Research methodology vs. research methods
The research methodology or design is the overall strategy and rationale that you used to carry out the research. Whereas, research methods are the specific tools and processes you use to gather and understand the data you need to test your hypothesis.
To further understand research methodology, let’s explore some examples of research methodology:
a. Qualitative research methodology example: A study exploring the impact of author branding on author popularity might utilize in-depth interviews to gather personal experiences and perspectives.
b. Quantitative research methodology example: A research project investigating the effects of a book promotion technique on book sales could employ a statistical analysis of profit margins and sales before and after the implementation of the method.
c. Mixed-Methods research methodology example: A study examining the relationship between social media use and academic performance might combine both qualitative and quantitative approaches. It could include surveys to quantitatively assess the frequency of social media usage and its correlation with grades, alongside focus groups or interviews to qualitatively explore students’ perceptions and experiences regarding how social media affects their study habits and academic engagement.
These examples highlight the meaning of methodology in research and how it guides the research process, from data collection to analysis, ensuring the study’s objectives are met efficiently.
When it comes to writing your study, the methodology in research papers or a dissertation plays a pivotal role. A well-crafted methodology section of a research paper or thesis not only enhances the credibility of your research but also provides a roadmap for others to replicate or build upon your work.
Wondering how to write the research methodology section? Follow these steps to create a strong methods chapter:
At the start of a research paper , you would have provided the background of your research and stated your hypothesis or research problem. In this section, you will elaborate on your research strategy.
Begin by restating your research question and proceed to explain what type of research you opted for to test it. Depending on your research, here are some questions you can consider:
a. Did you use qualitative or quantitative data to test the hypothesis?
b. Did you perform an experiment where you collected data or are you writing a dissertation that is descriptive/theoretical without data collection?
c. Did you use primary data that you collected or analyze secondary research data or existing data as part of your study?
These questions will help you establish the rationale for your study on a broader level, which you will follow by elaborating on the specific methods you used to collect and understand your data.
Now that you have told your reader what type of research you’ve undertaken for the dissertation, it’s time to dig into specifics. State what specific methods you used and explain the conditions and variables involved. Explain what the theoretical framework behind the method was, what samples you used for testing it, and what tools and materials you used to collect the data.
Once you have explained the data collection process, explain how you analyzed and studied the data. Here, your focus is simply to explain the methods of analysis rather than the results of the study.
Here are some questions you can answer at this stage:
a. What tools or software did you use to analyze your results?
b. What parameters or variables did you consider while understanding and studying the data you’ve collected?
c. Was your analysis based on a theoretical framework?
Your mode of analysis will change depending on whether you used a quantitative or qualitative research methodology in your study. If you’re working within the hard sciences or physical sciences, you are likely to use a quantitative research methodology (relying on numbers and hard data). If you’re doing a qualitative study, in the social sciences or humanities, your analysis may rely on understanding language and socio-political contexts around your topic. This is why it’s important to establish what kind of study you’re undertaking at the onset.
Now that you have gone through your research process in detail, you’ll also have to make a case for it. Justify your choice of methodology and methods, explaining why it is the best choice for your research question. This is especially important if you have chosen an unconventional approach or you’ve simply chosen to study an existing research problem from a different perspective. Compare it with other methodologies, especially ones attempted by previous researchers, and discuss what contributions using your methodology makes.
No matter how thorough a methodology is, it doesn’t come without its hurdles. This is a natural part of scientific research that is important to document so that your peers and future researchers are aware of it. Writing in a research paper about this aspect of your research process also tells your evaluator that you have actively worked to overcome the pitfalls that came your way and you have refined the research process.
1. Remember who you are writing for. Keeping sight of the reader/evaluator will help you know what to elaborate on and what information they are already likely to have. You’re condensing months’ work of research in just a few pages, so you should omit basic definitions and information about general phenomena people already know.
2. Do not give an overly elaborate explanation of every single condition in your study.
3. Skip details and findings irrelevant to the results.
4. Cite references that back your claim and choice of methodology.
5. Consistently emphasize the relationship between your research question and the methodology you adopted to study it.
To sum it up, what is methodology in research? It’s the blueprint of your research, essential for ensuring that your study is systematic, rigorous, and credible. Whether your focus is on qualitative research methodology, quantitative research methodology, or a combination of both, understanding and clearly defining your methodology is key to the success of your research.
Once you write the research methodology and complete writing the entire research paper, the next step is to edit your paper. As experts in research paper editing and proofreading services , we’d love to help you perfect your paper!
Here are some other articles that you might find useful:
What does research methodology mean, what types of research methodologies are there, what is qualitative research methodology, how to determine sample size in research methodology, what is action research methodology.
Found this article helpful?
This is very simplified and direct. Very helpful to understand the research methodology section of a dissertation
Leave a Comment: Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published.
Your organization needs a technical editor: here’s why, your guide to the best ebook readers in 2024, writing for the web: 7 expert tips for web content writing.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get carefully curated resources about writing, editing, and publishing in the comfort of your inbox.
How to Copyright Your Book?
If you’ve thought about copyrighting your book, you’re on the right path.
© 2024 All rights reserved
by Imed Bouchrika, Phd
Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist
The main aim of research is not merely to gather information. Instead, it goes beyond that. The true goal of research is to seek answers to previously unanswered questions to contribute to the body of knowledge in a discipline according to Goddard and Melville (2001, p.1). But for your peers, and indeed the whole world, to recognize your newly discovered or created knowledge, you have to show evidence of its validity or truthfulness.
Determining the validity of your study is anchored on your research paper’s methodology. According to Somekh and Lewin (2005), a research methodology is both “the collection of methods or rules" you apply to your research, as well as the “principles, theories, and values" that support your research approach. Simply put, a research paper’s methodology section must shed light on how you were able to collect or generate your research data and demonstrate how you analyze them (SHU Library, 2020).
For novice researchers, writing the methodology of a research paper can be an overwhelming process, especially considering the intricate elements covered by this section (J. Ellis & Levy, 2009, p. 323). The goal of this article is to define what is research methodology, guide novice researchers in their research methodology writing, and to help them gain a clear understanding of a research methodology’s structure.
Methodology in research is defined as the systematic method to resolve a research problem through data gathering using various techniques, providing an interpretation of data gathered and drawing conclusions about the research data. Essentially, a research methodology is the blueprint of a research or study (Murthy & Bhojanna, 2009, p. 32). As such, the methodology in research proposal is of utmost importance.
The confusion between “methodology" and “methods" in research is a common occurrence, especially with the terms sometimes being used interchangeably. Methods and methodology in the context of research refer to two related but different things: method is the technique used in gathering evidence; methodology, on the other hand, “is the underlying theory and analysis of how a research does or should proceed" (Kirsch & Sullivan, 1992, p. 2). Similarly, Birks and Mills (2011, p. 4) define methodology as “a set of principles and ideas that inform the design of a research study." Meanwhile, methods are “practical procedures used to generate and analyze data (Birks and Mills, 2011, p. 4).
To summarize these definitions, methods cover the technical procedures or steps taken to do the research, and methodology provides the underlying reasons why certain methods are used in the process.
Now that you know what is methodology in research, the next step is to identify the different methods used in research. Traditionally, researchers often approach research studies using the methodology research institutions typically use which are two distinct paradigms, namely positivistic and phenomenological (Collis & Hussey, 2013). Also sometimes called qualitative and quantitative (Dumay, 2008), positivistic and phenomenological approaches play a significant role in determining your data-gathering process, especially the methods you are going to use in your research. It is also worth noting that when it comes to primary vs secondary research methods, there are significant differences that you need to consider.
Research methods lay down the foundation of your research. According to Neil McInroy, the chief executive of Centre for Local Economic Strategies, not using the appropriate research methods and design creates “a shaky foundation to any review, evaluation, or future strategy (Macdonald et al., 2008, p. 3). In any type of research, the data you will gather can come either in the form of numbers or descriptions, which means you will either be required to count or converse with people (Macdonald et al., 2008, p. 9). In research, there are two fundamental methods used for either approach—quantitative and qualitative research methods. Even if you take the path of a philosophy career , these are still methods that you may encounter and even use.
This approach is often used by researchers who follow the scientific paradigm (Haq, 2014, p. 1). This method seeks to quantify data and generalize results from a sample of a target population (Macdonald et al., 2008, p. 9). It follows structured data collection methods and processes with data output in the form of numbers. Quantitative research also observes objective analysis using statistical means (Macdonald et al., 2008, p. 9).
Based on a report, quantitative research took the biggest portion of the global market research spend in 2018 (ESOMAR, 2019, page 27).
Unlike the quantitative approach that aims to count things in order to explain what is observed, the qualitative research framework is geared toward creating a complete and detailed description of your observation as a researcher (Macdonald et al., 2008, p. 9). Rather than providing predictions and/or causal explanations, the qualitative method offers contextualization and interpretation of the data gathered. This research method is subjective and requires a smaller number of carefully chosen respondents.
A contemporary method sprung from the combination of traditional quantitative and qualitative approaches. According to Brannen and Moss (2012), the existence of the mixed methods approach stemmed from its potential to help researchers view social relations and their intricacies clearer by fusing together the quantitative and qualitative methods of research while recognizing the limitations of both at the same time.
Mixed methods are also known for the concept of triangulation in social research. According to Haq (2014, p. 11), triangulation provides researchers with the opportunity to present multiple findings about a single phenomenon by deploying various elements of quantitative and qualitative approaches in one research. This is the kind of method that one may use when studying sleep and academic performance .
Saunders et al. (2007) proposed the concept of the research onion model to help researchers develop a methodology and construct research design techniques within the field of future studies. The characteristic of research onion model is illustrated by its six main layers, which serve as a step-by-step guide for researchers on how to write a research methodology.
The methodology section of your research paper is not all about describing your data gathering process and your analysis. The methodology is about the overall approaches and perspectives of the research process. If you want to study abroad for free and have to present a research proposal to the institution for acceptance, then you have to be able to clearly delineate your analytical methods for your study. Here are some tips as well as problems to avoid in order to write an effective research methodology. Out of these, you can construct your own research methodology example for future reference. While doing so, you can apply research methodology best practices for optimal results.
Even in writing a methodology, researchers must adhere to ethical norms to ensure trust, accountability, mutual respect, and fairness (Resnik, 2015). According to Saunders, Lewis, and Thornhill (2003, p. 131), there are some ethical considerations that researchers must be mindful of, especially during the process of gathering and presenting research data:
It’s now clear that the methodology section is where a researcher indicates and elaborates on the plans that must be put into motion in order to achieve the objective of the research. Being acquainted with research methodologies, however, does not make choosing the appropriate methodology easier. Walker (2006) states that selecting which research methodology is a difficult step in the research process. It can be confusing and overwhelming, especially for novice researchers. Even if you are aiming for a career in the humanities and social sciences , having a clear research methodology is still essential.
According to Holden and Lynch (2004), research should not only be “methodologically led" but the choice of which methodology to use should be consequential not only to the social science phenomenon to be investigated but also to the philosophical stance of the researcher. Similarly, Goulding (2002) claims that the choice of methodology should be based on the researcher’s interests, beliefs, and convictions. Meanwhile, other significant factors such as epistemological concerns must also be taken into consideration when choosing a research methodology (Buchanan & Bryman, 2007). On top of philosophical underpinnings and personal convictions, there are also practical considerations that can affect a researcher’s decision on what methodology to use, including the amount of existing data or knowledge, available time, and other resources (Ahmed et al., 2016, p. 32).
The main aim of research is to seek answers to previously unanswered questions and contribute to the body of knowledge within a discipline.
The research methodology section is crucial because it determines the validity of the study by outlining the methods used to collect and analyze data, and the principles guiding these methods.
Methodology refers to the underlying theory and analysis of how research should proceed, while methods are the practical procedures used to gather and analyze data.
The main types of research methodologies are quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Quantitative focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis, qualitative focuses on detailed descriptions and interpretations, and mixed methods combine both approaches.
Introduce the methodological approach used to investigate the research problem, and ensure the connection between the methods and the research problem is clear and appropriate.
Describe the tools and instruments used to collect data, such as surveys or interviews, and provide background information if using existing data or archival research.
Discussing the sampling process is important to explain the rationale behind the chosen sample, how participants were selected, and how the sampling method aligns with the research objectives.
Researchers must address the rights to privacy, voluntary participation, informed consent, data confidentiality, and the impact of data analysis and reporting on participants.
Potential limitations should be acknowledged and described, including how they might affect the data gathering process and why the chosen methodology was still deemed appropriate despite these limitations.
The choice of research methodology should be influenced by the researcher's philosophical stance, interests, epistemological concerns, and practical considerations such as existing data, time, and resources.
Recently published articles.
Newsletter & conference alerts.
Research.com uses the information to contact you about our relevant content. For more information, check out our privacy policy .
Thank you for subscribing!
Confirmation email sent. Please click the link in the email to confirm your subscription.
In academic research, crafting a solid methodology is crucial, acting as the foundation for a reliable study structure. It provides the framework that guides the investigation towards addressing research questions and achieving study objectives. Understanding ‘What is methodology in research?’, the components it entails, its efficient organization, and the essential steps required, is vital for aspiring academics.
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of accurately generating a methods section in a research proposal. It includes examples, insights, and strategies meticulously drawn from reputable academic sources, experienced instructors, and educational platforms.
The thought-provoking part – methodology in a research paper – acts as a guide that describes the methods of analysis, research instruments, and procedures utilized to conduct the investigation. It delineates the survey design, analysis techniques, data retrieval methods, and ethics-related concerns, crucial for carrying out the investigation. Let's say that in a qualitative survey exploring the influence of social media on mental well-being, the approach section would elucidate how data is compiled through participant interviews or assessments and examined using thematic analysis.
Struggling with ‘how to write a research proposal’? Explore how our AI-powered Aithor Text Generator Assistant transforms the process, seamlessly generating content, reviewing errors, and providing suggestions for ideas and citations. Enhance your work’s proposal effortlessly with our comprehensive tool.
In generating a research proposal, the written part for methodology serves as a pivotal element that charts the course of the investigation, delineating the stages and strategies to be employed. Let’s delve into essential elements to feature in this section.
1. Research Design: Begin by elucidating the overall academic design of your survey, whether it's a quantitative, qualitative method, or mixed. Let’s say, a quantitative investigation may employ surveys with closed-ended queries to compile numerical data.
2. Data Retrieval Methods: Delineate the specific approaches employed to compile data, comprising observations, experiments, interviews, or previously collected material – secondary data analysis. Each method must be justified based on its suitability for addressing the investigation queries.
3. Sampling Strategy: Describe the way survey participants or data samples are selected, ensuring representativeness, and minimizing bias. As an example, a random sampling method may select partakers from the population.
4. Data Analysis Techniques: Detail the analytical tools and tactics you will use to scrutinize the compiled data. This can involve various methods such as content analysis, thematic exploration, statistical evaluation, or discourse examination, based on the research queries and the data type.
5. Ethical Concerns: Consider ethical issues like informed consent, privacy-related concerns, confidentiality, and potential threats to participants. Abiding by ethical guidelines is pivotal for upholding investigation trustworthiness.
Largely, the research design outlines how the inquiry will proceed and guarantees precision and dependability in achieving its objectives.
Creating a well-planned methods section is essential for precisely managing your investigation. Curious about how to write a methodology section? Begin by clearly defining your investigation issue and the hypothesis to set a robust foundation for your inquiry.
Firstly, state the investigation problem, or query that your work aims to address. Here’s a sample: "The study intends to explore the correlation between youngsters' use of social media and their resulting mental well-being."
Express a strong hypothesis that predicts the expected connection between variables. For instance, "It is hypothesized that greater social site usage linked negatively to self-reported mental health records."
Select an appropriate methodological approach depending on your investigation design from techniques named qualitative, quantitative, or mixed.
Validate your preference of approach by explaining its suitability for addressing the queries and aims. To illustrate, "A qualitative method is selected to analyze participants' lived experiences and views regarding social media usage and psychological health."
Detail the approaches used to gather data, comprising the tools utilized.
For example, "Semi-structured interviews will be conducted to gather rich qualitative records on participants' experiences with social media platforms."
Discuss any pilot testing or validation procedures conducted for the data retrieval mechanisms.
Specify the analytical methods employed to assess the gathered data. For instance, "Thematic analysis will be utilized to uncover recurring patterns and themes in the interview transcripts concerning the usage of social media impact and mental condition outcomes."
Examine how data saturation or triangulation will be achieved to establish credibility for the investigation findings.
Offer a comprehensive overview of the ethical concerns in the inquiry, comprising safeguarding participants' privacy, attaining informed consent, and addressing potential risks.
Detail any ethical approvals or permissions obtained from relevant committees that oversee investigation like ethics panels or IRBs – institution-focused review boards.
Briefly, addressing ethical concerns and obtaining necessary approvals are critical steps in safeguarding the credibility of your inquiry outcomes. Also, stay updated on the methodology outline format to make sure your analysis proposal aligns with current standards and best practices. By precisely detailing your methodology ethics and practices, you contribute significantly to advancing expertise in your domain.
How can you guarantee that your procedures section is succinct, coherent, and easily comprehensible? Below, we provide actionable steps to guide you in constructing a methodology that elevates the clarity of your writing.
1. Clarity and Precision: Check and refine your methods section for conciseness, clarity, and lack of ambiguity. Use straightforward language and avoid words or phrases like jargon or technical terms that may hinder reader understanding.
2. Justification: Justify every methodology-based selection by explaining its rationale and relevance to your investigation objectives. For example, "The use of purposive sampling ensures the inclusion of participants with diverse experiences related to social media usage."
3. Transparency: Be sufficiently transparent about any limitations or constraints in this part, be it data collection challenges or sample size limitations. This enhances the trustworthiness of your work.
4. Validation: Discuss any validation or reliability checks conducted for your data retrieval instruments or analytical procedures. Verification improves the reliability and authenticity of your findings.
5. Peer Review: Consider obtaining feedback from researchers who are knowledgeable about study methodology to review, enhance, and polish your methodology section. Peer review acts as a helping tool to detect potential weaknesses or areas needing enhancement.
Prioritize justification, transparency, validation, and peer feedback to increase the validity and integrity of your methodology. These elements significantly contribute to the progression of knowledge in your academic field.
To wrap up, comprehending how to write a methodology section in a study proposal and eventually mastering this art is essential for carrying out impactful and rigorous studies. By following the ethical guidelines and outlined steps, and carefully organizing your methods section, you elevate the quality and credibility of your investigation. A well-designed methodology supports both your inquiry's execution and the advancement of expertise in your field. Best of luck with your research!
How to write a table of contents for research paper: a complete guide.
After hundreds of hours of non-stop working, the research essay is finished! Unfortunately, it is not the time to celebrate. That’s when you must get down to one of the least pleasant things in professional college or high school writing – a table of contents. The following article will define table of contents, discuss its purpose, and provide guidance on how to make a table of contents for a research paper. What is a research paper table of contents? Academic essays can be from 2–3 to hundr ...
Everyone agrees that school would be much cooler if there were no homework. Alas, this is an impossible wish. Luckily, no one stops us from making it fun! In this article, you will find some awesome tips on how to make homework fun. 1. Create a comfortable study space Having a separate place where you can study is very important. Sure, you might think sitting on a couch with a laptop in your lap is as fun as it can get, but in reality, it may hinder your progress. Your brain knows that the co ...
Assigned reading helps students develop their critical analysis skill, and book reports test their progress. But it is not enough to simply analyze a literary work — you also need to express your creativity while presenting book report ideas. In this article, you will learn the definition of a literary report, its purpose, and five alternative book report ideas to show off your creativity in class. What is a book (literary) report? A book report is an overall summary and personal assessment o ...
Is homework beneficial in education? It has long been a cornerstone, often sparking debates about its value. Some argue it creates unnecessary stress, while others assert it’s essential for reinforcing in-class learning. Why is homework important? The reality is, that homework is vital for students' personal and academic growth. It not only improves their grasp of the material but also develops crucial skills that extend well beyond the classroom. This review explores 20 reasons why homework is ...
Are you wondering, ‘Where can I go to do homework?’ Finding the ideal spot for studying can significantly affect your productivity and overall study experience. Whether you're a student seeking solace or someone looking for a change of scenery, selecting the right environment is key to maximizing your efficiency and focus. In this guide, we’ll discover various places to do homework that can transform your study routine into a more engaging and effective experience. The Importance of Having a C ...
Whether it’s because you’re buried in other commitments or just had a seriously off day, finding credible excuses for not doing homework can save your day. Here's a brief look at the top 10 homework excuses, with tips on making them sound as true as possible. Just remember, use these wisely and try to stay on top of your assignments! 1. “My computer crashed right before I finished” In today’s digital world, technology problems are a plausible justification. Claiming that your laptop glitched ...
Discussions are an important part of academic studies. They foster collaboration, raise student engagement, and help to better process new information. A common way to involve students in critical debate is through discussion posts. In this article, you will learn what a discussion post is and how to write it. Discussion post and open forum definition A discussion post is a written reply typically used in online forums – websites that encourage users to engage in a debate over various subject ...
History is a difficult discipline, no one can argue with that. It is especially challenging to write a history essay when you have zero historian bone in your body. That’s why today our goal is to teach you how to write a history essay. What is history essay? A historical paper is a classic instance of a scholarly work that seeks to examine and give answers to questions about long-gone factual incidents and their consequences. Unlike a simple narrative or description, a history paper demands ...
5 Time-Saving Tips & Tools
By: David Phair (PhD) and Amy Murdock (PhD) | July 2022
The methodology chapter is a crucial part of your dissertation or thesis – it’s where you provide context and justification for your study’s design. This in turn demonstrates your understanding of research theory, which is what earns you marks .
Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of students navigate this tricky section of the research process. In this post, we’ll share 5 time-saving tips to help you effectively write up your research methodology chapter .
The first thing to keep in mind when writing your methodology chapter (and the rest of your dissertation) is that it’s always a good idea to sketch out a rough outline of what you are going to write about before you start writing . This will ensure that you stay focused and have a clear structural logic – thereby making the writing process simpler and faster.
An easy method of finding a structure for this chapter is to use frameworks that already exist, such as Saunder’s “ research onion ” as an example. Alternatively, there are many free methodology chapter templates for you to use as a starting point, so don’t feel like you have to create a new one from scratch.
Next, you’ll want to consider what your research approach is , and how you can break it down from a top-down angle, i.e., from the philosophical down to the concrete/tactical level. For example, you’ll need to articulate the following:
Keep these questions front of mind to ensure that you have a clear, well-aligned line of argument that will maintain your chapter’s internal and external consistency.
Remember, it’s okay if you feel overwhelmed when you first start the methodology chapter. Nobody is born with an innate knowledge of how to do this, so be prepared for the learning curve associated with new research projects. It’s no small task to write up a dissertation or thesis, so be kind to yourself!
Generally, there are plenty of existing journal articles that will share similar methodological approaches to your study. With any luck, there will also be existing dissertations and theses that adopt a similar methodological approach and topic. So, consider taking inspiration from these studies to help curate the contents of your methodology chapter.
Students often find it difficult to choose what content to include in the methodology chapter and what to leave for the appendix. By reviewing other studies with similar approaches, you will get a clearer sense of your discipline’s norms and characteristics . This will help you, especially in terms of deciding on the structure and depth of discussion.
While you can draw inspiration from other studies, remember that it’s vital to pay close attention to your university’s specific guidelines, so you can anticipate departmental expectations of this section’s layout and content (and make it easier to work with your supervisor). Doing this is also a great way to figure out how in-depth your discussion should be. For example, word-count guidelines can help you decide whether to include or omit certain information.
The golden rule of the methodology chapter is that you need to justify each and every design choice that you make, no matter how small or inconsequential it may seem. We often see that students merely state what they did instead of why they did what they did – and this costs them marks.
Keep in mind that you need to illustrate the strength of your study’s methodological foundation. By discussing the “what”, “why” and “how” of your choices, you demonstrate your understanding of research design and simultaneously justify the relevancy and efficacy of your methodology – both of which will earn you marks.
It’s never an easy task to conduct research. So, it’s seldom the case that you’ll be able to use the very best possible methodology for your research (e.g. due to time or budgetary constraints ). That’s okay – but make sure that you explain and justify your use of an alternate methodology to help justify your approach.
Ultimately, if you don’t justify and explain the logic behind each of your choices, your marker will have to assume that you simply didn’t know any better . So, make sure that you justify every choice, especially when it is a subpar choice (due to a practical constraint, for example). You can see an example of how this is done here.
We often see a tendency in students to mistakenly give more of an overview of their methodology instead of a step-by-step breakdown . Since the methodology chapter needs to be detailed enough for another researcher to replicate your study, your chapter should be particularly granular in terms of detail.
Whether you’re doing a qualitative or quantitative study, it’s crucial to convey rigor in your research. You can do this by being especially detailed when you discuss your data, so be absolutely clear about your:
As you will likely face an extensive period of editing at your supervisor/reviewer’s direction, you’ll make it much easier for yourself if you have more information than you’d need. Some supervisors expect extensive detail around a certain aspect of your dissertation (like your research philosophy), while others may not expect it at all.
Remember, it’s quicker and easier to remove/ trim down information than it is to add information after the fact, so take the time to show your supervisor that you know what you’re talking about (methodologically) and you’re doing your best to be rigorous in your research.
Related to the issue of poor justification (tip #3), it’s important include high-quality academic citations to support the justification of your design choices. In other words, it’s not enough to simply explain why you chose a specific approach – you need to support each justification with reference to academic material.
Simply put, you should avoid thinking of your methodology chapter as a citation-less section in your dissertation. As with your literature review, your methods section must include citations for every decision you make, since you are building on prior research. You must show that you are making decisions based on methods that are proven to be effective, and not just because you “feel” that they are effective.
When considering the source of your citations, you should stick to peer-reviewed academic papers and journals and avoid using websites or blog posts (like us, hehe). Doing this will demonstrate that you are familiar with the literature and that you are factoring in what credible academics have to say about your methodology.
As a final tip, it’s always a good idea to cite as you go . If you leave this for the end, then you’ll end up spending a lot of precious time retracing your steps to find your citations and risk losing track of them entirely. So, be proactive and drop in those citations as you write up . You’ll thank yourself later!
In this post, we covered 5 time-saving tips for writing up the methodology chapter:
If you’ve got any questions relating to the methodology chapter, feel free to drop a comment below. Alternatively, if you’re interested in getting 1-on-1 help with your thesis or dissertation, be sure to check out our private coaching service .
This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...
What data analysis method can work best for my study. I am using a mixed method in the study. I am developing a framework to address the challenges faced by the taxi operators as entrepreneurs. I will need to analyse both using qualitative and quantitative.
How to find standard deviation for non numerical data
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, automatically generate references for free.
Published on 25 February 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on 10 October 2022.
Your research methodology discusses and explains the data collection and analysis methods you used in your research. A key part of your thesis, dissertation, or research paper, the methodology chapter explains what you did and how you did it, allowing readers to evaluate the reliability and validity of your research.
It should include:
Be assured that you'll submit flawless writing. Upload your document to correct all your mistakes.
How to write a research methodology, why is a methods section important, step 1: explain your methodological approach, step 2: describe your data collection methods, step 3: describe your analysis method, step 4: evaluate and justify the methodological choices you made, tips for writing a strong methodology chapter, frequently asked questions about methodology.
Your methods section is your opportunity to share how you conducted your research and why you chose the methods you chose. It’s also the place to show that your research was rigorously conducted and can be replicated .
It gives your research legitimacy and situates it within your field, and also gives your readers a place to refer to if they have any questions or critiques in other sections.
You can start by introducing your overall approach to your research. You have two options here.
What research problem or question did you investigate?
And what type of data did you need to achieve this aim?
Depending on your discipline, you can also start with a discussion of the rationale and assumptions underpinning your methodology. In other words, why did you choose these methods for your study?
Once you have introduced your reader to your methodological approach, you should share full details about your data collection methods .
In order to be considered generalisable, you should describe quantitative research methods in enough detail for another researcher to replicate your study.
Here, explain how you operationalised your concepts and measured your variables. Discuss your sampling method or inclusion/exclusion criteria, as well as any tools, procedures, and materials you used to gather your data.
Surveys Describe where, when, and how the survey was conducted.
Experiments Share full details of the tools, techniques, and procedures you used to conduct your experiment.
Existing data Explain how you gathered and selected the material (such as datasets or archival data) that you used in your analysis.
The survey consisted of 5 multiple-choice questions and 10 questions measured on a 7-point Likert scale.
The goal was to collect survey responses from 350 customers visiting the fitness apparel company’s brick-and-mortar location in Boston on 4–8 July 2022, between 11:00 and 15:00.
Here, a customer was defined as a person who had purchased a product from the company on the day they took the survey. Participants were given 5 minutes to fill in the survey anonymously. In total, 408 customers responded, but not all surveys were fully completed. Due to this, 371 survey results were included in the analysis.
In qualitative research , methods are often more flexible and subjective. For this reason, it’s crucial to robustly explain the methodology choices you made.
Be sure to discuss the criteria you used to select your data, the context in which your research was conducted, and the role you played in collecting your data (e.g., were you an active participant, or a passive observer?)
Interviews or focus groups Describe where, when, and how the interviews were conducted.
Participant observation Describe where, when, and how you conducted the observation or ethnography .
Existing data Explain how you selected case study materials for your analysis.
In order to gain better insight into possibilities for future improvement of the fitness shop’s product range, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 returning customers.
Here, a returning customer was defined as someone who usually bought products at least twice a week from the store.
Surveys were used to select participants. Interviews were conducted in a small office next to the cash register and lasted approximately 20 minutes each. Answers were recorded by note-taking, and seven interviews were also filmed with consent. One interviewee preferred not to be filmed.
Mixed methods research combines quantitative and qualitative approaches. If a standalone quantitative or qualitative study is insufficient to answer your research question, mixed methods may be a good fit for you.
Mixed methods are less common than standalone analyses, largely because they require a great deal of effort to pull off successfully. If you choose to pursue mixed methods, it’s especially important to robustly justify your methods here.
Next, you should indicate how you processed and analysed your data. Avoid going into too much detail: you should not start introducing or discussing any of your results at this stage.
In quantitative research , your analysis will be based on numbers. In your methods section, you can include:
In qualitative research, your analysis will be based on language, images, and observations (often involving some form of textual analysis ).
Specific methods might include:
Mixed methods combine the above two research methods, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches into one coherent analytical process.
Above all, your methodology section should clearly make the case for why you chose the methods you did. This is especially true if you did not take the most standard approach to your topic. In this case, discuss why other methods were not suitable for your objectives, and show how this approach contributes new knowledge or understanding.
In any case, it should be overwhelmingly clear to your reader that you set yourself up for success in terms of your methodology’s design. Show how your methods should lead to results that are valid and reliable, while leaving the analysis of the meaning, importance, and relevance of your results for your discussion section .
Remember that your aim is not just to describe your methods, but to show how and why you applied them. Again, it’s critical to demonstrate that your research was rigorously conducted and can be replicated.
The methodology section should clearly show why your methods suit your objectives and convince the reader that you chose the best possible approach to answering your problem statement and research questions .
Your methodology can be strengthened by referencing existing research in your field. This can help you to:
Consider how much information you need to give, and avoid getting too lengthy. If you are using methods that are standard for your discipline, you probably don’t need to give a lot of background or justification.
Regardless, your methodology should be a clear, well-structured text that makes an argument for your approach, not just a list of technical details and procedures.
Methodology refers to the overarching strategy and rationale of your research. Developing your methodology involves studying the research methods used in your field and the theories or principles that underpin them, in order to choose the approach that best matches your objectives.
Methods are the specific tools and procedures you use to collect and analyse data (e.g. interviews, experiments , surveys , statistical tests ).
In a dissertation or scientific paper, the methodology chapter or methods section comes after the introduction and before the results , discussion and conclusion .
Depending on the length and type of document, you might also include a literature review or theoretical framework before the methodology.
Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings.
Quantitative methods allow you to test a hypothesis by systematically collecting and analysing data, while qualitative methods allow you to explore ideas and experiences in depth.
A sample is a subset of individuals from a larger population. Sampling means selecting the group that you will actually collect data from in your research.
For example, if you are researching the opinions of students in your university, you could survey a sample of 100 students.
Statistical sampling allows you to test a hypothesis about the characteristics of a population. There are various sampling methods you can use to ensure that your sample is representative of the population as a whole.
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.
McCombes, S. (2022, October 10). What Is a Research Methodology? | Steps & Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved 9 September 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/methodology/
Other students also liked, how to write a dissertation proposal | a step-by-step guide, what is a literature review | guide, template, & examples, what is a theoretical framework | a step-by-step guide.
Work Life is now on YouTube! Watch our new short documentary series here .
Contributing writer
If you’re a Type A personality, project planning might sound like music to your ears. Setting deadlines, organizing tasks, and creating order out of chaos — what’s not to love?
The reality is that project planning isn’t for everyone. In one survey by Association for Project Management, 76% of project professionals said their main project was a source of stress . Poor planning, unclear responsibilities, and overallocation are often the culprits behind the stress.
An effective project plan helps teams stay within budget, scope, and schedule, while delivering quality work. In short, it gets you to the finish line without the stress.
A project plan, also known as a work plan, is a blueprint of your project lifecycle. It’s like a roadmap — it clearly outlines how to get from where you are now (the beginning of the project) to where you want to go (the successful completion of the project).
“A project plan is an action plan outlining how…[to] accomplish project goals,” says Jami Yazdani , certified Project Management Professional (PMP), project coach, project management consultant, and founder of Yazdani Consulting and Facilitation .
A comprehensive project plan includes the project schedule, project scope, due dates, and deliverables. Writing a good project plan is key for any new, complex project in the pipeline.
Why Are Project Plans Important?
Project plans allow you to visualize your entire project, from beginning to end—and develop a clear strategy to get from point A to point B. Project plans steer stakeholders in the right direction and keep team members accountable with a common baseline.
Project plans help you stay agile
Projects are bound by what is traditionally called the “iron triangle” of project management . It means that project managers have to work within the three constraints of scope, resources (project budget and teams), and schedule. You cannot make changes to one without impacting the other two.
Modern-day project management has shifted to a more agile approach, with a focus on quality. This means that resources and schedules remain unchanged but a fixed number of iterations (flexible scope) helps teams deliver better quality and more value.
A project plan puts this “agile triangle” in place by mapping out resources, schedules, and the number of iterations — sprints if you’re using a Scrum framework and work in progress (WIP) limits if you’re using the Kanban methodology .
As Yazdani points out, “Project plans help us strategize a path to project success, allowing us to consider the factors that will impact our project, from stakeholders to budget to schedule delays, and plan how to maximize or mitigate these factors.”
Project plans provide complete visibility
A project plan, when created with a comprehensive project management software , gives you 360-degree visibility throughout the project lifecycle.
As a project manager, you need a single source of truth on team members and their project tasks, project scope, project objectives, and project timelines. A detailed project plan gives you this visibility and helps teams stay on track.
Project plans also help to get everyone involved on the same page, setting clear expectations around what needs to be accomplished, when, and by who.
“Project plans create a framework for measuring project progress and success,” says Yazdani. “Project plans set clear expectations for…stakeholders by outlining exactly what…will [be accomplished] and when it will be delivered.”
Project plans boost engagement and productivity
A well-written project plan clarifies how each individual team member’s contributions play into the larger scope of the project and align with company goals. When employees see how their work directly impacts organizational growth, it generates buy-in and drives engagement , which is critical to a project’s success.
“Project plans provide…teams with purpose and direction,” says Yazdani. “Transparent project plans show team members how their individual tasks and responsibilities contribute to the overall success of the project, encouraging engagement and collaboration.”
Writing a project plan requires, well, planning. Ideally, the seeds for a project plan need to be sowed before internal project sign-off begins. Before that sign-off, conduct capacity planning to estimate the resources you will need and if they’re available for the duration of the project. After all, you want to set your teams up for success with realistic end dates, buffer time to recharge or catch up in case of unexpected delays, and deliver quality work without experiencing burnout .
Based on organizational capacity, you can lay down project timelines and map out scope as well as success metrics, outline tasks, and build a feedback loop into your project plan. Follow these project planning steps to create a winning plan:
Defining your project scope is essential to protecting your iron, or agile, triangle from crumbling. Too often, projects are hit with scope creep , causing delays, budget overruns, and anxiety.
“Clearly define your project’s scope or overall purpose,” says Yazdani. “Confirm any project parameters or constraints, like budget, resource availability, and timeline,” says Yazdani.
A project purpose statement is a high-level brief that defines the what, who, and why of the project along with how and when the goal will be accomplished. But just as important as defining your project scope and purpose is defining what metrics you’re going to use to track progress.
“Establish how you will measure success,” says Yazdani. “Are there metrics, performance criteria, or quality standards you need to meet?”
Clearly defining what your project is, the project’s overall purpose, and how you’re going to measure success lays the foundation for the rest of your project plan—so make sure you take the time to define each of these elements from the get-go.
Get clarity on the team members you need to bring the project to life. In other words, identify the key stakeholders of the project.
“List individuals or groups who will be impacted by the project,” says Yazdani.
In addition to identifying who needs to be involved in the project, think about how they’ll need to be involved—and at what level. Use a tool like Confluence to run a virtual session to clarify roles and responsibilities, and find gaps that need to be filled.
Let’s say you’re managing a cross-functional project to launch a new marketing campaign that includes team members from your marketing, design, and sales departments.
When identifying your key stakeholders, you might create different lists based on the responsibility or level of involvement with the project:
Give your project plan an edge by using a Confluence template like the one below to outline roles and responsibilities.
Define roles, discuss responsibilities, and clarify which tasks fall under each teammate’s purview using this Confluence template.
Getting clarity on who needs to be involved in the project—and how they’re going to be involved—will help guide the rest of the project plan writing process (particularly when it comes to creating and assigning tasks).
Now is the time to get granular.
Each project milestone comprises a series of smaller, tangible tasks that your teams need to produce. While a big-picture view keeps teams aligned, you need signposts along the way to guide them on a day-to-day or weekly basis. Create a list of deliverables that will help you achieve the greater vision of the project.
“What will you create, build, design, produce, accomplish or deliver?” says Yazdani. “Clearly outline your project’s concrete and tangible deliverables or outcomes.” Centralize these deliverables in a Trello board with designated cards for each one, like in the example below, so you keep work moving forward.
Each card on a board represents tasks and ideas and you can move cards across lists to show progress.
Defining the concrete items you need your project to deliver will help you reverse-engineer the things that need to happen to bring those items to life—which is a must before moving on to the next step.
Task management is an important component of any project plan because they help employees see what exactly they need to accomplish. Drill down those deliverables into actionable tasks to assign to your team.
You can use either Confluence or Jira for different task management needs. If you want to track tasks alongside your work, like action items from a meeting or small team projects, it’s best to use Confluence. But if a project has multiple teams and you need insight into workflows, task history, and reporting, Jira makes it easy.
“Let your deliverables guide the work of the project,” says Yazdani. “Break down each deliverable into smaller and smaller components until you get to an actionable task.” If a major deliverable is a set of content pieces, the smaller actionable tasks would be to create topic ideas, conduct research, and create outlines for each topic.
Once you’ve broken down all of your deliverables into manageable, assignable subtasks, analyze how each of those tasks interacts with each other. That way, you can plan, prioritize, assign, and add deadlines accordingly.
“Highlight any dependencies between tasks, such as tasks that can’t be started until another task is complete,” says Yazdani. “List any resources you will need to accomplish these tasks.”
When a task has multiple assignees, you need to streamline the workflow in your project plan. Say the content pieces you outlined need to be edited or peer-reviewed. A couple of articles may need an interview with a subject matter expert. Lay down a stage-by-stage process of each piece of content and pinpoint when each team member comes into play so you prevent bottlenecks and adjust timeframes.
Assign tasks to your team and collaborate with employees to set deadlines for each task. When you involve employees in setting workloads and deadlines , you increase ownership and boost the chances of delivering quality work on time.
After all, you want to move projects forward at a steady pace, but you also want to make sure your teams stay motivated and engaged. So, when writing your project plan, make sure to “set realistic and achievable deadlines for completing tasks and deliverables,” says Yazdani. “Highlight dates that are inflexible and factor in task dependencies. Add in milestones or checkpoints to monitor progress and celebrate successes .”
Use Jira and Confluence to create tasks that live alongside your project plan or meeting agendas.
Once you map out all of your tasks and deadlines, you should have a clear picture of how and when your project is going to come together—and the initial writing process is just about finished.
But that doesn’t mean your project plan is complete! There’s one more key step to the process.
While steps 1 through 5 may make up your initial writing process, if you want your project plan to be as strong and complete as it can be, it’s important to share it with your team—and get their input on how they think it can be improved.
“Share the plan with your project team and key stakeholders, gathering feedback to make adjustments and improvements,” says Yazdani.
A tool like Confluence helps knowledge flow freely within teams and departments, leading to better teamwork, higher collaboration, and a shared understanding of priorities. Coworkers can use comments, mentions, notifications, and co-editing capabilities to provide and discuss feedback.
After you gather your team’s feedback —and make any necessary adjustments based on that feedback—you can consider your project plan complete. Hooray!
But as your project progresses, things may change or evolve—so it’s important to stay flexible and make changes and adjustments as needed.
“Expect to update your plan as you gather more information, encounter changing requirements and delays, and learn from feedback and mistakes,” says Yazdani. “By using your project plan to guide your activities and measure progress, you’ll be able to refine and improve your plan as you move through the project, tweaking tasks and deadlines as deliverables are developed.”
Download a template to create your project plan and customize it based on your needs.
A project plan doesn’t have to be a complicated spreadsheet with multiple tabs and drop-down menus. It’s best to use a project planning tool like Confluence — or at least a project plan template — to make sure you cover every aspect of the project. A simple project plan includes these elements:
A project planning process can quickly turn into a mishmash of goals and tasks that end up in chaos but these best practices can give you a framework to create a project plan that leads to success.
There’s no need to reinvent the wheel for every new project! Instead, look to other successful project plans for inspiration—and use them as a guide when writing the plan for your project.
“Review templates and plans for similar projects, or for other projects within your organization or industry, to get ideas for structuring and drafting your own plan,” says Yazdani.
To get started, use a Trello project management template and customize it for your project plan by creating unique lists and adding cards under each list.
Build your team’s ideal workflow and mark each stage of the project plan as a list, with cards for each task.
You may be in charge of spearheading the project. But that doesn’t mean that you have to—or even that you should—write the project plan alone.
“Collaborate with your project team and key stakeholders on crafting a project plan,” says Yazdani. “Input into the project plan supports buy-in to project goals and encourages continued engagement throughout the project.”
With Confluence , you can organize project details in a centralized space and build a project plan collaboratively.
You may be tempted to write (and rewrite) your project plan until you’ve got every detail mapped out perfectly. But spending too much time trying to get everything “perfect” can actually hold up the project. So don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good—and instead of getting caught up in getting everything perfect from the get-go, stay willing and flexible to adjust your project plan as you move forward.
“Focus on outcomes, not plan perfection,” says Yazdani. “While it would be awesome for the first draft of our plan to require no changes while also inspiring our team and ensuring project success, our goal shouldn’t be a perfect plan. Our goal is a plan that allows us to successfully deliver on project goals. Responsiveness to changing needs and a shifting environment is more important than plan perfection.”
Writing a project plan, especially if you’re new to the process, can feel overwhelming. But now that you know the exact steps to write one, make sure you have the tools you need to create a strong, cohesive plan from the ground up—and watch your project thrive as a result.
Atlassian Together can help with project planning and management with a powerful combination of tools that make work flow across teams.
Guide your team to project success with Atlassian Together’s suite of products.
Have you ever felt the overwhelming pressure of compiling a project proposal for a potential client, investor, or grant application?
As an entrepreneur, crafting a compelling and persuasive project proposal is often the key to securing new opportunities and growing your business . But fear not because this blog post will break down the essential elements of a successful project proposal and provide expert tips and strategies to help you write one that stands out from the rest.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to project proposals, this guide will give you the tools to showcase your ideas, confidently secure clients, and secure the funding you need to take your business to the next level.
So, let’s master the art of writing a project proposal like a boss.
A project proposal is a detailed plan that outlines the project’s intended path. It serves as a roadmap, detailing what needs to be accomplished, how it will be done, who will be involved, and why the project is valuable.
This document is crucial for gaining approval from stakeholders or securing funding, as it demonstrates the feasibility and importance of your project. Understanding this foundational tool ensures we’re aligned on the basics before diving deeper into crafting an effective project proposal.
Ever had a fantastic idea but struggled to get the support you needed to make it happen? A well-crafted project proposal is the key to making your vision a reality. This short list of the three most important things to write a solid project proposal can help you:
Imagine having the resources and support to transform your ideas into successful projects. A powerful project proposal can help you make that happen. Let’s explore the steps to create one!
Creating a project proposal allows you to outline your vision and communicate the necessary steps to bring your idea to life. It’s essential to capture the essence of your project while also persuading stakeholders of its value and feasibility.
As you transition into the full tutorial, remember that each part of your project proposal is crucial in guiding and convincing your audience. By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to create a comprehensive, persuasive document that stands out.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a solid project proposal:
Before you start writing, you need crystal-clear clarity on the “why” behind your project proposal. What problem are you solving? What improvement or change do you want to see? Here are key questions to guide you:
Having a sharply defined purpose will give your entire project proposal focus and direction.
Think of your project scope as the boundaries of your project. It’s where you get super clear about what you will and won’t be doing. This helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps your project on track. To define your scope, consider:
A well-defined scope sets realistic expectations for everyone involved, making for a smoother project proposal journey.
A strong supplemental project proposal isn’t based on guesswork – it’s backed by solid research. Here’s what you need to dig into:
Who are you trying to reach or impact with your project? | Understanding their needs ensures your solution truly addresses their problems. | Interviews, surveys, focus groups, market research |
What will you need to make this happen (budget, project team, equipment, etc.)? | Accurately outlining resources prevents costly surprises. | Budgeting tools, resource allocation models, historical data analysis |
What obstacles might you face? | Anticipating roadblocks allows you to plan and mitigate risks. | Risk assessment tools (e.g., ), brainstorming sessions, expert consultations |
What measurable results do you expect? | Clearly defined goals help you track progress and demonstrate success. | , KPIs ( ), benchmarking |
A clear timeline shows you’re organized and capable of managing your project effectively.
Here’s how to create one:
Sample Timeline:
With all these, it is always important to remain flexible. Projects and your team’s schedule can change depending on their situations, so be prepared to adjust your timeline as needed.
Think of your executive summary as the elevator pitch for your project. It’s a short, punchy summary to grab attention and excite decision-makers. Here’s a sample:
Important note: Write your executive summary after you’ve completed the rest of your proposal. This way, you can easily pull the most important points.
A key component of your project proposal is summarizing the client’s problem or need. This section is critical because it justifies the necessity of your project and sets the stage for proposing your solution.
It’s your opportunity to connect with the decision-making body by demonstrating your understanding of their situation and how your project can help.
Here’s a free project proposal template that you can consider as a model for your proposal:
Efficiency in Project Management Tools
XYZ Corporation has been experiencing significant challenges in project team and management collaboration. Currently, the company uses SaaS Platform A for project management. However, as the company has grown, this platform has been unable to scale effectively, leading to issues with user interface complexity, limited integration capabilities, and inadequate support for remote team collaboration.
To enhance productivity and streamline project management processes, there is a clear need to evaluate SaaS Platform A against SaaS Platform B, which offers advanced features such as:
This proposal seeks to conduct a detailed comparison of SaaS Platforms A and B, focusing on user experience, integration capabilities, and support for remote collaboration. The goal is to determine which platform better meets XYZ Corporation’s evolving needs, improving overall project management effectiveness and team productivity.
After summarizing the client’s problem, it is crucial to present your proposed solution. This section should detail how your proposal directly addresses the needs identified earlier.
Connect each feature of your solution to the problems or gaps you’ve outlined, ensuring the reader understands how your proposal will effectively solve their issues.
Here’s a project proposal example of how you might present a proposed solution within your project proposal:
Advanced SaaS Platform Implementation for XYZ Corporation
To address the challenges faced by XYZ Corporation with its current SaaS platform, we propose the adoption of SaaS Platform B. This platform has been specifically chosen for its superior capabilities in handling large-scale project management and remote team collaboration demands. Below, we detail how Platform B will meet XYZ Corporation’s needs:
By implementing Platform B, XYZ Corporation can expect significant improvements in project management software efficiency, team collaboration, and overall workflow integration. These enhancements will reduce project completion times and increase satisfaction among team members.
This is where you get specific about what your project will produce. Think of deliverables as tangible results that will demonstrate the success of your project.
Here’s a sample of how to effectively outline project deliverables:
Enhanced SaaS Platform Implementation for XYZ Corporation
This proposal outlines specific, measurable outcomes demonstrating the successful implementation and impact of SaaS Platform B at XYZ Corporation. Each deliverable is designed to address the core challenges identified in the need analysis and contributes directly to achieving the overall project goals.
#1) Customized Platform Configuration:
#2) Integration with Existing Systems:
#3) Comprehensive Training Programs:
#4) Ongoing Support and Maintenance:
#5) Performance Evaluation Report:
By delivering these specific outcomes, XYZ Corporation will experience a substantial enhancement in project management capabilities, streamlined operations, and improved team collaboration. These improvements will address the current challenges and support the company’s growth and efficiency objectives.
A well-crafted budget shows that you’ve carefully considered the financial aspect of your project. Here’s how to break it down:
Tip: Use a spreadsheet or budgeting software to organize your project budget. This makes it easier to adjust and share with stakeholders.
This is your chance to show why you’re the right person or team to tackle this project. This is the best time to highlight your:
Make sure your qualifications directly relate to the specific needs of your project. This will show that you understand what’s needed for success.
No project is without its potential stumbling blocks. By anticipating risks upfront, you demonstrate to decision-makers that you’re a realistic and prepared project leader. Here’s how to approach this:
Wrapping up your project proposal with a compelling conclusion and a strong call to action is the final, critical step to ensure your proposal doesn’t just end with a whisper but with a decisive path forward. This part of your proposal is where you tie all your points together, reinforcing the importance and urgency of your project.
In your conclusion, briefly summarize the key elements of your proposal. Highlight the issue or opportunity at hand, reiterate your project’s unique solution, and recall the main benefits and deliverables resulting from the project’s successful execution. It’s your last chance to remind everyone why this project matters and what is at stake if action is not taken.
There are a few key considerations to keep in mind while writing your proposal. These tips will help ensure that your proposal is not only persuasive but also professional and well-structured.
Utilizing a template can streamline the process of drafting your project proposal. It ensures all critical elements are included and presents your ideas in a structured project proposal format.
Creating an outline is a vital first step. It helps you organize your thoughts and key points, ensuring nothing important is overlooked.
Ensure that you thoroughly proofread and edit your proposal before submitting it to ensure clarity and professionalism.
It’s essential to carefully proofread and edit your solicited project proposal before submitting it. This step ensures that your document is clear, well-organized, and free of errors, reflecting your attention to detail and professionalism.
You can take your proposal writing to the next level by using ChatGPT , a powerful AI tool that can assist you in creating compelling and persuasive content .
Encourage your prospect to complete a comprehensive survey. This gathers all the necessary information about their needs and expectations, setting a solid foundation for your proposal.
After your prospect has filled out the survey, feed their responses into ChatGPT. This will provide a base for generating a cohesive first draft, leveraging the power of AI to kickstart the writing process.
Request a proposal template from ChatGPT based on the survey data. This will help you draft a proposal quickly and ensure all critical elements are covered right from the start.
Use the generated content from ChatGPT as a starting point, but customize and add specific details relevant to your project proposal. This will ensure that your proposal is tailored specifically for your audience.
Sometimes, a traditional project proposal is overkill. If your project is small-scale, internal, or has a low budget, consider these simpler alternatives:
Remember: Even with simpler formats, the core principles of strong solicited project proposals still apply – clarity, organization, and a focus on the benefits your project will bring.
Writing a solid project proposal may seem daunting at first, but remember – it’s simply a way to showcase the value of your idea and get the support you need to make it a reality. Following our outlined steps, you can craft a proposal that persuades decision-makers and sets your project on the path to success.
Think of your project proposal as your champion. Just as I’ve guided you through this process, let your proposal guide others to understand the potential of your vision.
Now, go forth and write a proposal you can be proud of!
Dev is a fractional COO, operations consultant, and productivity junkie at the Process Hacker !
I help you scale by optimizing and automating your operations and systems through simple, proven, and practical tools.
To get help, Book a Call or take my Free Business Assessment !
Learn how to create effective startup marketing strategies, even with limited resources. Boost your startup’s brand and drive growth!
Discover the power of AI in this ChatGPT review and the truth behind its rapid rise. Embark on an exciting exploration!
Looking to level up your online business? Check out our ClickFunnels review to see if it’s still the king of online sales funnel toolkits.
This comprehensive guide teaches you how to fax from email. It provides step-by-step instructions for sending and receiving faxes via email!
Looking for a social media scheduling tool? Check out this review and find out why Buffer is the best for social media marketing!
In the past two decades, businesses of all sizes and industries have significantly shifted toward establishing an online…
Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.
Methodology
Published on January 2, 2023 by Shona McCombes . Revised on September 11, 2023.
What is a literature review? A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources on a specific topic. It provides an overview of current knowledge, allowing you to identify relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research that you can later apply to your paper, thesis, or dissertation topic .
There are five key steps to writing a literature review:
A good literature review doesn’t just summarize sources—it analyzes, synthesizes , and critically evaluates to give a clear picture of the state of knowledge on the subject.
Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes
What is the purpose of a literature review, examples of literature reviews, step 1 – search for relevant literature, step 2 – evaluate and select sources, step 3 – identify themes, debates, and gaps, step 4 – outline your literature review’s structure, step 5 – write your literature review, free lecture slides, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions, introduction.
When you write a thesis , dissertation , or research paper , you will likely have to conduct a literature review to situate your research within existing knowledge. The literature review gives you a chance to:
Writing literature reviews is a particularly important skill if you want to apply for graduate school or pursue a career in research. We’ve written a step-by-step guide that you can follow below.
The academic proofreading tool has been trained on 1000s of academic texts. Making it the most accurate and reliable proofreading tool for students. Free citation check included.
Try for free
Writing literature reviews can be quite challenging! A good starting point could be to look at some examples, depending on what kind of literature review you’d like to write.
You can also check out our templates with literature review examples and sample outlines at the links below.
Download Word doc Download Google doc
Before you begin searching for literature, you need a clearly defined topic .
If you are writing the literature review section of a dissertation or research paper, you will search for literature related to your research problem and questions .
Start by creating a list of keywords related to your research question. Include each of the key concepts or variables you’re interested in, and list any synonyms and related terms. You can add to this list as you discover new keywords in the process of your literature search.
Use your keywords to begin searching for sources. Some useful databases to search for journals and articles include:
You can also use boolean operators to help narrow down your search.
Make sure to read the abstract to find out whether an article is relevant to your question. When you find a useful book or article, you can check the bibliography to find other relevant sources.
You likely won’t be able to read absolutely everything that has been written on your topic, so it will be necessary to evaluate which sources are most relevant to your research question.
For each publication, ask yourself:
Make sure the sources you use are credible , and make sure you read any landmark studies and major theories in your field of research.
You can use our template to summarize and evaluate sources you’re thinking about using. Click on either button below to download.
As you read, you should also begin the writing process. Take notes that you can later incorporate into the text of your literature review.
It is important to keep track of your sources with citations to avoid plagiarism . It can be helpful to make an annotated bibliography , where you compile full citation information and write a paragraph of summary and analysis for each source. This helps you remember what you read and saves time later in the process.
To begin organizing your literature review’s argument and structure, be sure you understand the connections and relationships between the sources you’ve read. Based on your reading and notes, you can look for:
This step will help you work out the structure of your literature review and (if applicable) show how your own research will contribute to existing knowledge.
There are various approaches to organizing the body of a literature review. Depending on the length of your literature review, you can combine several of these strategies (for example, your overall structure might be thematic, but each theme is discussed chronologically).
The simplest approach is to trace the development of the topic over time. However, if you choose this strategy, be careful to avoid simply listing and summarizing sources in order.
Try to analyze patterns, turning points and key debates that have shaped the direction of the field. Give your interpretation of how and why certain developments occurred.
If you have found some recurring central themes, you can organize your literature review into subsections that address different aspects of the topic.
For example, if you are reviewing literature about inequalities in migrant health outcomes, key themes might include healthcare policy, language barriers, cultural attitudes, legal status, and economic access.
If you draw your sources from different disciplines or fields that use a variety of research methods , you might want to compare the results and conclusions that emerge from different approaches. For example:
A literature review is often the foundation for a theoretical framework . You can use it to discuss various theories, models, and definitions of key concepts.
You might argue for the relevance of a specific theoretical approach, or combine various theoretical concepts to create a framework for your research.
Like any other academic text , your literature review should have an introduction , a main body, and a conclusion . What you include in each depends on the objective of your literature review.
The introduction should clearly establish the focus and purpose of the literature review.
Depending on the length of your literature review, you might want to divide the body into subsections. You can use a subheading for each theme, time period, or methodological approach.
As you write, you can follow these tips:
In the conclusion, you should summarize the key findings you have taken from the literature and emphasize their significance.
When you’ve finished writing and revising your literature review, don’t forget to proofread thoroughly before submitting. Not a language expert? Check out Scribbr’s professional proofreading services !
This article has been adapted into lecture slides that you can use to teach your students about writing a literature review.
Scribbr slides are free to use, customize, and distribute for educational purposes.
Open Google Slides Download PowerPoint
If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Statistics
Research bias
A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources (such as books, journal articles, and theses) related to a specific topic or research question .
It is often written as part of a thesis, dissertation , or research paper , in order to situate your work in relation to existing knowledge.
There are several reasons to conduct a literature review at the beginning of a research project:
Writing the literature review shows your reader how your work relates to existing research and what new insights it will contribute.
The literature review usually comes near the beginning of your thesis or dissertation . After the introduction , it grounds your research in a scholarly field and leads directly to your theoretical framework or methodology .
A literature review is a survey of credible sources on a topic, often used in dissertations , theses, and research papers . Literature reviews give an overview of knowledge on a subject, helping you identify relevant theories and methods, as well as gaps in existing research. Literature reviews are set up similarly to other academic texts , with an introduction , a main body, and a conclusion .
An annotated bibliography is a list of source references that has a short description (called an annotation ) for each of the sources. It is often assigned as part of the research process for a paper .
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
McCombes, S. (2023, September 11). How to Write a Literature Review | Guide, Examples, & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved September 9, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/literature-review/
Other students also liked, what is a theoretical framework | guide to organizing, what is a research methodology | steps & tips, how to write a research proposal | examples & templates, "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".
I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”
Researching the white paper:.
The process of researching and composing a white paper shares some similarities with the kind of research and writing one does for a high school or college research paper. What’s important for writers of white papers to grasp, however, is how much this genre differs from a research paper. First, the author of a white paper already recognizes that there is a problem to be solved, a decision to be made, and the job of the author is to provide readers with substantive information to help them make some kind of decision--which may include a decision to do more research because major gaps remain.
Thus, a white paper author would not “brainstorm” a topic. Instead, the white paper author would get busy figuring out how the problem is defined by those who are experiencing it as a problem. Typically that research begins in popular culture--social media, surveys, interviews, newspapers. Once the author has a handle on how the problem is being defined and experienced, its history and its impact, what people in the trenches believe might be the best or worst ways of addressing it, the author then will turn to academic scholarship as well as “grey” literature (more about that later). Unlike a school research paper, the author does not set out to argue for or against a particular position, and then devote the majority of effort to finding sources to support the selected position. Instead, the author sets out in good faith to do as much fact-finding as possible, and thus research is likely to present multiple, conflicting, and overlapping perspectives. When people research out of a genuine desire to understand and solve a problem, they listen to every source that may offer helpful information. They will thus have to do much more analysis, synthesis, and sorting of that information, which will often not fall neatly into a “pro” or “con” camp: Solution A may, for example, solve one part of the problem but exacerbate another part of the problem. Solution C may sound like what everyone wants, but what if it’s built on a set of data that have been criticized by another reliable source? And so it goes.
For example, if you are trying to write a white paper on the opioid crisis, you may focus on the value of providing free, sterilized needles--which do indeed reduce disease, and also provide an opportunity for the health care provider distributing them to offer addiction treatment to the user. However, the free needles are sometimes discarded on the ground, posing a danger to others; or they may be shared; or they may encourage more drug usage. All of those things can be true at once; a reader will want to know about all of these considerations in order to make an informed decision. That is the challenging job of the white paper author. The research you do for your white paper will require that you identify a specific problem, seek popular culture sources to help define the problem, its history, its significance and impact for people affected by it. You will then delve into academic and grey literature to learn about the way scholars and others with professional expertise answer these same questions. In this way, you will create creating a layered, complex portrait that provides readers with a substantive exploration useful for deliberating and decision-making. You will also likely need to find or create images, including tables, figures, illustrations or photographs, and you will document all of your sources.
Find more easy contacts at our Quick Start Guide
Opinion Guest Essay
Credit... Photo illustration by Stephanie Ross
Supported by
By Steven Rattner
Graphics by Taylor Maggiacomo
Mr. Rattner is a contributing Opinion writer. He served as counselor to the Treasury secretary in the Obama administration.
When Donald Trump takes the debate stage on Tuesday, he will doubtless again try to disavow Project 2025, the radically conservative blueprint spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation for the next Republican administration.
We shouldn’t let him.
Seventy-eight percent of the contributors to the effort were members of his last administration and many of them are likely appointees to his next team if he’s re-elected. As the old Washington saying goes, “personnel is policy.”
The group of authors includes Russell Vought, who headed the Office of Management and Budget; Chris Miller, one of Mr. Trump’s acting defense secretaries; Ken Cucinelli, Mr. Trump’s deputy secretary of homeland security; and Peter Navarro, a longtime Trump adviser who was closely involved in the ex-president’s attempt to overturn the election.
We’ve seen this movie before. In 2016, ahead of Mr. Trump’s first term, the Heritage Foundation released the seventh edition of its “Mandate for Leadership.” One year into his presidency, Mr. Trump had embraced 64 percent of its policy recommendations, ranging from leaving the Paris climate accord to raising military spending to increasing drilling offshore and on federal lands.
Based on Mr. Trump’s campaign utterances and Project 2025’s proposals, expect far more radical actions from a second Trump presidency. Relying on analysis by the Center for American Progress and others, below are eight examples of how Project 2025’s proposals could alter American life.
The 2025 plan would condense seven tax brackets into just two, leading to higher tax rates for lower-income Americans and lower rates for the rich.
How tax rates would change
For a married couple filing jointly
Current marginal tax rates
P r oject 2025 marginal tax rates
Household Income
How the amount of tax paid would change
Average tax liability for a married couple with two children, filing jointly
–$2,062
–$10,457
–$14,417
Current marginal
P r oject 2025
marginal tax rates
Household income
Tax increases
Almost 95 million Americans were enrolled in Medicaid in 2021. If lifetime caps are implemented, over 19 million people, or 5% of the country’s population, would be at risk of losing their health care coverage.
Share of child care centers that are Head Start grantees
Title I provides federal funding to low-income public schools. Without it, the entire country could lose around 6% of its teacher work force, affecting over 2.8 million students.
Payments per month would increase substantially for new loans compared with Biden’s SAVE Plan, the current income-driven loan repayment plan.
Clean energy funding and tax credits would be eliminated and multiple emissions regulations would be reversed if the I.R.A was repealed.
Medication abortions quickly became the most common method of abortions after the F.D.A. approved mifepristone and misoprostol in 2000.
By reclassifying policy-related positions to remove civil service protections and make employees easier to fire, the president’s influence over federal agencies would expand, though the exact number of positions that would be affected is unclear.
We are having trouble retrieving the article content.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
Already a subscriber? Log in .
Want all of The Times? Subscribe .
Advertisement
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Research methodology formats can vary depending on the specific requirements of the research project, but the following is a basic example of a structure for a research methodology section: I. Introduction. Provide an overview of the research problem and the need for a research methodology section; Outline the main research questions and ...
Step 1: Explain your methodological approach. Step 2: Describe your data collection methods. Step 3: Describe your analysis method. Step 4: Evaluate and justify the methodological choices you made. Tips for writing a strong methodology chapter. Other interesting articles.
A quantitative approach and statistical analysis would give you a bigger picture. 3. Identify how your analysis answers your research questions. Relate your methodology back to your original research questions and present a proposed outcome based on your analysis.
A methodology is an essential part of any research project. It serves as a blueprint for your study, providing guidance on the methods you'll use to collect and analyze data. In this article, we'll take you through the process of writing a methodology for your research project, step by step. Understanding the Importance of a Methodology
Here are the steps to follow when writing a methodology: 1. Restate your thesis or research problem. The first part of your methodology is a restatement of the problem your research investigates. This allows your reader to follow your methodology step by step, from beginning to end. Restating your thesis also provides you an opportunity to ...
Section 2 - The Methodology. The next section of your chapter is where you'll present the actual methodology. In this section, you need to detail and justify the key methodological choices you've made in a logical, intuitive fashion. Importantly, this is the heart of your methodology chapter, so you need to get specific - don't hold back on the details here.
Provide the rationality behind your chosen approach. Based on logic and reason, let your readers know why you have chosen said research methodologies. Additionally, you have to build strong arguments supporting why your chosen research method is the best way to achieve the desired outcome. 3. Explain your mechanism.
The description of the project's methodology complements a list of sources in that it sets forth the organization and interpretation of information emanating from those sources. Azevedo, L.F. et al. "How to Write a Scientific Paper: Writing the Methods Section."
Learn how to write a strong methodology chapter that allows readers to evaluate the reliability and validity of the research. A good methodology chapter incl...
1. Qualitative research methodology. Qualitative research methodology is aimed at understanding concepts, thoughts, or experiences. This approach is descriptive and is often utilized to gather in-depth insights into people's attitudes, behaviors, or cultures. Qualitative research methodology involves methods like interviews, focus groups, and ...
Research Methodology Example. Detailed Walkthrough + Free Methodology Chapter Template. If you're working on a dissertation or thesis and are looking for an example of a research methodology chapter, you've come to the right place. In this video, we walk you through a research methodology from a dissertation that earned full distinction ...
Your Methods Section contextualizes the results of your study, giving editors, reviewers and readers alike the information they need to understand and interpret your work. Your methods are key to establishing the credibility of your study, along with your data and the results themselves. A complete methods section should provide enough detail ...
Methodology in research is defined as the systematic method to resolve a research problem through data gathering using various techniques, providing an interpretation of data gathered and drawing conclusions about the research data. Essentially, a research methodology is the blueprint of a research or study (Murthy & Bhojanna, 2009, p. 32).
In generating a research proposal, the written part for methodology serves as a pivotal element that charts the course of the investigation, delineating the stages and strategies to be employed. Let's delve into essential elements to feature in this section. 1. Research Design: Begin by elucidating the overall academic design of your survey ...
Overview: Writing The Methodology Chapter. Develop a (rough) outline before you start writing. Draw inspiration from similar studies in your topic area. Justify every research design choice that you make. Err on the side of too much detail, rather than too little. Back up every design choice by referencing literature. 1.
Here are eight key steps to writing a methodology: 1. Restate your thesis or research problem. The first step to writing an effective methodology requires that you restate your initial thesis. It's an important step that allows the reader to remember the most important aspects of your research and follow each step of your methodology.
To structure your methods section, you can use the subheadings of "Participants," "Materials," and "Procedures.". These headings are not mandatory—aim to organize your methods section using subheadings that make sense for your specific study. Note that not all of these topics will necessarily be relevant for your study.
Step 1: Explain your methodological approach. Step 2: Describe your data collection methods. Step 3: Describe your analysis method. Step 4: Evaluate and justify the methodological choices you made. Tips for writing a strong methodology chapter. Frequently asked questions about methodology.
Step 1: Consider your aims and approach. Step 2: Choose a type of research design. Step 3: Identify your population and sampling method. Step 4: Choose your data collection methods. Step 5: Plan your data collection procedures. Step 6: Decide on your data analysis strategies. Other interesting articles.
6. Share, Gather Feedback, And Adjust The Project Plan As Necessary. While steps 1 through 5 may make up your initial writing process, if you want your project plan to be as strong and complete as it can be, it's important to share it with your team—and get their input on how they think it can be improved.
The methods section should describe what was done to answer the research question, describe how it was done, justify the experimental design, and explain how the results were analyzed. Scientific writing is direct and orderly. Therefore, the methods section structure should: describe the materials used in the study, explain how the materials ...
Example of a methodology in a research paper. The following example of a methodology in a research paper provides insight into the structure and content to consider when writing your own: This research article discusses the psychological and emotional impact of a mental health support program for employees. The program provided prolonged and ...
A clear timeline shows you're organized and capable of managing your project effectively. Here's how to create one: Break it Down: Divide your project into smaller, manageable tasks. Estimate Time: Determine how long you realistically think each task will take. Set Milestones: Mark key progress points along the way (e.g., research completed, draft submitted).
Implementing a project management methodology provides a clear framework for organizing tasks, allocating resources, and achieving project goals efficiently. It streamlines the planning and execution phases, ensuring the team stays aligned with objectives and deadlines. A methodology also improves communication, enabling teams to collaborate ...
Examples of literature reviews. Step 1 - Search for relevant literature. Step 2 - Evaluate and select sources. Step 3 - Identify themes, debates, and gaps. Step 4 - Outline your literature review's structure. Step 5 - Write your literature review.
The process of researching and composing a white paper shares some similarities with the kind of research and writing one does for a high school or college research paper. What's important for writers of white papers to grasp, however, is how much this genre differs from a research paper. ... For example, if you are trying to write a white ...
Project 2025 would ban America's most common method of abortion. Medication abortions quickly became the most common method of abortions after the F.D.A. approved mifepristone and misoprostol in ...