Summary of the highlight points
The methodology is a philosophical stance that gives research direction and informs the style a researcher will adopt in a particular study. According to Mackenzie and Knipe (2006), the section determines the research study design. The design constitutes a series of interrelated elements that are sequential in nature. Methodology is the chapter 3 of a dissertation that reports what a researcher has already done. The section explains how a researcher has gone about designing and conducting the study accompanied with supporting evidence for decision and choices made ( Mackenzie & Knipe, 2006) . The chapter describes the rationale for the research approach, sample and population drawn, type of information needed, how a researcher designed the study, data collection methods and the theoretical basis of data gathering. The section also recapitulates on issues of trustworthiness, data analysis, synthesis and limitations of the study.
The problem and purpose statements determines the research methodology. The two sets direction and goals for analysis and discussion of the study. The goal is usually to determine the most appropriate method that meets the needs of the study. Types of methodologies can either be mixed study, case study, qualitative, quantitative, ethnography or phenomenology ( Marczyk, DeMatteo & Festinger, 2005) . The choice of methodology is determined by demands of the research study. The researcher ought to make an upfront disclosure of the methodological approach that will be adopted. It is essential to discuss with a supervisor and explore different methodological areas to enable readers understand the logic and justification of the selected method. Researchers should avoid the simplistic and irrelevant investigation by only discussing the pros and cons of the method chosen ( Newman, Benz & Ridenour, 1998) . In the methodology chapter, the researcher ought to answer the how, why and what questions. The responses tells the reader how a researcher is approaching the study and why the selected method is the most appropriate. The researcher should point other methods that could have been used and why they were not selected in the study. The methodology chapter explains procedures that will be utilized in gathering data. The methodology ought to be justified based on the literature review and the theoretical framework upon which the study is based.
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The methodology adopts two principles; epistemology and ontology in development of a research study. Epistemology focuses on how a researcher will go about finding the truth and getting the required information ( Noor, 2008) . Ontology relates to the actual research objects, areas a researcher intends to explore and the object targeted by the research questions. There exists two major approaches on how methodological paradigms work; positivist and interpretivism or naturalism ( Marczyk et al., 2005) . Positivism is the science of undertaking experiments by setting up and testing hypothesis in an experimental environment. Interpretivism approach is usually explorative and contains strategies such as observation or filed work.
Major parts of the methodology include, introduction, research sample, research design, data collection and analysis, ethical consideration, issues of trustworthiness, limitations and chapter summary. As ZieneMottiar (2011) posits, the introduction summarizes the results from the literature review and concludes with a research question or hypothesis. The introductory paragraph states purpose, research questions and a brief overview of the study. A researcher should also address the conceptual design or research planning. First, the researcher ought to introduce methods or instruments and justify why they have been selected. Second, the researcher ought to talk about participants chosen and give compelling reasons for selecting the subjects. As Lentz (2011), explains, if variables are introduced, the researcher should explain the possible impact that the factors have on the research process and data gathering. The next phase in the methodology discusses the pilot study. The segment addresses possible changes, implications, details of data collection, importance and limitations. The last part in methodology summarizes the findings, theories, source of methods chosen, impact on further study and analysis of data (ZieneMottiar, 2011). Critical questions that ought to be addressed are; what was done, how it was done, why the specific approach was selected, participants, instruments used, how data was collected and collated.
The methodology also addresses the ethical aspect of research. To satisfy the ethical requirements, the research ought to have been approved by the ethics committee of a student’s faculty. Consent should have been granted by participants. The researcher should adhered to the ethical guidelines of the department or the vital organization. The researcher is supposed to point out whether there were issues at some point and how they were dealt with to ensure an ethical research ( Larsson, 2010) . Chapter three also addresses issues of trustworthiness such as transferability, credibility and dependability. A researcher must also indicate the potential implications of the study and the strategies employed in fostering the research trustworthiness. As Larsson (2010) explain, in the limitations section, a researcher cites potential constraints and enumerates realistic remedies to resolve them. The limitations must explicitly acknowledge inherent problems in the qualitative research and the challenges specific to the particular study. The culmination of the chapter entail tying the presented elements and highlighting important points in a concise and precise way.
Reflection/Observation
I have acquired new knowledge that chapter three of a dissertation constitutes components such as participants, data analysis, data collection procedures, strategies of inquiry, ethical considerations and limitations. An additional insight that has been imparted is the need to frame the methodology in past tense. The participants comprise the target population and the sample adopted in generalization of the target subjects ( Kothari, 2004) . The section discuses information such as the demographic data, procedures for selecting sample and the justification for the sampling procedures. I have learned that a researcher can use sampling techniques such as purposive sampling and opportunistic sampling. One critical observation I have made is the need to seek qualitative permissions from participants prior to conducting interviewing or issuing questionnaires. The ethical consideration segment is therefore vital in ensuring protection of participants in a research study (Fischler, n.d). Additionally, the procedure section in the methodology is based on the research questions. The segment introduces the research design and data collection based on questions of interest. Importantly, I have learned that the data collection procedure should discuss the participants, setting, events and the process within the research setting.
Data can be collected through interviews, audio, visual materials, observation or open ended surveys. I have observed and taken note that interviews can either be structured, unstructured or semi-structured. Instruments in the methodology chapter measure the variables identified in the research study. Additional important information which a researcher should consider addressing include validity and reliability of instruments and other salient information such as scale and subscales ( Camic, Rhodes & Yardley, 2003 and Chapter 3 ) . I have made a key observation that the methodology chapter demands mind work, time and refection on the nature of research inquiry. The researcher should use an outline in presenting the methodological discussion. Chapter three is iterative and recursive and requires flexibility to accommodate changes recommended by the supervisor.
References
Camic, P. M., Rhodes, J. E., & Yardley, L. E. (2003). Qualitative research in psychology: Expanding perspectives in methodology and design . American Psychological Association.
Chapter 3. Presenting Methodology and Research Approach
Fischler, A., S. (n.d). Components of chapter 3. NOVA Southeastern University.
Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research methodology: Methods and techniques . New Age International.
Larsson, P. (2010). Reflexive methodology: new vistas for qualitative research, by Mats Alvesson and Kaj Sköldberg.
Lentz , C. (2011). Chapter 3: Research Methodology: Dissertation Writing Tips, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR3q9GNzdtQ
Marczyk, G., DeMatteo, D., & Festinger, D. (2005). Essentials of research design and methodology . John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Mackenzie, N., & Knipe, S. (2006). Research dilemmas: Paradigms, methods and methodology. Issues in educational research , 16 (2), 193-205.
Newman, I., Benz, C. R., & Ridenour, C. S. (1998). Qualitative-quantitative research methodology: Exploring the interactive continuum . SIU Press.
Noor, K. B. M. (2008). Case study: A strategic research methodology. American journal of applied sciences , 5 (11), 1602-1604.
ZieneMottiar (2011). Research Methodology Chapter, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slQNQK67WBU&feature=related .
