How to Write a Research Methodology Without Stress
Mostly, students are afraid of the methodology section. This fear is not because it is hard, but because no one explains it simply. And yes, books make it sound scary, and your supervisors assume that you already know everything. Suddenly, you are stuck, looking at a blank page, and you have no idea where to begin.
The truth is, methodology is not about big words, but it is about sounding smart. It is about explaining what you did and why you did it that way. When written clearly, it becomes one of the strongest parts of your research.
Think of methodology as a recipe. If someone follows your steps, they should get similar results. The real goal is not to impress but to be clear, honest, and logical. Once you see it this way, writing becomes much easier.
What Is a Methodology?
A methodology explains how you conducted your research and shows your plan. It explains to the reader what tools you have used, what you studied, and how you collected information. It also helps in explaining why these choices made sense for your topic.
Many students confuse methodology and methods. However, they are not the same. Methods are the tools you use, and methodology is the thinking behind them. In short, one is action, and the other is logic.
Here is a simple way to keep in mind.
- Methods = What you did
- Methodology = Why you did it that way
Methodology vs Methods
| Point | Methodology | Methods |
| Meaning | Overall research plan | Specific tools used |
| Focus | Reasoning and logic | Actions and steps |
| Example | Why were surveys chosen | Online questionnaire |
What a Strong Methodology Section Always Includes
A good methodology follows a clear structure. It does not jump around and flows step by step. Even complex research can look simple when structured well.
Most PhD Methodology Writing sections include the same core parts. You do not need to invent anything new. You just need to explain each part clearly and honestly.
Core Parts of a Methodology
- Research approach
- Research design
- Data collection method
- Sample or participants
- Data analysis technique
- Ethical considerations
Each part answers a different question, and they tell the full story of your research process.
Step 1: Select Your Research Method
This is the first thing that you explain in your methodology. This sounds serious, but in reality, it is very basic. You are just answering one question:
How did you study the problem?
There are only three common approaches. Most students use one of these.
Qualitative Approach
This approach focuses on words, not numbers. You try to understand thoughts, opinions, or experiences.
You use it when:
- You want deep answers
- You want to understand feelings or reasons
- Your topic is about behavior or opinions
Example:
Interviewing PhD students about their research stress.
Quantitative Approach
This method focuses on data and numbers, where you measure things and analyze results.
You use it when:
- You want to test something
- You want clear data
- You want statistics and graphs
For Example:
Conducting a survey of 200 students and counting responses.
Mixed Method Approach
This is a mix of both, using numbers and words. You use it when:
- One method is not enough
- You want strong results
- You want better clarity
Example:
Survey + follow-up interviews.
| Approach | Uses | Best For |
| Qualitative | Interviews, text | Understanding meaning |
| Quantitative | Surveys, stats | Measuring results |
| Mixed | Both | Deep + reliable findings |
Tip: Do not overthink this part. Choose what fits your topic and then explain it in simple words.
Step 2: Explain Your Research Design
Now you explain how your study is planned. This Part tells the reader the shape of your research.
Research design answers this simple question:
What type of study is this?
Common Research Designs:
- Descriptive
It explains what is happening
- Exploratory
It explores something new
- Experimental
It tests cause and effect
- Case study
It focuses on one case
Example
If your study describes student habits → descriptive
If your study tests a theory → experimental
Research shows that students with clearly defined designs get fewer revision comments on their dissertations.
Step 3: Data Collection Methods
In this part, you are just telling the reader how you collected information. Think about it like this.
If someone asked,
“Where did your data come from?”
This section answers that question clearly.
Common Data Collection Methods
- Surveys
- Interviews
- Questionnaires
- Observations
- Documents / Reports
Example
If your topic is related to the stress of students:
Survey → quick opinions
Interview → personal stories
Both are okay, but you will always explain why you chose one.
Data Collection Table
| Method | Used When | Simple Benefit |
| Survey | Big groups | Quik results |
| Interview | Small groups | Detailed insights |
| Observation | Behavior study | Real actions |
| Document | Past data | Saves time |
Important Tip: Never list methods without explanation. Always say why you used them.
Step 4: Who Were Your Participants?
Now you talk about who took part in your study. This is called the sample, and do not let the word scare you.
You just explain:
- Who they were
- How many people
- Why did you choose them
- Simple Questions to Answer
- Were they students, teachers, or professionals?
- How many participated?
- How were they selected?
Example Sentence
“This study included 150 postgraduate students selected through online platforms.”
Sampling Types
- Random sampling
Anyone can be chosen
- Purposive sampling
Chosen for a reason
- Convenience sampling
Easy to reach
| Type | Meaning | When to Use |
| Random | Equal chance | Large studies |
| Purposive | Selected group | Specific topics |
| Convenience | Easy access | Limited time |
Studies show that clear sample descriptions increase research trust by over 40%.
Step 5: Data Analysis
This part sounds heavy, but it is not. Data analysis simply means how you made sense of the information you collected.
You already have data, and now you explain what you did with it. Ask yourself one simple question:
How did I understand my results?
If your data were numbers, you probably used:
- Percentages
- Charts
- Graphs
- Simple statistics
This is very common when surveys are used. In a PhD dissertation analysis, this helps show clear patterns and trends.
Example:
You counted how many students agreed or disagreed with a statement.
If your data were words, you probably used:
- Themes
- Categories
- Repeated ideas
This is common in interviews and open questions. You read the answers and group similar thoughts together.
| Data Type | Analysis Used | Outcome |
| Numbers | Statistical tools | Charts, results |
| Words | Thematic analysis | Patterns, themes |
Step 6: Tools and Software
Here, you mention any tools that you have used. Some common tools include:
- Excel
- SPSS
- NVivo
- Google Forms
Example:
“Data was analysed using Excel to generate percentages and charts.”
| Tool | Used For |
| Excel | Basic analysis |
| SPSS | Statistical data |
| NVivo | Qualitative data |
| Google Forms | Data collection |
Step 7: Ethics
Ethics means conducting research the right way, showing respect for people and their data.
Things you mention here are:
- Consent was taken
- All Identities were kept protected
- Data was kept private
Is methodology hard to write?
No, not really. It feels hard only because people overthink it. In reality, it is very simple to write if you have followed the right steps.
How long should a methodology be?
There is no fixed rule. It should be long enough to explain everything clearly.
Can I use simple words in methodology?
Yes. You should. Simple words make your research stronger.
It’s a Wrap
Writing a methodology does not have to feel like climbing an uphill. It is not only about showing knowledge, but also about being honest, clear, and logical. Whether you are working on a Case Study or another type of research, breaking the process into simple steps makes everything feel lighter and more manageable.
If readers read your document and follow the entire process without question, you have done it in the right way. This is why it is said that the simple always wins.
