If you’re new to research and not sure how to write research methodology, this guide is for you. Chapter 3 of your paper explains how you did your study, from the research design to data collection and analysis. It’s all about showing your process clearly and professionally.
In this blog, we’ll break down each part of the methodology chapter, give simple explanations, and include example paragraphs to help you get started with confidence.
What’s Inside Chapter 3: Research Methodology
Research Design
The research design is your overall plan for how you’ll conduct your study. It tells readers what type of research you’re doing is it qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods and what specific approach you’ll use, like a case study, survey, experiment, or descriptive study.
It helps answer questions like:
- What kind of data will you collect?
- How will you collect it?
- What’s the structure of your research?
Tip: Choose a design that fits your research questions and objectives. If you want to explore experiences or opinions, go with qualitative. If you’re testing a theory or looking for patterns in numbers, go with quantitative.
Example:
“This study employed a descriptive quantitative research design to examine the relationship between sleep habits and academic performance among university students. This approach was appropriate as it allowed the researcher to gather numerical data and analyze correlations between variables.”
🔗 Read More: Breakdown of research design types + when to use them
Research Locale & Participants
This section explains where your study took place and who took part in it. Be specific about the setting and the people involved so readers understand the context of your research.
It should answer:
- Where was the research conducted?
- Who are your participants (age, gender, background, etc.)?
- Why did you choose this location and group?
Tip: Choose a location and participants that directly relate to your research goals. Make sure to briefly justify why they’re a good fit.
Example:
“The study was conducted at XYZ University, a mid-sized public institution in California. The participants were 120 undergraduate students enrolled in online learning programs. This group was selected due to their relevance to the topic of virtual education and ease of access for data collection.”
🔗 Read More: Tips on Choosing Your Research Setting and Target Population
Sampling Procedure
This section describes how you selected your participants from the larger population. It helps readers understand how you ensured your sample is appropriate and relevant to your study.
It should answer:
- What sampling method did you use (e.g., random, purposive, convenience)?
- How many participants were selected?
- What were the inclusion and/or exclusion criteria?
Tip: Be clear and specific. Mention why your sampling method fits your research goals.
Example:
“Purposive sampling was used to select students who had completed at least one full semester of online learning. A total of 120 respondents were invited to participate via email, based on inclusion criteria such as enrollment in a virtual course and age 18+.”
🔗 Read More: Sampling Methods Explained: When and How to Use Each
Research Instruments
This part explains the tools you used to gather your data, whether it’s a survey, interview guide, test, or observation checklist.
It should include:
- What type of instrument was used (survey, interview, etc.)?
- Was it adapted from an existing tool or developed by you?
- What’s inside the tool? (e.g., number of items, scale used, topics covered)
Tip: Mention if your instrument was validated or pre-tested, it adds credibility.
Example:
“A structured questionnaire was developed based on the Online Student Engagement Scale (OSE). It consisted of 20 items, each rated on a 5-point Likert scale, and measured three dimensions of engagement: behavioral, cognitive, and emotional.”
🔗 Read More: How to Develop or Adapt a Solid Research Instrument
Data Collection Procedure
This explains how and when you gathered your data like a mini play-by-play of the process.
What to include:
- The timeline (start and end dates)
- How data was collected (online form, interviews, etc.)
- Any tools, platforms, or software used (e.g., Google Forms, Zoom)
Tip: Keep it simple but detailed enough that someone could replicate the steps.
Example:
“Data were collected over a two-week period in March 2024. Participants were sent the questionnaire via Google Forms. Reminder emails were sent on Days 3 and 7 to boost the response rate. All responses were automatically recorded and stored in a secure Google Sheet.”
🔗 Read More: How to Plan Your Data Collection Like a Pro
Data Analysis Plan
This section explains how you processed and interpreted your collected data to answer your research questions or test your hypotheses. It includes the specific methods, tools, and techniques used to draw meaning from the raw data.
What to include:
- Software used (e.g., SPSS, NVivo)
- Statistical tests or coding methods
- How results relate to research questions/hypotheses
Example:
“Data were analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and Pearson correlation were used to identify relationships between sleep duration and academic performance.”
🔗 Read More: Guide to data analysis methods for beginners
Ethical Considerations
This part outlines the steps you took to ensure your research was conducted responsibly and ethically. It focuses on how you protected participants’ rights, privacy, and well-being throughout the study.
What to include:
- Informed consent
- Anonymity/confidentiality
- Ethical clearance (if applicable)
Example:
“All participants signed an informed consent form before taking part. The study ensured full confidentiality and anonymity. Ethical approval was obtained from the XYZ University Research Ethics Committee.”
🔗 Read More: Checklist for ethical research writing.
Summary
This section wraps up everything covered in your methodology chapter. It gives a quick, clear overview of how the research was planned and why your chosen methods are solid and appropriate.
What to include:
- Brief recap of research design, participants, instruments, and procedures
- Justification of the methodology’s validity and reliability
Example:
“This chapter described the research design, participants, instruments, and procedures used. The chosen methodology ensures the study’s reliability, validity, and ethical soundness.”
🔗 Read More: Checklist for ethical research writing
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