How to organize Methodology chapter of research paper

Why a research study has been undertaken, how the research problem has been defined, in what way and why the hypothesis has been formulated, what data have been collected and what particular method has been adopted, why particular technique of analyzing data has been used and a host of similar other questions are usually answered when we talk of good research paper methodology concerning a research problem or study. For example, an architect, who designs a building has to consciously evaluate the basis of his decisions, i.e., he has to why and on what basis he selects particular size, number and location of doors, windows and ventilators, uses particular materials and not others and the like.

Similarly, in research the scientist has to expose the research decisions to evaluation before they are implemented. He has to specify very clearly and precisely what decisions he selects and why he selects them so that they can be evaluated by others also.

The research paper methodology mainly consists of chapters like sampling design, data collection method and analysis of data. Sampling design is used for chalking out the sample. There are different methods for doing this. The sampling can be either probability sampling or it can be non probability sampling. Probability samples are those based on the simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified sampling, cluster or area sampling whereas non probability samples are those based on the convenience sampling, judgment sampling and quota sampling techniques.

Data collection method is another very important part of this section. Primary data can be collected either through experiment or through survey. If the researcher conducts an experiment, he observes some quantitative measurements, or the data, with the help of which he examines the truth contained in his hypothesis.

But in the case of a survey, data can be collected by any one or more of the following ways: a) by observation b) through personal interviews c) through telephone interviews d) by mailing of questionnaires e) through schedules etc. the researcher should select one of these methods of collecting the data taking into consideration the nature of investigation, objective and scope of the inquiry, financial resources, available time and the desired degree of accuracy. Though he should pay attention to all these factors but much depends upon the ability and experience of the researcher with the research paper assignment .

Analysis of the collected data is an extremely important step. The different statistical methods are used for analyzing the data in an error and bias free environment so that we can make a proper inference.

Methodology chapter of research paper talks about the different methods used and the reason for choosing those particular methods. Referencing forms a crucial part of the paper and APA style research paper is one of the most common ones.