Methodology accounts for about 20% of the dissertation and is an important component of the graduation thesis, determining the direction of the thesis. At the same time, it is also a difficult point in the thesis.
Methodology is a theoretical framework used to support specific research methods. Methodology is more macro level, including the methods used in the research field and the underlying theories or principles, which can affect the selection of specific research methods. And research questions and research hypotheses determine the choice of our methodology.
Methodology
Research methods refer to specific methods used to collect data. In order to answer research questions and achieve research objectives, we can collect data through different methods. The specific methods include interviews, questionnaires, observations, content analysis, focus groups, experiments, and so on.
Based on existing literature and research, describing the academic reasons for choosing methodology and research methods can enhance the reliability and effectiveness of the research, as well as clearly present to readers what the research has done and how it was done. This is also the problem that the Methodology section aims to solve.
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◎ Structure: What parts does Methodology include?
1. Introduction
The introduction can be considered as a concluding paragraph. In this section, it is necessary to summarize the specific contents of Methodology, such as research design, data collection methods, data analysis methods, sample selection, and so on.
For example, this chapter focuses on five parts, which are research questions, research participants, research methods, research processes, and data analysis.
2. Introduction to Research Philosophy
Philosophy includes three types: positivism, interpretivism, and post positivism.
Positivism refers to speaking with facts and using rigorous data analysis to verify conclusions or hypotheses. It is generally used for writing graduation theses in natural sciences such as business. Quantitative analysis is required.
Interpretivism is generally used in humanities and social sciences, and requires qualitative analysis. Use interviews and focus groups to study and discuss a certain phenomenon or research object, and then draw conclusions.
Post positivism is generally a summary of the objective world obtained through subjective experience. In this case, both quantitative and qualitative analysis will be applied simultaneously.
Here, we also need to introduce which research approach was adopted, the reasons for its use, and its advantages and disadvantages.
3. Introduction to Research Design
Qualitative research refers to the inductive process of inferring theoretical results through continuous collection and accumulation of facts in natural contexts. Common research methods include
Ethnography, focus groups, in-depth interviews, participatory observation, case studies
◆ Quantitative Research
It refers to describing, explaining, and predicting the research object based on a large amount of quantitative facts, and proposing theoretical viewpoints through logical inference and related analysis. The commonly used methods include content analysis, questionnaire survey, and experimental methods
Mixed research refers to the simultaneous use of qualitative and quantitative research.
Using Qualitative, Quantitative, or Mixed methods, the choice of research approach here needs to be consistent with Philosophy. Explain why qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods are used and why these methods can answer research questions.
4. Introduce data collection tools
This section should provide a detailed introduction to the sources of data, whether they are primary data (obtained through surveys) or secondary data (company annual report data, stock data, bond data, etc.). It should also introduce the specific methods of collecting data, including the reasons, advantages, and limitations of choosing this method. It is also recommended to refer to the data sources selected in the literature, and pay attention to the authority and effectiveness of the data. Various databases such as Statistical Yearbook, China Economic Net, and Bibi
Authoritative social surveys such as the China Social Survey CSS and the China Comprehensive Social Survey GSS are also important channels for data collection.
5. Introduce research samples and participants
Both quantitative and qualitative research cannot include all aspects of a particular research object in the study, therefore sampling is necessary. Quantitative research follows the principle of randomness, while qualitative research follows the principle of representative sampling. In these sections, it is necessary to introduce whether sample sampling is random or non random. At the same time, it is necessary to provide a detailed introduction to the selection of research subjects or participants and explain the reasons for the selection, including basic information such as the time, location, name, and sample size of the study.
