The DissertationMethodology chapter is used to justify the choice of methods employed duringthe research project. It refers to the choice and use of particular strategiesand tools for data gathering and analysis and giving you an answer of .Asection on methodology is a key element in a dissertation project. You need todemonstrate that you understand that there are various options for conductingresearch. For this reason you will need to refer back to the notes you took inany research methods classes that you have attended, as well as text booksand/or articles on research methods for .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):
data-gathering methodologies include interviews, questionnaires and observation;
data analysis methodologies include content analysis, discourse analysis, semiotic analysis and statistical analysis.
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.
