METHODOLOGY

Methodology

Overview

  • Typically the 3rd chapter of a student's research report.

  • Presents the approach, processes, and steps taken to achieve the study's objectives.

  • Explains materials used, including when, how, and the rationale for their use.

Contents of the Methodology Chapter

  1. Description of the Study Area

    • Location of the study.

    • Reasons for choosing the area, including its relevance to achieving study objectives.

    • Detailed information about the nature of the study area; includes GPS coordinates.

  2. Research Approach and Strategy

    • Research Approach

      • Basis of knowledge development: deductive, inductive, or a combination.

      • Deductive Approach: relies on existing literature and observations.

      • Inductive Approach: involves direct observations tested for practical applications.

    • Research Strategy

      • Techniques to achieve study objectives: experimental or non-experimental methods (surveys, interviews, focus groups, case studies).

  3. Population, Sample Size, and Sampling Techniques

    • Definition of the study population (entire group of interest).

    • Importance of identifying an appropriate population for result applicability.

    • Sample Size and Sampling Techniques

      • Estimate sample size; 10% of the population is typically acceptable.

      • Use of probability and non-probability sampling methods.

  4. Instrumentation: Non-Experimental Studies

    • Questionnaire: Types include structured, semi-structured, and unstructured; can be paper-based or online.

    • Interview Guide: Questions aimed at securing information from respondents; can be structured or semi-structured through various communication methods.

    • Observation Guide: Collects information via monitoring; can employ participant and non-participant methods.

  5. Instrumentation: Validity and Reliability

    • Validity: Ensures the instrument measures the intended information correctly; involves expert judgment and pre-testing.

    • Reliability: Consistency in responses; measured using statistics (Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson’s r).

  6. Data Collection

    • The process of gathering information.

    • Secondary Data: Information gathered from existing sources (books, articles).

    • Primary Data: Original data from study participants, which could be qualitative or quantitative.

    • Use of researcher-administered questionnaires.

  7. Data Analysis and Presentation

    • Data Analysis: Tools used (e.g. Excel, SPSS, Minitab) and methods for summarizing data (e.g. content analysis, means, correlations).

    • Data Presentation: Methods of presenting results, including tables, charts (pie charts, bar graphs), and textual descriptions.