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: Prespective  Qualitative  Quantitative  Experimental  Case 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 results  Have 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 Conclusions  Are 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