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Research methodology: your guide

The methodology chapter explains the “how” of your research — one of the most crucial parts of an empirical thesis or dissertation. Here are all the steps, made simple.

01

What methodology is

The methodology is the chapter that describes how you answered your research questions: what kind of research you did, whom you studied, with what tools and how you analysed the data.

Its goal: for someone else to be able to reproduce your research. That's why it must be clear, justified and consistent with your questions.

02

Qualitative, quantitative or mixed

  • Quantitative: measures with numbers (questionnaires, statistical analysis). Suited to "how much", "how many", correlations.
  • Qualitative: explores meanings and experiences (interviews, thematic analysis). Suited to "how" and "why".
  • Mixed: combines the two for a fuller picture.

The choice follows from your research questions, not the other way round.

03

Research questions and hypotheses

Good research questions are clear, focused and answerable. In quantitative research they come with hypotheses (e.g. "there is a positive relationship between X and Y").

Each question should connect to your literature and "lead" to the methodology you choose.

04

Sample and sampling

Whom will you study? You need to define:

  • Population (who it concerns) and sample (whom you actually study).
  • Sampling method (random, purposive, convenience…).
  • Sample size — large enough for the results to have value.
05

Data-collection tools

  • Questionnaire (quantitative) — closed questions, Likert scales.
  • Interview (qualitative) — structured, semi-structured or open.
  • Observation or analysis of existing material.

Whichever tool you choose, explain why it fits your questions and how you ensure validity and reliability.

06

Data analysis and ethics

Finally, describe how you'll analyse the data: statistical analysis in SPSS/Jamovi for quantitative, thematic analysis for qualitative. Don't forget ethics: consent, anonymity, data protection.

Need help with methodology or analysis? See the academic assignments service.

Frequently asked questions about methodology

Should I choose qualitative or quantitative research?

It depends on your research questions. If you want to measure or test relationships, quantitative. If you want to understand experiences and meanings, qualitative. Many assignments combine both.

How large should the sample be?

It depends on the type of research. Quantitative needs a fairly large sample for statistical value, while qualitative may need a few but in-depth cases.

Which data-collection tools should I use?

A questionnaire for quantitative, an interview or observation for qualitative. The tool must fit your questions and have documented validity and reliability.

Do you also handle the statistical analysis?

Yes. We run data analysis in SPSS, Jamovi or R, with interpretation of the results in APA style, ready for your results chapter.

Need help with your methodology?

From research design to statistical analysis — send us your topic for a free quote.

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