This chapter is sometimes called Research Methods. In this chapter, you will be required to document how exactly you will conduct the research: what research design you will adopt; what will be your target population (an exact, or approximate number of all the people or things that your research will seek an opinion from); the sample population and how you will derive it from the target population (the formula or the rationale you will use); what research instruments you will use (questionnaires, interview schedules, Focus Group Discussions and observation); how you will ensure validity and reliability of the research instruments (through a pilot study); how you will analyze the data collected; and finally how you will present the findings. The last section of the chapter will be the Ethical Consideration where you will be required to explain how you will ensure privacy and safety of respondents’ data and information, and highlight the approvals you will seek from relevant bodies and institutions to conduct the study.
From the Methodology chapter, your supervisor will want to see that you have clearly thought out how you will conduct your data collection, and that you have adequately determined your target and sample populations.
Therefore, your Research Methodology chapter will be organized as follows, with the following H2 sub-titles, unless otherwise directed by your school or supervisor:
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Study Area
3.3 Study Population (Target Population)
3.4 Sampling Procedure and Sample Size
3.5 Data Collection
3.6 Reliability and Validity of Research Instruments
3.7 Data Analysis and Presentation
3.8 Ethical Consideration
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Frequently asked Questions
FAQ: What is the methodology chapter in a thesis?
The methodology chapter in a research project, thesis or dissertation is the third chapter in the document that explains in detail how the research will be carried out, the research design the study will adopt, the target population of the study, the sample population of the study and how it will be derived from the target population, the area of study, the data collection tools that will be utilized, how the data collection tools will be measured for validity and reliability, how the data analysis and presentation will be conducted, and the ethical aspects to be considered when conducting the study.
FAQ: Is methodology chapter 3 or 4?
In a research project, thesis or dissertation, the Methodology is the third chapter of the research document after the Introduction as chapter one, and the Literature Review as chapter two. Methodology comes in as chapter three followed by Findings and Discussions as chapter four, and Conclusion and Recommendations as chapter five.
FAQ: What chapter covers the research methodology?
The research methodology of your research project, thesis or dissertation will be covered by chapter three of your research document.
FAQ: What should be included in the methodology section of a thesis?
The methodology section of your thesis, research project or dissertation should include: the research design the study will adopt, the target population of the study, the sample population of the study and how it will be derived from the target population, the area of study, the data collection tools that will be utilized, how the data collection tools will be measured for validity and reliability, how the data analysis and presentation will be conducted, and the ethical aspects to be considered when conducting the study.