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Methodology refers to thechoice and use of particular strategies and tools for data gathering andanalysis. Some methodologies embrace both data gathering and analysis, such ascontent analysis, ethnography and semiotic analysis. Others apply eitherto gathering or analyzing data (though the distinction is often not clear-cut):
There are many varieties ofeach methodology and the specific methodological tools you are adopting must bemade open in your . Interviews, for instance, are often categorized as'structured', 'semi-structured' or 'open-ended'. You should mention which otherrelated studies cited in your literature review have employed the samemethodology.
The section on methodologyshould include a justification for the choice of methodology for datagathering and for data analysis for your .In the justification you should consider what alternative methodological toolsmight have been employed (particularly those which related studies haveemployed), together with their advantages and limitations for the presentpurpose. For instance;? Why did you choose to undertake interviews? Why open-endedinterviews? Why did you opt for audio-recording (for instance)? Refer to arelevant study which approached interviews in a similar way. Cite a reputablestudy which selected participants on a similar basis. On what basis did youchoose your participants (that they were friends of yours with time on theirhands is not an adequate justification!). If there are any obvious segments ofthe population which are not represented within your sample why is this?Where class, age, gender and/or ethnicity is likely to be involved in thephenomenon you are studying then make sure that your sample is demographicallyappropriate. What limitations of your sample should your readers be alerted to?
Your choice ofmethodologies should be related to the theoretical framework outlined earlier.