Methods in a Dissertation Methodology
In your undergraduate level dissertation, you will be required to write a dissertation methodology. This part of the paper is generally the most involved since it covers a number of details about the research process. In most cases, the data collection and analysis portions of the project will follow this method of analysis.
The first thing to remember before embarking on your dissertation methodology chapter is to have an outline of what you want to achieve. In this case, you are required to undertake a statistical analysis of the collected data to establish a connection between the variables you selected.
With the obtained data, you will then need to carry out a literature review to determine the sources of information you relied on in the research. Generally, there will be a few materials that you will choose to use as a basis for your research.
The strategy for conducting the research will vary depending on the kind of research being conducted. However, the three commonly used approaches when conducting research in your dissertations usually include:
- Evaluation
- Exploratory
- Interpretive
Although the exact methods used to carry out your research will depend on the kind of study you are doing, the type of data you collect will largely determine how you will go about the project. The most common types of studies will use numerical methods when dealing with quantitative data.
On the other hand, qualitative methods will also be used where you are dealing with personas or a narrative format. The relationship you establish from the data obtained will either confirm or refute your point of view.
Because some data may require qualitative analysis, you need to have a clear understanding of the type of approach you will employ. Many students will write dissertation methodology chapters without consulting their advisor.
If this is the case for you, you should make a point to ask your supervisor for a clear and precise definition of what the chapter entails. Additionally, you should do your best to ask your supervisor for a handout on how best to tackle the chapter. In such a scenario, you are more likely to find a guideline of how to go about the chapter and the key arguments that you will be trying to make.
As stated above, there will be a few materials that you will choose to use as a base. However, you are still required to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from the analysis. Otherwise, you will be forced to make critical mistakes that will negatively affect the quality of the research that follows. In most cases, these mistakes will be quite low quality, which can limit the amount of data you can collect.
As a result, you need to have the following in mind:
- Choosing a proper analysis methodology. In most cases, the various methodological approaches that you can employ will be determined by the kind of research you are undertaking. Therefore, ensure you are well-versed with the kind of research you want to undertake.
- Know the statistical concepts. Typically, the kind of statistical method you will decide to use will rely on the kind of data you have collected. Thus, ensure that you grasp the concepts and principles of statistics before you begin the analysis.
- Ensure you carry out a proper study. The data you collect in this part of the dissertation will contribute significantly to the body of knowledge about your topic. Therefore, make sure to take all necessary measures to ensure that the data collected contributes to that goal.
