MSC Dissertation: What Belongs to the Methods Section?
The methodology section of a dissertation is generally the most difficult part to write. The whole focus through graduate school is all about methodology. That means that because of that fact, this section of the dissertation is more likely to be picked apart by whoever is evaluating the dissertation.
The goal of this section is to show which analytical tools will be used throughout the dissertation in order to answer the original research question.
- Go to your dissertation supervisor and ask him or her if they can recommend some dissertations for you to look over. When they do this, they will more than likely recommend some that they thought were done properly. Take a close look at the methodology sections in these dissertations and get a feel of not only how they read but also how they are set up and what they include.
- Make sure that your initial research question is honed down to as fine a point as possible. Many times ineffective methodology sections are ineffective because the topic is too broad. Because the methodology section of the paper is dedicated to instructing the reader on how the research was carried out, if the topic is too broad or vague then it is nearly impossible to decide if the methodology section is appropriate.
- Make an outline for the methodology section before you write it. Take this outline to the dissertation chair and discuss it. See if there are any recommendations for changes or inclusions before you actually write the section.
- Keeping in mind that this type of research is to be written in the third person, write the methodology section. Make it clear and concise and only with active sentences that contribute to the paper. By using clear and concise sentences you will be showing that you have a clear grasp on the methodology that you are using and by using active sentences you are showing that you have a purpose with clear direction.
- Before you complete this section, take it to the dissertation committee for approval. You may have to write this section many times before getting approval to move ahead with your research. Do not get discouraged though. If you listen and comprehend what the dissertation committee is telling you then you will know exactly what to do. This type of dissertation is nothing like the dissertations that you did in undergraduate school. This type of dissertation is difficult no matter how smart of a person you are. Just remember to listen to the dissertation committee and take notes if you have to. They are telling you exactly what they want…you just have to provide it.
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