Methodology Introduce the overall methodological approach. Indicate how the approach fits the...
-
Upload
jane-sutton -
Category
Documents
-
view
242 -
download
0
Transcript of Methodology Introduce the overall methodological approach. Indicate how the approach fits the...
Methodology
Introduce the overall methodological approach. Indicate how the approach fits the overall research
design. Describe the specific methods of data collection. Explain how you intend to analyze and interpret your
results (i.e. statistical analysis, theoretical framework). If necessary, provide background and rationale for
unfamiliar methodologies. Address potential limitations.
Three major aspects
Methods of collection of data Validation of Procedures Methods of Analysis of Data
Objectives of study
Measurable outcomes Determine the methods Tangible Concrete Achievable within specific time
Types of Objectives
Behavioral : human action Performance: Time frame Process: manner/method Product: Results
Writing the objectives
Research Design: PrespectiveQualitativeQuantitativeExperimentalCase study
Objectives : Hypotheses
Relationship predicted between independent and dependent variables
Brief , single and Direct
Conceptual and operational Definition Important Concepts Operational Definitions: what variables are
included Key terms defined should be relatively
new Define in terms of your interpretation and
how it is used in your research
Sample
Sample design Size of sample Sample distribution with reference to
variables
Data Collection
Step by step procedure Mathematical modeling Pilot project Pretesting Validation
Tips on Drafting Methodology Break down your methodology into subsections.
For technology these sections may include subjects, design, apparatus, instrumentation, process, analysis, etc.
For survey based system these sections may include selection of participants, interview process, profiles, interpretive and analytic framework, methods of qualitative analysis, etc.
For objectives these sections may include scholarly research, archival research, theoretical orientation, etc.
methods section may also require supporting literature. Anticipate and pre-empt the audience’s methodological
concerns. Acknowledge major problems. Justify your approach by showing how benefits outweigh
potential problems.
Pattern of organization of content Logical order Chronological order Content separately for each research
question raised Various research methods used
Significance/Implications
Discuss the methodological, substantive, and/or theoretical contribution.
State the practical and/or theoretical importance of the problem and/or objectives of your study.
Explain the usefulness or benefits of the study to both the outside world and the research community.
Results and discussions
Most important chapter Result is series of statement of facts
based on the systematically analyzed and tabulated data
Discussion is an explanation and justification to the observed relationships on the basis of past research
Results and Discussions
Must be dealt as single unit Else it will be repetitive in nature Allows for conceptual development of
chapter Scholars more often fail to discuss the
result
Results
Present the data completely Present the data in terms of problem Present only the relevant findings Contain statstical summaries Analysis of data collected Logical division as per parameters Distinguish between primary focus of work
and ancillary parts
Results
Use of tables and graphs
Styles of organizing the chapter
Style 1: according to variables Style2 : as per objectives Style 3: sequential as per testing of
hypotheses Style4 : as per research questions Style5 : chronological order Style6 : method of research
Dos for results
Exploit the data fully Keep the reader oriented to the progress
of the result Whether data supported the hypotheses or
not Use a heading for each subtopic At the end of each section insert a
concluding statement
Don’t’s
Don’t put into writing the information which is easier to understand by graph
Graphs have to be explained
Visual Aids
Incorporate charts, graphs, diagrams, illustrations, etc., wherever possible, permissible, or practical.
Visual aids
Give reference to Figures Direction on reading and interpretating
complex graphics Comment upon information graph/table
conveys Broad summary of data presented
Check your presentation of results Is an appropriate organizational pattern
used Is the pattern clear to reader Are results reported accurately and
objectively Format of figure and table Unnecessary repetition
Discussion
What study means Show the relationship between facts Provide all evidence and data needed by
reader to understand what author did and found out
Interpretation of results Meaning and contextual significance
Guidelines for discussion
Interpretation of findings Relationship to previous research Possible reasons for observations Recommendations Suggestions for additional reserach
Factors for unexpected results Research Design used Selection of subjects Type of subjects Sampling error Mistakes in control of variable Defects in instruments Errors in measurement Poor implementation
Points to bear for discussion of results Compare your results with previous results Examine the factors that have caused
difference Significant correlation or lack of it should
be discussed Trends that seems to be evident Conclusions drawn from analysis
New method Developed
Description of new method Proposed solution Possible advantages and Disadvantages Financial implications Recommendations for action
What are examiners looking for?
Review of literature Is the literature
relevant? Is the review
critical or just descriptive?
Is it comprehensive?
Does it link to the methodology in the thesis?
Does it summarize the essential aspects?
Methodology Is there a clear
hypothesis?Are precautions
taken against bias?
Are the limitations identified?
Is the data collected appropriately?
Is the methodology justified?
What are examiners looking for?
Presentation of resultsHave the
hypotheses in fact been tested?
Are the results shown to support the hypothesis?
Is the data properly analysed?
Are the results presented clearly?
Are patterns identified and summarized?
Discussion and ConclusionsAre the limits of
the research identified?
Are the main points to emerge identified?
Are links made to the literature?
Is there theoretical development?
Are the speculations well grounded?
Summary and conclusions
Summary is brief statement of problem and what was done about it
Restatment of concise discussion All aspects of report are clearly presented
Functions of summary and conclusions Smooth closure to the discussion of
research findings Presents significant findings of
investigations States the conclusions reached and the
recommendations /implications that emerge
Summary and conclusion Informative yet brief Major emphasis on conclusions reached At least one substantial conclusion Logical arrangement Arguments and new ideas should not be
part of concluding section Developing theoretical postulations Interpretative analysis and logical
explainations
Implications of Research
Indicate trends for further research Directions for developmental/extension
activities, transfer of technology Suggestions to policy maker
Further developments
Progress in the area of research Relevance and potential applications Any other methodology? Any other issues? Sample size and procedure?
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL
Bibliography & Reference list
Include a working bibliography of key texts that inform your study and methodology.
Bibliographies tend to be discipline specific
Include all useful reference
Bibliography entry for books/Journal paper Name of authors Title of the book Number of edition used Number of volume used Name of the series Place of publication, name of publisher
and date of publication Page numbers referred
For website
Author’s name Title of document Volume, issue or identifying number Date of electronics publication Page numbers Name of network date of access Electronic address
Appendices
Your appendices may include Experiment Diagrams
required appendices tend to be discipline specific: know what the requirements are
Each appendix should be self contained unit