain your data analysis approach. If you have used quantitative methods, start by explaining how you prepped and cleansed the data. How you tackled the anomalies in your results?
Explain the credibility of the statistical approach used and describe in detail the hardware or software tools you used in running the analysis
In qualitative research, you'll use words, pictures, and observations to conduct your analysis (often in the form of textual analysis).
Some examples of specific techniques include:
- Content analysis is classifying and debating the meaning of words, phrases, and sentences.
- Thematic analysis: Closely examining the data to identify common themes and patterns
- Discourse analysis is studying communication and meaning in relation to their social context.
Part 4: Reasoning and Justification for the Used Techniques
In the last part, ensure that you clearly put your case in context for readers. Showcase that your methodology is designed to yield results and geared for a successful outcome.
Practical Tips for Writing Methodology Chapter
- Define the research problem and Focus on your goals
The first step in writing a methodology chapter is clearly defining the research problem you will be investigating. Ensure that your research is focused and keep it concise.
- Choose the appropriate research design.
After defining the research problem, choose an appropriate research design. Define your data collection methods and the type of data you will collect.
- Collect the data
Write about how you collected data, the limitations of the data, positive spikes in trends, and the authenticity of the data.
- Analyze the data
Once the data has been gathered, it needs to be analyzed. It involves using statistical techniques to identify patterns and trends in the data. The analysis should be conducted rigorously and objectively to avoid bias.
- Write up the results.
Once the data has been analyzed, it is time to write up the results. This involves presenting the findings of your research clearly and concisely. It is important to remember that the methodology chapter is not a place for interpretation or opinion but rather for factual reporting of the results of your study.
We hope these tips and knowledge repository will make you adept at how to write a methods section. Consider following suggestions for further in-depth resources
