Research Methodology Chapter 3 | Write My Assignment

What is Research Methodology?

Before learning how to write research methodology chapter 3, one must understand the definition of a research methodology. The description will give one a clue on what it entails, and it is written. A research methodology is a section in a research paper. The segment contains a detailed description of the methods and the means used to conduct the research. A research methodology aims at explaining what techniques are being used in the study.

Additionally, it also gives insight on how the data was obtained, analyzed, and interpreted. Writing a proper research methodology is crucial because it reflects the right image of your overall research paper. So, regardless of how good your introduction is, the most fundamental judgment of your research paper is the research methodology.

What is Descriptive Research?

When writing research methodology chapter 3 in a research paper, most students are told to use a descriptive research approach. The problem is, most have no clue what descriptive research means or what it entails. Well, descriptive research is a research method that describes the features of the target group or phenomenon being studied. So, it tends to answer the question “what” about the research subject.

What is Research Methodology and Research Methods?

Although writing a research methodology chapter 3 section is straightforward, most students find it challenging. One reason for this is because they tend to confuse between a research methodology and a research method. In the real sense, these are two different aspects.

What are Research Methods?

Research methods refer to the multiple phases, procedures, steps and algorithms that are used in an investigation. All the methods that have been used in a study are what are termed as research methods. They tend to be scientific, systematic, and value-neutral. They could be experimental studies, observations, statistical approaches, analytical procedures, and so on. All these research methods help a researcher acquire a sample, collect data, interpret it, and come up with solutions. Most research methods, particularly those in scientific and business fields, require solutions that are based on collected logic, statistics, and observations. So, reasoning alone cannot help in formulating solutions to a problem. Only solutions that are acquired from experiments are accepted.

What is a Research Methodology?

Again, a research methodology refers to the systematic approach to solving a problem. It entails identifying a data collection tool, gathering information, analyzing it, and then interpreting it for relevant solutions. Therefore, research methodology comprises of the procedures taken by a researcher to acquire data and result in their findings. The research methodology aims at giving the work plan for a study or investigation.

By looking at these two concepts, it is clear that they are quite different. The difference is not only in what they mean but also in what they entail. Therefore, next time you are asked to compile research methodology chapter 3 section, do not confuse between the two.

What are the Parts of Chapter 3 Methodology?

‘What are the parts of methodology?’ ‘What are the parts of Chapter 3 in qualitative research?’ ‘How do you write research methodology chapter 3?’ These are questions asked by students who have never tackled a research paper. Nonetheless, it does not mean that those who have tackled such tasks know what is included in research methodology chapter 3. Most struggle with the research methodology chapter 3 segment of their research paper. The research methodology chapter 3 section is made up of various elements. These are what are known as the components of research methodology. The significant components of research methodology chapter 3 include:

• Introduction and overview
• Research sample
• Summary of the needed information
• The research design
• Data collection methods
• Data analysis and synthesis methods
• Ethical considerations
• Issues of trustworthiness
• Limitations of the study

Why is Methodology Important?

There are various reasons why the research methodology chapter 3 section is essential in a research paper. Most importantly, the research methodology chapter 3 section helps in discovering a solution to the problem in hand. This is because it collects data analyzes it and comes up with proposed solutions to a specific problem. Research methodology chapter 3 is also essential because it provides a researcher to choose the correct methods, instruments, and techniques to solve the chosen issue.

How Do You Start a Chapter 3 in Research?

It is common to find researchers worrying about how they will start the research methodology chapter 3 section of their study. After all, the research methodology chapter 3 segment is comprehensive and the most central part of the research paper. Here is a step by step guide on how to write the research methodology chapter 3 section:

Step 1: Explain Your Methodological Approach

The best way to start your research methodology chapter 3 segment is by introducing your overall approach to the research. So, there are various aspects that you ought to discuss in this section:

1. The Research Problem or Question

Despite having stated your research questions previously, ensure you also state them in the research methodology chapter 3 section. State what research questions you want to answer. Additionally, specify the kind of data did you need to answer these research questions. Depending on your approach, you can also begin by discussing the assumptions and rationale underpinning your methodology.

To help you develop the content for this section of your research methodology chapter 3, ask yourself:

• Do you want to address a theoretical or practical research question?
• Which is the most suitable approach to help you answer the formulated research questions?
• Does your method require justification?
• Is your plan a standard methodology in your field?

Step 2: Describe Your Data Collection Methods

After introducing the methodological approach at the start of the research methodology chapter 3, you then have to discuss the data collection methods. It is essential to give a detailed and comprehensive explanation of the research methods you used. This includes explaining the instruments or tools you used, the procedures, and other materials you used to collect data. In addition to that, you also have to specify the criteria you used to choose the samples and sources. There are several data collection methods that a researcher can use in their study. These include: 

1.      Quantitative Methods

The quantitative methods include techniques such as surveys and experiments. These methods are instrumental when it comes to measuring, categorizing, analyzing patterns and making generalizations.

Surveys

If the data collection tool one used to gather information was a survey, then one should list so. A researcher must also explain where, when, and how they conducted the study. They must tell how they designed the questions and the format of their survey questions. For instance, were they multiple choice questions or rating scale questions. Besides that, an investigator also has to discuss the sampling method they used to pick their participants. In the survey still, an investigator must tell how they conducted their survey. For instance, was it by telephone, face-to-face, or online? Similarly, how long did the participants take to respond?

Experiments

If at all one is using experiments, one must provide full details of the instruments and procedures they used. An investigator must also include in this section of the research methodology chapter 3 how they designed the experiment. If a researcher recruited participants, then one must tell the reader so. However, if they did not, they can skip this part, unless instructed otherwise. An investigator must also tell the reader how they manipulated and measured the variables. One must provide essential and comprehensive details to give other researchers enough evidence to reproduce your findings.

2. Qualitative Methods

Qualitative methods are useful when a researcher is describing, interpreting, and contextualizing individual concepts. They help the researcher gain a comprehensive insight into that specific phenomena. Qualitative methods include techniques such as interviews.

3. Mixed Methods

The mixed-methods allow for a combination of both the qualitative and quantitative methods. Therefore, a researcher can combine numerical measurement with in-depth findings.

Step 3: Describe Your Data Analysis Method 

After indicating the data collection methods, one must now identify their data analysis methods. These are the techniques one used to process and analyze the data. One should avoid going too much into details. This is a significant mistake most students make in this section of the research methodology chapter 3. The thing is, when one is getting into details, one tends to discuss even their results. Therefore, there is little to no information they will review in their findings section. There are two types of data analysis methods a researcher can use. These include:

1.      Quantitative Methods

In this case, your analysis will purely be based on numbers. An investigator must tell their readers how they prepared the data before they analyzed it. They must also inform the reader about the software they used to analyze the data. For instance, one can either use SPSS or Stata. From here, an investigator must include the statistical methods they used. It could be regression analysis, for example. Most students are not familiar with quantitative methods. Therefore, you will find them searching for an example of methodology section of research paper. Most believe that these examples can help them what to include in this segment of their research methodology chapter 3.

2.      Qualitative methods

In qualitative research, the analysis is based on images, language, and observations. When looking at a qualitative research methodology sample thesis, you might realize a specific method used. Well, there are various methods one can use in their analysis when it comes to qualitative research analysis. These include content, thematic, and discourse analysis.

Step 4: Evaluate and Justify the Methodological Choices

The last step in your research methodology chapter 3 section is to analyze and justify the methodological approaches. So, make your case on why selected these specific methods, over the others. If at all, you did not choose the most standard procedure, then you ought to make justifications for it. Similarly, explain why the other methods did not fit your research questions. A researcher must also discuss how the approach they used contributes to a new understanding. Besides that, one must acknowledge the limitations and weaknesses of their study and method. However, ensure that the justifications outweigh the flaws and weaknesses.

What are the 4 Methods of Data Collection?

When a researcher is studying a particular sample population, there are several sources of data in research they can use. However, a researcher is not limited to one method of data collection in research methodology. One can combine two or three, depending on the needs of their study. Similarly, it can also depend on the availability of data. Before looking at the four methods of data collection, one can use, let us define data collection.

What is Data Collection?

Data collection refers to a systematic process of gathering data that can help in answering various queries. The method also entails one measuring the information provided based on the variables of interest. The information one acquires must be relevant to the stated research questions. It must help in answering these questions. Additionally, the data collected can be used in testing specific hypotheses and evaluating individual outcomes. When collecting data, a researcher can choose to gather either qualitative or quantitative data.

Quantitative Data

As the name suggests, this type of data deals with quantities, figures, numerals, or numbers. The information is in this case measurable, meaning it can be expressed in any figure, or a value representing quantity. As a result, this data can be shown in numerical form to show amount, size, price, duration, length, and so on. Quantitative information is most likely to answer questions such as who? How many? Where? When? And what? Quantitative data is, in most cases collected using closed-ended survey questions. The data can be analyzed and then interpreted in the form of tables, graphs, and charts.

Qualitative Data

Unlike quantitative data that deals with figures and numbers, qualitative data tends to be more descriptive. Therefore, it entails a few numbers and figures and more words and phrases. The data is not easily measurable compared to quantitative data. In most cases, this data is collected through interview questions, open-ended surveys, or by observation. Qualitative data is most likely to answer questions such as “why?” and “how?” This type of data is beneficial in helping a researcher learn more about the sample’s views, behaviour, and thoughts.

The Four Methods of Data Collection

There are multiple ways in which a researcher can obtain information from their target group. However, a researcher must choose a data collection method that best suits their needs. Four data collection techniques have proven to be useful in the research. These include:

1. Observation

There is a saying that seeing is believing. So, observation has been proven to be an effective method of obtaining qualitative data. It is particularly essential when a researcher wants to learn the behaviour of their sample. Observation is a simple, effective, and quick method of collecting data. Additionally, the approach has minimal intrusion. Before adopting this technique, a researcher must evaluate the pros and cons of this data collection method.

Advantages

• It is the perfect data collection technique in a non-responsive sample subject.
• The data collection technique does not require an extensive or well-tailored training program or workforce.
• If the observation is straightforward, one will not require any interpretation. For instance, if you are collecting data on the number of tracks driving through an intersection per hour.
• The technique entails little to no preparation time or infrastructure, especially when you are making simple observations.

Disadvantages

• Complicated observations may require an observer to interpret the data. For instance, one ought to explain the danger element when gathering data on cars that are driving dangerously.
• This data collection method is highly prone to bias.
• The data analysis relies on the ability of the researcher to observe and accurately interpret the observations.
• Lack of direct interaction with sample subjects can make a researcher miss out on the complete picture.

2. Questionnaires

Questionnaires are standard instruments of data collection that are used by most researchers. They refer to documents containing questions that relate to the research questions. The questionnaires are administered to the sample subjects either face to face, via mail, or online. These data collection instruments have been used for a long time. As a result, they have ranked among the most popular data collection techniques.

Advantages

• These instruments enable the researchers to carefully structure and formulate the type of data they want to collect. As such, the data collected tends to be precise.
• Respondents answer these questionnaires at their convenient time. Therefore, they take the time to think about the answers.
• The reach of these instruments is theoretically limitless. They can be administered to people who are at any corner of the globe if at all, the medium allows for it.

Disadvantages

• They are prone to bias. Questionnaires without human intervention can be entirely passive. As such, a researcher tends to miss out on multiple finer nuances. Due to this, the researcher tends to interpret the responses as they want rather than as they are.
• The response rates can be quite low. Questionnaires can be well designed and even contain the right question types. However, due to the lack of physical contact, the response rates, can be meager.

3. Interviews

Interviews are also some popular data collection techniques. The interviews can be conducted when a researcher wants to overcome most of the shortfalls of the questionnaires and observation technique. This is because they help the researcher gain a deeper understanding of the concept. Additionally, they also get to understand the respondents’ answers without misinterpreting them.

Advantages

• They are very useful in uncovering rich and comprehensive insight that one may have missed when observing or using a questionnaire.
• The presence of an interviewer gives respondents more comfort while answering the questionnaire. As a result, most of them tend to be more upfront and detailed. This helps the researcher to gather more insight and have a correct interpretation of the questions.
• The physical presence of a well-trained interviewer can significantly boost the response rate.

Disadvantages

• The process of reaching out to a sample to conduct interviews is time-consuming and tiring. This may increase the cost of operations, such as the cost of administering the survey.
• For effectiveness, the interviewers ought to be well-trained. They must be friendly, have the necessary soft skills, and understand the subject matter in-depth.

4. Focus Group Discussions

Focus group discussions are, in most cases compared to interviews. However, focus group discussions tend to take the benefits of an interview to a higher level. This is by bringing together a carefully selected group for a moderated discussion on the theme of the survey.

Advantages

• Having together knowledgeable and relevant people together at the same time can encourage them to engage in a healthy discussion. As a result, the researcher gets to uncover information that they may not have envisaged.
• It is an effective method used by a researcher in corroborating facts instantly. For instance, any inaccurate answer will most likely be immediately countered by the other members of the focus group.
• Focus group discussions help researchers view the theme on both sides. Consequently, they get to build a balanced and comprehensive perspective on the matter.

Disadvantages

• The process of finding interested and knowledgeable groups of people and persuading them to come together can be challenging.
• Loud members in a focus group discussion may subdue the views of the other members who are less vocal.
• Sometimes, the members of a focus group can be prone to bias. This is especially when the case when there are significantly influential and persuasive people in the focus group. In such a case, accurate, diverse and different perspectives on the subject matter may be buried under the rag.

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