Chapter 3: Methodology

Introduction: (1) A restatement of the research focus and (2) the purpose statement from C1 comprise the introduction (two to three paragraphs). (3) Describes what is expected of this chapter.

Problem Statement (1-2 paragraphs) (at least one to two pages). (1) Reiterates the phenomena and research question(s) from C1. (2) Describes why chosen design is most effective way to address RQs. (3) Specifies the groups and/or variables. (4) Talks about methods used to get information needed to address RQs. Relevant part in C1 is explained in this section. The kind and sources of the data required to address the research questions are described in section four (primary versus secondary data, specific individuals, institutional archives, open sources on the Internet, etc.).

Quantitative: Describes the tool or sources of data used to gather information on each and every variable.

Methodology for the Research: (at least one or two pages) (1) Explains study's research approach (qualitative, mixed, or quantitative). (2) Explains why specific methodology was chosen above the others. (3) Extends study methods discussed in C1. (4) Explains why specific methodology was chosen and is (5) backed up by empirical research in the literature. (6) Provides justification for methodology's selection over competing approaches.

Design of Research: (minimum 1-2 pages) (1) Extends study design discussed in C1. (2) Explains selection of a certain study design and backs it up with empirical references. (3) Explains why design was chosen over other designs as most effective method of gathering data. (4) Explains type of data to be collected in order to answer RQs. (5) Outlines specific instruments or data sources employed in the data collection process. Give unit of analysis and the variable structure for quantitative research.

Population & Sample Selection (minimum one to two pages) (1) Setting, (2) general population, and (3) target audience are discussed. (4) Examine sample. (5) Sample-specific research terminology used in discussion of sample. (6) Steps performed to safeguard final sample and sample population are described. (7) Gives thorough explanation of population and sample that were mentioned in the section on research design for the study in C1. (8) Research concerns pertinent to the population and sample. (9) Explains how study's sample size. (10) Shows sample size is sufficient for the research strategy.

Quantitative Sample Size: (absolute minimum: 50 cases or participants or 40 cases per cell.) (1) number may rise in studies that employ descriptive statistics, frequencies, and parametric statistical tests (t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression analysis). (2) Additional restrictions pertaining to usage of certain statistical analysis processes may also be relevant. (3) 10 participants per survey question. (4) Based on chosen design and expected impact size. (5) A-priori and/or post hoc power analysis used to support sample size.

Qualitative Sample Size Requirements

Case Study: (no less than 30 minutes; at least 15 pages of transcribed data, single spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman) (a) Minimum number of participants(10. (2) Suggested Goal: 20 (3) minimum of three data sources; triangulation of data must be demonstrated. ($) Closed-ended questions may be asked during case study interviews, but open-ended questions predominate.

Phenomenology: (minimum of 60 pages of transcribed data, single spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman). (a) 10-15 interviews; (b) No closed ended questionnaires allowed; (c) Interviews 60-90 minutes.

Descriptive: (30-60 pages of transcribed data, single spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman). (12-15 interviews or cases with at least 3 sources of data)

Narrative or Grounded Theory: (Minimum 30 pages of transcribed data open-ended questionnaire, or other data sources. 12 Point, single spaced. Minimum of 10-20 interviews or 40-60 open-ended questionnaires. Interviews 60-90 minutes in length. Grounded theory studies must yield a theory or model. (1) Describes & defines sampling techniques (convenience, purposive, snowball, random, etc.) backed by academic research sources. (2) Covers (a) sample selection, (b) group assignment (if appropriate), and (c) participant attrition accounting techniques. (3) (a) Authorization process, (b) confidentiality measures, (c) study participation conditions, and (d) geographic specifics described.

Validity: (at least two to four paragraphs, or roughly one page) (1) Discusses and defends the methods used to assess whether data gathered is valid in accordance with methodology.

Quantitative: (a) Indicates development process of quantitative instruments by providing precise validity statistics. (b) Validated surveys cannot be modified or used in part. (c) Verified borrowed instruments must be included in the dissertation appendices.

Qualitative: (a) Establishes validity to ensure data collected is true & certain. (b) Include collection of multiple sources of data; (a) triangulation, (b) member checking, (c) quasi-statistics. (3) Review of data analysis by others: (a) expert panel review of developed instruments; &/or (b) practicing interviews & observations.

Reliability-(minimum two to four paragraphs or approximately one page) (1) Explains data gathered way suitable for the methodology.

Quantitative Studies: (a) Specific reliability statistics for quantitative instruments are provided. (b) Methodology used to create the statistics identified. (c) Outlines particular methods for addressing reliability.

Qualitative Studies: (a) Ensures that data gathering constant and repeatable. (b) Thorough observation and interviewing procedures and guidelines for gathering data; (c) building a research database; and/or (d) applying triangulation.

Data Collection & Management (minimum 1-3 pages) (1) Describes every step of data collection procedure. (2) Outlines every stage of data collection procedure to enable study replication by another researcher.

Quantitative: (a) Details the methods for gathering data. (b) Details the use of each instrument or data source; and (c) details the methods and locations for gathering and recording data. (c) Consists of a step-by-step usage of procedures or linear sequence of events. (d) Provides transparent, sequential, and logical protocol with workflow and accompanying timeframe.

Qualitative: (a) gives a thorough explanation of the data collection procedure. (b) lists all data sources and techniques employed, including surveys, member checks, observations, interviews, and expert panel evaluation. (c) Outlines how to get informed consent and safeguard rights and welfare of participants. (d) Outlines data management practices for safe data maintenance, including how long, where, and how to erase data.

Data Analysis Procedures-(Minimum) (1) Provides detailed description of pertinent data gathered for each study question and/or variable in each hypothesis.

Quantitative-(a) Describes in detail data management practice including how raw data organized & prepared for analysis, (b) What: Describes, in detail, statistical & non-statistical analysis to be used & procedures used to conduct the data analysis. (c) Why: Provides justification for each of the (statistical & non-statistical) data analysis procedures used. (d) How: Demonstrates how statistical & non-statistical data analysis techniques align with the research questions/design. (e) States level of statistical significance for each test as appropriate. (f) Describes tests of assumptions for each statistical test.

Qualitative- (a) Demonstrates use of qualitative analysis technique; for example, the coding and theming process needs to be fully explained, along with the analysis and interpretation process. (b) Offers proof that amount and caliber of data are adequate to address the research issues.

Ethical Considerations- (minimum three to four paragraphs or approximately one page) (1) Talks about possible moral dilemmas. (2) Safeguards for data and human subjects. (3) Describes methods used to resolve possible ethical difficulties. (4) Offers analysis of study's and the target sample population's ethical concerns. (5) Outlines methods for securing informed consent and safeguarding welfare and rights of participants. (5) Discusses privacy, confidentiality, anonymity, coercion prevention techniques, and any possible conflicts of interest. (6) Outlines data management practices used to safely preserve and maintain both paper and electronic data, including how long, where, and how will be destroyed.

Limitations & Delimitations-(minimum two to three paragraphs) (1) (a) Constraints and (b) delimitations pertaining to research methodology, (c) design, and (d) potential effects on results). (2) Outlines (a) technique, sample, (b) instrumentation, (c) data collection procedure, and (d) analysis, (e) Restrictions and constraints. (3) Describes reasons behind the limits that now exist.

Chapter 3 Summary- (minimum one to two pages) (1) Reiterates main themes of C3 and includes citations. (2) Offers discussion of the transition to C4. (3) Uses credible, factual sources and citations to summarize the main ideas discussed in C3. (4) Exhibits a thorough (a) comprehension and (b) command of the design, (c) data analysis, and (d) research process. 5) Concludes C3 with a consideration of the transition to C4.

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