I am having particular trouble putting together the methodology section.
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Where to start?
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Annabel Lloyd-Jones |
Can anyone recommend a generic Table of Contents?
I am having particular trouble putting together the methodology section. |
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Cheryl-Anne Whitlock |
Hi, I don't know if this will help; , I cobbled it together from a couple of sources:
CHAPTER # - Methodology Methodology Scope Testing Research (Qualitative, Quantative, etc – how many stages were involved and why) Depending on your thesis or dissertation style & research topic, after "Methodology", you'll probably need a chapter on "Findings", then "Discussion" and finally, a chapter on "Conclusions". An excellent source of info is your University's online digital thesis program. It is usually accessed via the library & you can pull up many papers to try to form your own template. cheers CAW
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Simon Quattlebaum |
Maybe this could help. I am in the process of getting permission to worite my dissertaion on New Teachers and Professional Development. The school I attend has given a pretty good TOC template to follow.
Abstract Introduction Problem Statement Nature of Study, Specific Research Questions, Hypothesis, or Research Objectives Purpose of Study (in a quantitative study, it's the theoretical base; in a qualitative study, it's the conceptual framework; in a mixed methods study, show how both qualitative and quantitative approach are needed to explain the relationship between the concepts and findings Operational Definitions, terms, jargon, or special words uses Assumptions, Limitations, Scope, and Deliminations Significance of Study Transition Statement Hope this helps!
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Linda Kaye |
I also find that by doing a TOC is a great starting point. As mentioned previously, you can see a concrete structure and work your way round it, rather than having all your ideas floating around in your head!!
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Stephen Etheridge |
Hi all,
I am bang on half way through my research.I have written three chapters, and had feedback from my supervisors. However, I have not rewritten, or changed them yet. I am going to leave the editing and rewriting till I reach the 'writing up' process.So, for instance, when I reach the last chapter/conclusion, the first chapter will have matured, and when I come to editing, the first chapter will match my latest - and hopefully more refined writing style. Also, any theories you may have had in the beginning can be modified accordingly. I find this works for me - but who can tell till the end? Stephen
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Cheryl-Anne Whitlock |
A thesis can seem so overwhelming at first ... especiallly if there is very little else out there that is like yours, meaning there's no real template you can look at.
I'd suggest firstlly, plumbling the depths of your own university's "how to" tools (they all have them) and decide what kind/style of thesis you want to write. After that, write a table of contents (TOC). This is your spine around which the flesh of your thesis will grow. Send your TOC to your supervisor for their feedback/approval. When you get that, you're on your way. You can start filling in the blanks. I found that my TOC was my roadmap and when I didn't have one, the concept of writing a thesis was just that. A concept. The TOC made it real and exciting. Reading, writing and researching concurrently has worked well for me, but everyone is built differently. I found that writing the thesis has proven *not* to be a linear process! Be prepared to write it out of order and to also write several sections concurrently. Lastly, I'd suggest asking your supervisor how they'd like to receive drafts .. that is, in sections or entire chapters. Also, do they want to see vomit drafts or refined pieces of writing from you? Involve them as much as you can (and as much as they will allow you). Good luck. Cheryl-Anne
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Candice Kay Lee |
at my institution, a doctoral candidate must submit a transfer and confirmation of status report before final submission. this may include the following chapters:
introduction background to the research literature review theoretical framework methodology findings really, all save for *further findings, discussion, conclusion* ought to have been completed before my final, haribo and diet coke-fueled days sat in write-up began. but that doesn't mean 'mutations' in writing, theory and analysis, as they appeared in my previous two reports, did not occur. i say this with such dramatic irony because it may very well be the case that supervisors and colleagues may pick up on subtle shifts and turns in your work that may have gone undetected by the researcher him/herself. so embedded are we in our own study that it is often difficult for us to pick up on changes in our researcher's bias, perspectives and so on. hopefully that process is one of maturation (here's hoping, stephen).
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Emma Bryant |
Colleagues of mine who have written up their theses basically told me that I should start writing individual chapters up as soon as possible, but that brining it together in the final 'story' will be a very evolutionary process.
They implied that I shouldn't spend time trying to work out the final structure until I am well into getting the content down. This seems to make sense to me, but would be interested to know if this fits other people's experience and/or received wisdom?
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Samantha Leeson |
If your thesis is based on experimental results I would recommend an introduction (literature review) followed by a brief experimental overview chapter which mentions all techniques and why they are complementary. This can be followed by chapters for each method / technique you have used and the results for each section. Finally you can close with an 'Conclusions' chapter to bring the sections together followed by a brief 'Further research' section.
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Katie Collins |
I think that writing up is an almost continuous process that pretty much starts as soon as you begin your work. Keeping good notes and records that will ultimately go into your thesis is all part of writing up. However, having the long view when you don't even know what 'story' you will be writing can be tricky.
I'd recommend keeping as many notes as possible electronically rather than accumulating mountains of paper.
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