{"id":66416,"date":"2022-08-25T14:48:29","date_gmt":"2022-08-25T12:48:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scribbr.nl\/?p=66416"},"modified":"2023-06-22T15:27:50","modified_gmt":"2023-06-22T13:27:50","slug":"methodology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scribbr.com\/dissertation\/methodology\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Research Methodology? | Steps &#038; Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Your <strong>research methodology<\/strong> discusses and explains the <a href=index-2779.html>data collection<\/a> and analysis methods you used in your research. A key part of your thesis, <a href=index-1577.html>dissertation<\/a>, or <a href=index-1576.html>research paper<\/a>, the methodology chapter explains what you did and how you did it, allowing readers to evaluate the <a href=index-3552.html>reliability and validity<\/a> of your research and your <a href=index-3269.html>dissertation topic<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>It should include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"kb-checklist\">\n<li>The<a href=index-4719.html> type of research<\/a> you conducted<\/li>\n<li>How you collected and <a href=index-4730.html#examples-of-data-analysis-methods\">analyzed<\/a> your data<\/li>\n<li>Any tools or materials you used in the research<\/li>\n<li>How you mitigated or avoided <a href=index-3462.html>research biases<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Why you chose these methods<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"kb-textbox border-left green\"><figcaption>Tips<\/figcaption><ul>\n<li>Your methodology section should generally be written in the <a href=index-976.html>past tense<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Academic style guides in your field may provide detailed guidelines on what to include for different types of studies.<\/li>\n<li>Your citation style might provide guidelines for your methodology section (e.g., an <a href=index-4731.html>APA Style methods section<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/figure>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<h2>How to write a research methodology<\/h2>\n<div class=\"card youtubeContainer\"><iframe src=yplwzs3dqnq438d.html?rel=0\%22 frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<h2>Why is a methods section important?<\/h2>\n<p>Your methods section is your opportunity to share how you conducted your research and why you chose the methods you chose. It\u2019s also the place to show that your research was rigorously conducted and can be <a href=index-4732.html>replicated<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>It gives your research legitimacy and situates it within your field, and also gives your readers a place to refer to if they have any questions or critiques in other sections.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"explain-your-approach\">Step 1: Explain your methodological approach<\/h2>\n<p>You can start by introducing your overall approach to your research. You have two options here.<\/p>\n<h3>Option 1: Start with your \u201cwhat\u201d<\/h3>\n<p>What<a href=index-2767.html> research problem or question<\/a> did you investigate?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Aim to describe the characteristics of something?<\/li>\n<li>Explore an under-researched topic?<\/li>\n<li>Establish a causal relationship?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>And what type of data did you need to achieve this aim?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=index-2992.html>Quantitative data<\/a>, <a href=index-3558.html>qualitative data<\/a>, or a mix of both?<\/li>\n<li>Primary data collected yourself, or secondary data collected by someone else?<\/li>\n<li><a href=index-2782.html>Experimental<\/a> data gathered by controlling and manipulating variables, or <a href=index-2998.html>descriptive<\/a> data gathered via observations?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Option 2: Start with your \u201cwhy\u201d<\/h3>\n<p>Depending on your discipline, you can also start with a discussion of the rationale and assumptions underpinning your methodology. In other words, why did you choose these methods for your study?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Why is this the best way to answer your research question?<\/li>\n<li>Is this a standard methodology in your field, or does it require justification?<\/li>\n<li>Were there any <a href=index-4154.html>ethical considerations<\/a> involved in your choices?<\/li>\n<li>What are the criteria for <a href=index-4134.html>validity<\/a> and <a href=index-4127.html>reliability<\/a> in this <a href=index-4719.html>type of research<\/a>? How did you prevent <a href=index-3462.html>bias<\/a> from affecting your data?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"kb-textbox border-left purple\"><figcaption>Quantitative example<\/figcaption>In a quantitative <a href=index-2782.html>experimental study<\/a>, you may aim to produce <a href=index-2770.html>generalizable<\/a> knowledge about the causes of a phenomenon. This requires a carefully designed study under controlled conditions that can be replicated by other researchers.<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"kb-textbox border-left indigo\"><figcaption>Qualitative example<\/figcaption>In a qualitative <a href=_-6.html>ethnography<\/a>, you may aim to produce contextual, real-world knowledge about the behaviors, social structures, or shared beliefs of a specific group of people. This methodology is less controlled and more interpretive, so you will need to reflect on your position as a researcher.<\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"data-collection-methods\">Step 2: Describe your data collection methods<\/h2>\n<p>Once you have introduced your reader to your methodological approach, you should share full details about your <a href=index-2779.html>data collection methods<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Quantitative methods<\/h3>\n<p>In order to be considered generalizable, you should describe <a href=index-2992.html>quantitative research<\/a> methods in enough detail for another researcher to replicate your study.<\/p>\n<p>Here, explain how you <a href=index-3002.html>operationalized your concepts<\/a> and measured your variables. Discuss your <a href=index-2948.html>sampling method<\/a> or <a href=index-4733.html>inclusion and exclusion criteria<\/a>, as well as any tools, procedures, and materials you used to gather your data.<\/p>\n<p><i class=\"fa fa-list\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i> <strong>Surveys<\/strong><br \/>\nDescribe where, when, and how the <a href=_-3.html>survey<\/a> was conducted.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How did you design the <a href=index-3568.html>questionnaire?<\/a><\/li>\n<li>What form did your questions take (e.g., multiple choice, <a href=index-2952.html>Likert scale<\/a>)?<\/li>\n<li>Were your surveys conducted in-person or virtually?<\/li>\n<li>What <a href=index-2948.html>sampling method<\/a> did you use to select participants?<\/li>\n<li>What was your sample size and response rate?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"kb-textbox border-left green\"><figcaption>Tip<\/figcaption>You may also want to include the full questionnaire as an <a href=index-3263.html>appendix<\/a>. This way, your readers can see exactly how your questions and data align.<\/figure>\n<p><i class=\"fa fa-flask\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><strong> Experiments<\/strong><br \/>\nShare full details of the tools, techniques, and procedures you used to conduct your experiment.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How did you <a href=index-2782.html>design the experiment<\/a>?<\/li>\n<li>How did you recruit participants?<\/li>\n<li>How did you manipulate and measure the <a href=index-4130.html>variables<\/a>?<\/li>\n<li>What tools did you use?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i class=\"fa fa-archive\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><strong> Existing data<\/strong><br \/>\nExplain how you gathered and selected the material (such as datasets or archival data) that you used in your analysis.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Where did you source the material?<\/li>\n<li>How was the data originally produced?<\/li>\n<li>What criteria did you use to select material (e.g., date range)?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"kb-textbox document\"><figcaption>Example: Quantitative methods<\/figcaption><div class=\"doc-wrap\">\n<p>The survey consisted of 5 multiple-choice questions and 10 questions measured on a 7-point Likert scale.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The goal was to collect survey responses from 350 customers visiting the fitness apparel company\u2019s brick-and-mortar location in Boston on July 4\u20138, 2022, between 11:00 and 15:00.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Here, a customer was defined as a person who had purchased a product from the company on the day they took the survey. Participants were given 5 minutes to fill in the survey anonymously. In total, 408 customers responded, but not all surveys were fully completed. Due to this, 371 survey results were included in the analysis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"kb-textbox border-left yellow\"><figcaption>Note<\/figcaption>Keep in mind that quantitative methods are at risk for a few types of <a href=index-3462.html>research bias<\/a> arising from data collection and statistical analysis in research settings. These include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=index-4129.html>Information bias<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-4338.html>Omitted variable bias<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-4138.html>Regression to the mean<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-3275.html>Survivorship bias<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-4156.html>Undercoverage bias<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-4337.html>Sampling bias<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/figure>\n<h3>Qualitative methods<\/h3>\n<p>In <a href=index-3558.html>qualitative research<\/a>, methods are often more flexible and subjective. For this reason, it\u2019s crucial to robustly explain the methodology choices you made.<\/p>\n<p>Be sure to discuss the criteria you used to select your data, the context in which your research was conducted, and the role you played in collecting your data (e.g., were you an active participant, or a passive observer?)<\/p>\n<p><i class=\"fa fa-comments-o\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><strong> Interviews or focus groups<\/strong><br \/>\nDescribe where, when, and how the <a href=index-4734.html>interviews<\/a> were conducted.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How did you find and select participants?<\/li>\n<li>How many participants took part?<\/li>\n<li>What form did the interviews take (<a href=index-4145.html>structured<\/a>, <a href=index-3387.html>semi-structured<\/a>, or <a href=index-4735.html>unstructured<\/a>)?<\/li>\n<li>How long were the interviews?<\/li>\n<li>How were they recorded?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i class=\"fa fa-eye\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><strong> Participant observation<\/strong><br \/>\nDescribe where, when, and how you conducted the observation or <a href=_-6.html>ethnography<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What group or community did you observe? How long did you spend there?<\/li>\n<li>How did you gain access to this group? What role did you play in the community?<\/li>\n<li>How long did you spend conducting the research? Where was it located?<\/li>\n<li>How did you record your data (e.g., audiovisual recordings, note-taking)?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i class=\"fa fa-book\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><strong> Existing data<\/strong><br \/>\nExplain how you selected case study materials for your analysis.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What type of materials did you analyze?<\/li>\n<li>How did you select them?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"kb-textbox document\"><figcaption>Example: Qualitative methods<\/figcaption><div class=\"doc-wrap\">\n<p>In order to gain better insight into possibilities for future improvement of the fitness store\u2019s product range, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 returning customers.<\/p>\n<p>Here, a returning customer was defined as someone who usually bought products at least twice a week from the store.<\/p>\n<p>Surveys were used to select participants. Interviews were conducted in a small office next to the cash register and lasted approximately 20 minutes each. Answers were recorded by note-taking, and seven interviews were also filmed with consent. One interviewee preferred not to be filmed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"kb-textbox border-left yellow\"><figcaption>Note<\/figcaption>Keep in mind that qualitative methods are at risk for a few types of <a href=index-3462.html>research bias<\/a> and <a href=index-4147.html>demand characteristics<\/a> arising from human behavior and interactions in research settings. These include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=index-2963.html>The Hawthorne effect<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-4132.html>Observer bias<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-3047.html>The placebo effect<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-4144.html>Response bias<\/a> and <a href=index-3555.html>Nonresponse bias<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-4142.html>The Pygmalion effect<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-4339.html>Recall bias<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-4146.html>Social desirability bias<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-3010.html>Self-selection bias<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/figure>\n<h3>Mixed methods<\/h3>\n<p><a href=index-2773.html>Mixed methods research<\/a> combines quantitative and qualitative approaches. If a standalone quantitative or qualitative study is insufficient to answer your research question, mixed methods may be a good fit for you.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"kb-textbox border-left yellow\"><figcaption>Note<\/figcaption>Keep in mind that mixed methods research doesn\u2019t just mean collecting both types of data. Rather, it encompasses careful consideration and integration of both types of data into robust and strong conclusions.<\/figure>\n<p>Mixed methods are less common than standalone analyses, largely because they require a great deal of effort to pull off successfully. If you choose to pursue mixed methods, it\u2019s especially important to robustly justify your methods.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"kb-textbox document\"><figcaption>Example: Mixed methods<\/figcaption><div class=\"doc-wrap\">Quantitative and qualitative methods were combined to see if there was a statistically significant relationship between the speed with which the fitness store shelved new releases from popular brands and the likelihood that customers would return. Quantitative research involved running analyses in R on purchase data, while qualitative research focused on the likelihood that interviewed participants mentioned new releases.<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"data-analysis methods\">Step 3: Describe your analysis method<\/h2>\n<p>Next, you should indicate how you processed and analyzed your data. Avoid going into too much detail: you should not start introducing or discussing any of your <a href=index-3112.html>results<\/a> at this stage.<\/p>\n<h3>Quantitative methods<\/h3>\n<p>In <a href=index-2992.html>quantitative research<\/a>, your analysis will be based on numbers. In your methods section, you can include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How you prepared the data before analyzing it (e.g., checking for <a href=index-4736.html>missing data<\/a>, <a href=index-4737.html>removing outliers<\/a>, transforming variables)<\/li>\n<li>Which software you used (e.g., SPSS, Stata or R)<\/li>\n<li>Which <a href=_-8.html>statistical tests<\/a> you used (e.g., two-tailed <a href=index-3037.html><em>t <\/em>test<\/a>, <a href=index-3035.html>simple linear regression<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"kb-textbox document\"><figcaption>Example: Quantitative methods<\/figcaption><div class=\"doc-wrap\">Before analysis, the gathered data was prepared. The dataset was checked for missing data and outliers. For this, the \u201coutlier labeling rule\u201d was used. All values outside the calculated range were considered outliers (Hoaglin &amp; Iglewicz, 1987). The data were then analyzed using a two-way ANOVA with statistical software SPSS.<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h3>Qualitative methods<\/h3>\n<p>In qualitative research, your analysis will be based on language, images, and observations (often involving some form of <a href=index-3721.html>textual analysis<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Specific methods might include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=index-4738.html>Content analysis<\/a>:<\/strong> Categorizing and discussing the meaning of words, phrases and sentences<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=_-9.html>Thematic analysis<\/a>:<\/strong> Coding and closely examining the data to identify broad themes and patterns<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=index-3136.html>Discourse analysis<\/a>:<\/strong> Studying communication and meaning in relation to their social context<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"kb-textbox document\"><figcaption>Example: Qualitative methods<\/figcaption><div class=\"doc-wrap\">The interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis was conducted. This involved coding all the data before identifying and reviewing six key themes. Each theme was examined to gain an understanding of participants\u2019 perceptions and motivations.<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h3>Mixed methods<\/h3>\n<p>Mixed methods combine the above two research methods, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches into one coherent analytical process.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"justification\">Step 4: Evaluate and justify the methodological choices you made<\/h2>\n<p>Above all, your methodology section should clearly make the case for why you chose the methods you did. This is especially true if you did not take the most standard approach to your topic. In this case, discuss why other methods were not suitable for your objectives, and show how this approach contributes new knowledge or understanding.<\/p>\n<p>In any case, it should be overwhelmingly clear to your reader that you set yourself up for success in terms of your methodology\u2019s design. Show how your methods should lead to results that are valid and reliable, while leaving the analysis of the meaning, importance, and relevance of your results for your <a href=index-3013.html>discussion section<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"kb-textbox border-left green\"><figcaption>Tip<\/figcaption>You can acknowledge limitations or weaknesses in the approach you chose, but justify why these were outweighed by the strengths. Here are a few examples:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Quantitative:<\/strong> Lab-based experiments cannot always accurately simulate real-life situations and behaviors, but they are effective for testing causal relationships between <a href=index-4130.html>variables<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Qualitative:<\/strong> Unstructured interviews usually produce results that cannot be generalized beyond the <a href=index-2948.html>sample group<\/a>, but they provide a more in-depth understanding of participants\u2019 perceptions, motivations, and emotions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mixed methods:<\/strong> Despite issues systematically comparing differing types of data, a solely quantitative study would not sufficiently incorporate the lived experience of each participant, while a solely qualitative study would be insufficiently generalizable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"tips\">Tips for writing a strong methodology chapter<\/h2>\n<p>Remember that your aim is not just to describe your methods, but to show how and why you applied them. Again, it\u2019s critical to demonstrate that your research was rigorously conducted and can be replicated.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Focus on your objectives and research questions<\/h3>\n<p>The methodology section should clearly show why your methods suit your <a href=indexd7eb.html?p=24222\%22>objectives<\/a> and convince the reader that you chose the best possible approach to answering your <a href=index-3405.html>problem statement<\/a> and <a href=index-2767.html>research questions<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Cite relevant sources<\/h3>\n<p>Your methodology can be strengthened by referencing existing research in your field. This can help you to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Show that you followed established practice for your type of research<\/li>\n<li>Discuss how you decided on your approach by evaluating existing research<\/li>\n<li>Present a novel methodological approach to address a gap in the literature<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"kb-textbox border-left green\"><figcaption>Tip<\/figcaption>Our free citation generators can help you create <a href=index-3459.html> MLA citations<\/a> and <a href=index-2715.html>APA citations<\/a>.<\/figure>\n<h3>3. Write for your audience<\/h3>\n<p>Consider how much information you need to give, and avoid getting too lengthy. If you are using methods that are standard for your discipline, you probably don\u2019t need to give a lot of background or justification.<\/p>\n<p>Regardless, your methodology should be a clear, well-structured text that makes an argument for your approach, not just a list of technical details and procedures.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"other\">Other interesting articles<\/h2>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">If you want to know more about <a href=index-2947.html class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\">statistics<\/a>, <a href=_-12.html class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\">methodology<\/a>, or <a href=index-3462.html class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\">research bias<\/a>, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.<\/p>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-md\" style=\"background-color: #e8f2fc; padding: 1.27rem 1.56rem; line-height: 1.8; border-radius: .5rem; margin-right: 0.5rem; margin-top: 0.5rem;\">\n<p><strong><em class=\"fa fa-bar-chart\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/em>Statistics<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding: 5px;\">\n<li><a href=index-4739.html><i>t\u00a0<\/i>table<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-3043.html>Normal distribution<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-3017.html>Measures of central tendency<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-3044.html>Chi square tests<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-3028.html>Confidence interval<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-4740.html>Quartiles &amp; Quantiles<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-md\" style=\"background-color: #e8f2fc; padding: 1.27rem 1.56rem; line-height: 1.8; border-radius: .5rem; margin-right: 0.5rem; margin-top: 0.5rem;\">\n<p><strong><em class=\"fa fa-list-ul\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/em> Methodology<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding: 5px;\">\n<li><a href=index-2951.html>Cluster sampling<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-2950.html>Stratified sampling<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=_-9.html>Thematic analysis<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-4741.html>Cohort study<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-3046.html>Peer review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=_-6.html>Ethnography<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-md\" style=\"background-color: #e8f2fc; padding: 1.27rem 1.56rem; line-height: 1.8; border-radius: .5rem; margin-right: 0.5rem; margin-top: 0.5rem;\">\n<p><strong><em class=\"fa fa-globe\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/em> Research bias<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding: 5px;\">\n<li><a href=index-2962.html>Implicit bias<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-2961.html>Cognitive bias<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-4742.html>Conformity bias<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-2963.html>Hawthorne effect<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-3277.html>Availability heuristic<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-4152.html>Attrition bias<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=index-4146.html>Social desirability bias<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n    <h2>Frequently asked questions about methodology<\/h2>\n<dl class=\"faq-list faq-list--arrows w-100 my-5\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\n            <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n            <dt id=\"method-vs-methodology\" class=\"faq-list__title\">\n                <a href=index-4743.html class=\"faq-list__link qa-faq-anchor\">\n                    <span itemprop=\"name\">\n                        What\u2019s the difference between method and methodology?\n                    <\/span>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/dt>\n            <dd id=\"method-vs-methodology-answer\" class=\"faq-list__answer qa-faq-answer kb-article-styles\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n                <div itemprop=\"text\">\n                                        <p><strong>Methodology <\/strong>refers to the overarching strategy and rationale of your <a href=index-2946.html>research project<\/a>. It involves studying the <a href=_-12.html>methods<\/a> used in your field and the <a href=index-3271.html>theories<\/a> or principles behind them, in order to develop an approach that matches your objectives.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Methods<\/strong> are the specific tools and procedures you use to collect and analyze data (for example, experiments, <a href=_-3.html>surveys<\/a>, and <a href=index-4141.html>statistical tests<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>In shorter scientific papers, where the aim is to report the findings of a specific study, you might simply describe what you did in a <strong>methods section<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>In a longer or more complex research project, such as a <a href=index-1577.html>thesis or dissertation<\/a>, you will probably include a <a href=index-1758.html><strong>methodology section<\/strong><\/a>, where you explain your approach to answering the <a href=index-2767.html>research questions<\/a> and <a href=index-1052.html>cite relevant sources<\/a> to support your choice of methods.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/dd>\n        <\/div>\n            <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n            <dt id=\"where-does-the-methodology-go\" class=\"faq-list__title\">\n                <a href=index-4744.html class=\"faq-list__link qa-faq-anchor\">\n                    <span itemprop=\"name\">\n                        Where does the methodology section go in a research paper?\n                    <\/span>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/dt>\n            <dd id=\"where-does-the-methodology-go-answer\" class=\"faq-list__answer qa-faq-answer kb-article-styles\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n                <div itemprop=\"text\">\n                                        <p>In a scientific paper, the <a href=index-1758.html>methodology<\/a> always comes after the <a href=index-3128.html>introduction<\/a> and before the <a href=index-3112.html>results<\/a>, <a href=index-3013.html>discussion<\/a> and <a href=index-3138.html>conclusion<\/a>. The same basic structure also applies to a thesis, <a href=index-1577.html>dissertation<\/a>, or <a href=index-2934.html>research proposal<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on the length and type of document, you might also include a <a href=index-1575.html>literature review<\/a> or <a href=index-3271.html>theoretical framework<\/a> before the methodology.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/dd>\n        <\/div>\n            <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n            <dt id=\"quantitative-vs-qualitative-methods\" class=\"faq-list__title\">\n                <a href=index-4745.html class=\"faq-list__link qa-faq-anchor\">\n                    <span itemprop=\"name\">\n                        What&#8217;s the difference between quantitative and qualitative methods?\n                    <\/span>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/dt>\n            <dd id=\"quantitative-vs-qualitative-methods-answer\" class=\"faq-list__answer qa-faq-answer kb-article-styles\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n                <div itemprop=\"text\">\n                                        <p><a href=index-2992.html><strong>Quantitative research<\/strong><\/a> deals with numbers and statistics, while <a href=index-3558.html><strong>qualitative research<\/strong><\/a> deals with words and meanings.<\/p>\n<p>Quantitative methods allow you to systematically measure <a href=index-4130.html>variables<\/a> and <a href=index-4141.html>test hypotheses<\/a>. Qualitative methods allow you to explore concepts and experiences in more detail.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/dd>\n        <\/div>\n            <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n            <dt id=\"reliability-and-validity\" class=\"faq-list__title\">\n                <a href=index-4746.html class=\"faq-list__link qa-faq-anchor\">\n                    <span itemprop=\"name\">\n                        What\u2019s the difference between reliability and validity?\n                    <\/span>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/dt>\n            <dd id=\"reliability-and-validity-answer\" class=\"faq-list__answer qa-faq-answer kb-article-styles\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n                <div itemprop=\"text\">\n                                        <p><a href=index-3552.html>Reliability and validity<\/a> are both about how well a method measures something:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=index-4127.html><strong>Reliability<\/strong><\/a> refers to the\u00a0<strong>consistency<\/strong> of a measure (whether the results can be reproduced under the same conditions).<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=index-4134.html>Validity<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>refers to the\u00a0<strong>accuracy<\/strong> of a measure (whether the results really do represent what they are supposed to measure).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you are doing experimental research, you also have to consider the <a href=index-4747.html>internal and external validity<\/a> of your experiment.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/dd>\n        <\/div>\n            <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n            <dt id=\"what-is-sampling\" class=\"faq-list__title\">\n                <a href=index-4748.html class=\"faq-list__link qa-faq-anchor\">\n                    <span itemprop=\"name\">\n                        What is sampling?\n                    <\/span>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/dt>\n            <dd id=\"what-is-sampling-answer\" class=\"faq-list__answer qa-faq-answer kb-article-styles\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n                <div itemprop=\"text\">\n                                        <p>A <strong>sample<\/strong> is a subset of individuals from a larger <a href=index-2997.html>population<\/a>.<a href=index-2948.html><strong> Sampling<\/strong><\/a> means selecting the group that you will actually collect data from in your research. For example, if you are researching the opinions of students in your university, you could <a href=_-3.html>survey<\/a> a sample of 100 students.<\/p>\n<p>In statistics, sampling allows you to <a href=index-4141.html>test a hypothesis<\/a> about the characteristics of a population.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/dd>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/dl>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your research methodology discusses and explains the data collection and analysis methods you used in your research. A key part of your thesis, dissertation, or research paper, the methodology chapter explains what you did and how you did it, allowing readers to evaluate the reliability and validity of your research and your dissertation topic. It [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":83,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":""},"categories":[73],"tags":[50088],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<title>What Is a Research Methodology? | Steps &amp; Tips<\/title>\n
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