thesis writing

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English Language Centre
ELC6002 Thesis Writing for Research Students
Writing the Methodology chapter
The Methodology chapter in a thesis follows the Literature Review. This chapter presents
the methodological framework of a study and describes the methods adopted to collect
and analyse data. The title of this chapter generally appears as “Methodology”,
“Methods” or “Research Design and Procedures”. No matter which title you use, it is
important to understand the main purposes of this chapter and the distinction between
methodology and methods.
I. Purposes of the Methodology chapter
One main purpose of the Methodology chapter is to allow other researchers in the field
to replicate the study. Thus, the chapter should include:
 An adequate and detailed description of the research approach and
framework adopted in the study; and
 A justification for the chosen approach and framework so as to establish the
credibility of the research results.
Figure 1 below shows the typical components of a Methodology chapter
Fig 1. Visual map of typical components of a Methodology chapter
Adapted from Paltridge and Starfield (2007, p. 123)

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Some of the important considerations when writing a methodology chapter:
 A clear overall structure of the chapter
 An advance organiser or introduction to the chapter
 the use of headings (and sub-headings)
 paragraphing
 cohesion, coherence and organisation of ideas within each section
 the need to elaborate your points
 the use of correct tenses
 the consistency in style
 the use of correct connectives and only when necessary
 writing in complete sentences
 the use of correct subject-verb agreement
II. Methodology and methods
Some students are not quite sure about the differences between “Methodology” and
“Method”. Here are some quotes on the distinction between the two terms:
Methodology refers to the theoretical paradigm or framework in which the student is
working; to the stance he or she is taking as a researcher (e.g. choosing a quantitative or
qualitative paradigm) and the argument that is built in the text to justify these
assumptions, theoretical frameworks and/or approaches as we as the choice of research
questions or hypotheses. The Methodology develops an explanation as to why the
research method(s) under discussion have been chosen.
Method refers to the actual research instruments and materials used. The chosen
methodology informs the choice of methods and what counts as data.
(Paltridge & Starfield, 2007, p. 118)
Stemming from a congruent philosophy, a methodology is a set of principles and ideas that
inform the design of a research study. Methods, on the other hand, are practical procedures
used to generate and analyse data. (Birks & Mills, 2011, p. 4)
“…methodology is defined as the research strategy that outlines the way one goes about
undertaking a research project, whereas methods identify means or modes of data
collection. (Howell, 2013, p. ix)

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III. Structure of the Methodology chapter
There is no one standard way to organise your Methodology chapter. The organisation
and components of the Methodology chapter vary, depending on the nature of your
study.
Activity 1
Examine the two tables of contents on p. 4-5 and discuss in pairs:
1. How did the writers structure their Methodology chapter?
_______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
2. What methods/tools did the writers use to collect the data?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
3. Based on the two tables of content, what do you think are the essential
components of a methodology chapter?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

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Table of contents
Sample 1
Source: Liu, C. (2019). Customer experience with the application of self-service technology in
hotels in China: a high-tech or high-touch debate (Doctoral dissertation, The Hong Kong
Polytechnic University).

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Sample 2
Source: Khan, H. Z. A. (2017). Investigating the relationship between safety climate and
safety performance in the construction of multi-storey buildings in Pakistan (Doctoral
dissertation, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University).

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Below, for your reference, are the outlines of the Methodology chapter in three PhD
theses.
Methodology Outline 1 Methodology Outline 2 Methodology Outline 3
Introduction Introduction Research questions
Research perspective General perspective Research approach
Research design Research context
(place and time)
Combination of methods
Limitations Subjects Case study research
Subjects Instruments Methodology of this study
Research variables Procedures Setting and sampling
Instruments Methods for RQ1 Data collection phases
and instruments
Data collection measures Methods for RQ2 Data analysis
Data analysis Methods for RQ3 Data management
Validity Data analysis Analytical features
Reliability Validity and reliability Piloting
Triangulation Generalisability Reliability and validity
Summary of methods Summary Summary
Note: Your Methodology chapter can contain elements different from these and be
structured in a different order.
Order of sections
First, decide on the content of your Methodology chapter. After you have cleared this
with your supervisor(s), you may make several possible outlines of your chapter.
Several orders are commonly found in dissertations.
1. Logical order
2. Chronological order
3. Research-question order
4. Research-methods order
Check with your supervisor after you have revised your draft outlines before deciding
on the one to follow.
Remember to use appropriate headings for this chapter. As you can see from the two
tables of content on p.4 and 5, the writers used more than one research method in
their research. The use of headings facilitates cross-referencing in the thesis. The
writers can easily refer back (or forward) to a particular section (e.g. as stated in 3.2.1).
The use of headings can also help students organise information and develop their
arguments in a logical manner. Make sure the headings and subheadings you use can
clearly and concisely reflect the information being presented.
Reliability and validity
A detailed description of data collection in the Methodology chapter helps readers
evaluate the reliability and validity of your research.
 Reliability refers to “the degree of consistency in measurement and to the lack
of error” (Gidron, 2013, p. 1643). Rolfe (2006) states that reliability indicates
consistency and replicability.
 Validity is “the assurance that the study measures what it claims to study and
the conclusions are supported by the data collected by the researcher” (Rolfe,
2006, as cited in Blair, 2016).

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These two concepts are important criteria for evaluating the quality of research. You
need to consider both concepts very carefully when you are developing your research
design and writing about your methods. You can discuss reliability and validity in the
Methodology chapter by describing how you planned your research to ensure the
reliability and validity of the methods used (e.g. the selected research techniques, the
chosen sample size).
A quick overview of the two concepts can be found here:
https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/reliability-vs-validity/
Ethical clearance in research
Some research may pose risks to research participants. Students who involve others
(for example, human subjects) in their study need to obtain ethics approval from the
university before they can conduct their research. Not all research studies require
ethics approval. It is important to verify this with your supervisor(s) and the Research
Office.
The PolyU’s ethics guidelines can be found here:
https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ro/en/staff-ethics.html

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To achieve the stated research objectives, this study was undertaken in two
main phases, which include (i) reviewing the Hong Kong construction industry and
identifying future opportunities; and (ii) formulating strategies for a sustainable
development of the industry. It combines literature review, analyses of secondary
data, an expert forum and a series of validation interviews (Fig. 3). The triangulation
of primary and secondary data enables an understanding of the current state of the
construction industry and contributes to the formulation of strategic directions for its
sustainable development. Literature on construction industry development and
overseas experience in tackling excessive fluctuations in construction demand has
been extensively reviewed. The sources of reference include books, journals,
magazines, newsletters, government reports, proceedings from conferences,
workshops, seminars, websites and other sources. Past and current performance of
the local construction industry has also been documented through the literature
review and analyses of economic data related to the construction industry. The
outcomes form a crucial basis for the development of instruments to achieve the
stipulated aim.
Based on the findings of the literature review and the identified opportunities, a
list of feasible suggestions had been drawn up under the Fox's analytical framework
before being discussed in an expert forum. The expert forum was conducted to
identify the concerns, interests and options of various industry stakeholders regarding
the suggestions to achieve a sustainable growth of the industry. The expert forum
enables a panel of 29 senior staff (Director/General Manager or equivalent) from the
government, developers, consultants, contractors, suppliers and academics to
provide their professional judgment and opinions on the industry's strategic directions.
Three renowned international scholars in construction management and economics
were invited to share their experience and facilitate the expert forum and interact with
various construction stakeholders.
A pre-forum discussion was arranged to allow the invited scholars and the
research team to discuss the preliminary research findings and formulate strategies
for the expert forum. A post-forum discussion involving the invited scholars, CII-HK
Research Task Force members and the research team was also organized to
establish the feasibility, impact, suitability and priority of the identified opportunities
and strategic directions.
The findings of this study may bring a substantial impact to the development of
the local construction industry. Consequently, the credibility of the results especially
the applicability of the identified opportunities and options to the peculiar situation of
Hong Kong are of paramount importance. It is, therefore, critical to conduct a prudent
validation exercise, via a spectrum of construction experts, to confirm the relevancy
and significance of the proposed strategies. This validation was carried out by means
of series of interviews with nine construction experts and relevant government
officials who are the decision makers to implement the proposed strategies for
achieving a sustainable development for the industry (Table 1).
Activity 2
The methodology section below was extracted from a journal article. Read the extract and
discuss in pairs: i) the structure of the methodology section; and ii) the tense and voice
used in the section.
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 4

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IV. The introduction to the Methodology chapter
Similar to the Literature Review chapter, there should be an introduction section, which, if you
like, you can number as Section 3.1. The introduction section should provide an
overview of the chapter and perhaps the researcher’s intent. Some writers re-state the
rationale for their study here in order to set the context for the rest of the chapter. Sometimes
the previous chapter, i.e. the Literature Review chapter, is so long that writers do not want to
include the Research Questions there. In this case, the Methodology chapter can begin with a
short introduction, followed immediately by the Research Questions, which would naturally
lead to the methods used to answer those questions.
Here is a sample introduction to the Methodology chapter in a thesis. Look at how the writer
indicates what have been achieved in the previous chapter and provides a brief description of
the methodology/methods adopted in the study.
Sample 1
Source: Mohammed, I. (2015). An analysis of online pricing behaviour of hotels in Hong Kong.
(Doctoral thesis, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)
The information acquired from the expert forum and interviews was first audio-
recorded and later transcribed in written scripts. The scripts were returned to
corresponding interviewees subsequently for verification. An account of information
obtained from the forum and in-depth interviews was archived for subsequent
analysis. Valid inferences and conclusions were then made based on studying and
analyzing the texts and concepts within texts in a systematic and objective manner
(Krippendorff, 2004).
Source: Wong, J. M., Ng, S. T., & Chan, A. P. (2010). Strategic planning for the sustainable
development of the construction industry in Hong Kong. Habitat International, 34(2), 256-263.
Paragraph 5
3.0 Introduction
Following the literature review and conceptual framework developed
in the previous chapter, this chapter presents the methodology of the
study, which explains the techniques and strategies that were adopted
to achieve the objectives of the study. As a starting point, the objectives
of the study required a mix of descriptive and causal research design
following the positivist research paradigm. The descriptive design was
used to demonstrate the properties of the data which informed the
selection of the appropriate regression methods for the causal design.
Appropriate to each objective of the study and the properties of the
data, three sets of econometric panel data models were used.
The first set of panel data models involved the Poisson and
Negative Binomial count data models. These models were used to
analyse the factors influencing the frequency of room rate change. The
second set involved Logit and Probit models. The goal of these models
was to determine the factors that make a hotel more or less likely to
increase its room rate.
Referring back to the
previous chapter
The objective of this
present chapter
Justification of the
methodology adopted
in the study
Brief description of the
methods used in the
study
Elaboration of the three
models used in the
study.

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Here are some samples of the language that you can use for the introduction section.
This chapter describes the research methodology, methods, and …for this study. It
provides a comparison of … and a rationale for the selection of …. The use of …
approach is included; the sampling method is explained, and the methods used to
collect and analyse data are described.
Since the purpose of this study was to …, the … approach
was adopted, focusing on …. This study consisted of
participants from … who …. After a description of the
participants, this chapter continues to explain the
experimentation processes, procedures, instrumentation;
and discusses the validity and reliability of the research
design.
Activity 3
Try to write the introduction section of your Methodology chapter below.
_____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
The final group of panel data models was spatial models, including
the Spatial Autoregressive, Spatial Error model and Spatial Durbin model.
These models were used to examine the interaction effects between the
size of a hotel’s room rate change and the effects from neighbouring
hotels. After estimating these models, diagnostic checks were also
conducted to assure that the data satisfied the assumptions of the various
models. Lastly, a summary is provided to conclude the chapter.
Continue with the
elaboration of the three
models used in the
study.
Informing readers a
summary will be
provided at the end of
the chapter
After reviewing the literature on…, in particular that of …, this chapter states the
research questions of the study and introduces the methodology employed to answer
them, which includes…, … and …

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V. Language use
Many students find the Methodology chapter the simplest to write because it is easy to
determine the use of tense and voice. What is the most commonly used tense and
voice in describing the methodology?
Activity 4
The following are excerpts modified from various Methodology chapters. In pairs, fill in
the blanks using the verbs given in brackets.
Excerpt 1
The design selected for this investigation _______________ (be) a cross-sectional
design. Since the study _______________ (propose) to investigate the effects of
preservice education on teachers’ beliefs and attitudes, comparisons
_______________ (be) necessary to document the changes, if any, in beliefs and
attitudes.
Excerpt 2
African American and European American females who _______________ (major) in
psychology _______________ (ask) to volunteer for this study. Demographic
information pertaining to the total sample of participants _______________ (recorded).
The total sample (N=291) _______________ (consist) of 133 African American
females and 158 European American females. Ages _______________ (range) from
17 to 47 years old.
Excerpt 3
The dependent, independent and control variables _______________ (identify) based
on the research questions and hypotheses. Further details of the different variables
_______________ (discuss) in Sections 3.43 and 3.44. The dependent variables
_______________ (measure) by …
Excerpt 4
A repeated measures (RM) multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA)
_______________ (employ) with gender as a between subjects factor, and time
intervals as repeated factors. … A hierarchical linear regression analysis
_______________ (conduct) to determine how much of the variance …
_______________ (account) for by dispositional and task-specific factors. The
significance level used in this study _______________ (be) p<0.05.
Excerpt 5
Multiple items _______________ (propose) to measure each latent construct in this
study (see Figure 3.3). It _______________ (be) customary for squares in models to
represent observed variables and circles to represent latent variables. Each construct
_______________ (describe) below.

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Excerpt 6
This study _______________ (have) two phases: identifying … elements, and
rating …using these elements. Identifying the elements _______________
(involve) …. Notable design elements _______________ (record), and
_______________ (lead) to a pilot study involving …. Subject selection
_______________ (base) on reputation, age, size and ….
Excerpt 7
The questionnaire _______________ (pilot) before its distribution. Copies of two
proposed questionnaires _______________ (send) to ten current or former
superintendents who _______________ (select) because of their knowledge and
expertise regarding district finance. They _______________ (ask) to review the
proposed documents for clarity of instructions, preference for design, face validity, and
other constructive suggestions to improve the survey design. The questionnaire
_______________ (find) in Appendix C.
Excerpt 8
Volunteers _______________ (recruit) during their initial appointments with the
outpatient clinic. Informed consent _______________ (obtain) prior to participation in
the study (see Appendix 5). … The informants’ progress _______________ (monitor)
via … for a period of three years from ….
Excerpt 9
This research study _______________ (guide) by phenomenological inquiry approach.
Phenomenology _______________(be) an ideal guiding framework as it
_______________ (commit) to understanding phenomenon from the actors’
perspective and _______________ (focus) on the structure and essence of
experience.
Excerpt 10
I _______________ (use) a constant comparative method of data analysis. I audio
_______________ (record) interviews with participants and _______________ (have)
the interviews transcribed verbatim. Analysis of data _______________ (begin) with
the transcriptions. … As I _______________ (code) the data, I _______________
(look) for relationships and patterns and attempted to fit them into categories.

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VI. Some tips on verb tenses and voice
Content Language Feature Examples from the text
Procedures of the
study
 Past tense
 Passive voice
E.g. 1 The data collection process consisted of a
questionnaire survey, interviews with
professionals in the industry, and detailed case
study analysis. The questionnaire aimed to
establish the general industry perspective after the
implementation of the incentives to promote the
use of prefabrication in buildings, whereas the
detailed case studies provided information on
current industry practices. Interviews were used to
reinforce the data collected.
The instrument
itself
 Present Tense OR Past
Tense
(Be consistent with your
use here)
E.g. 2 The developed database comprises 221
buildings which had used some form of
precasting, and built over a period of 45 years.
E.g. 3 The project-oriented questionnaire was
administered by email or in person, and consisted
of six questions on the benefits and limitations of
using prefabrication in the project.
E.g. 1 – Jaillon, L., Poon, C.S. and Chiang, Y.H., 2009. Quantifying the waste reduction potential of using
prefabrication in building construction in Hong Kong. Waste Management, 29(1), 309-320.
E.g. 2 – Jaillon, L. and Poon, C.S., 2009. The evolution of prefabricated residential building systems in Hong
Kong: A review of the public and the private sector. Automation in Construction, 18(3), 239-248.
E.g. 3 – Jaillon, L. and Poon, C.S., 2014. Life cycle design and prefabrication in buildings: A review and case
studies in Hong Kong, Automation in Construction, 39, 195-202.
VII. Ending the chapter
As with the Literature Review chapter, it is necessary to end the Methodology chapter
properly. To do this, you should give the reader a summary of this chapter and a transition
to the next chapter.
If your study employs very complicated methods to answer each of your research questions,
you may like to give your summary in the form of a table:
Research question How it was answered Related chapter(s)
#1 … … … (which research phase,
method, etc.)
Chapter 4.1 etc

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Here is the summary of the Methodology chapter in the thesis Mohammed, I. (2015). An
analysis of online pricing behaviour of hotels in Hong Kong. (Doctoral thesis, The Hong Kong
Polytechnic University). The writer briefly indicates what have been presented in each section
of the chapter.
Activity 5
Here is an example of a summary of the Methodology chapter. Fill in the blanks using the
phrases given below.
but one which have also stressed the In doing so
have highlighted the fact confirm or deny in the following chapters
as well as have explained the rationale for
In this chapter, I ______________________________ my choice of a naturalistic
approach to the study and of the Grounded Theory methodology employed to discover
the “truths” embedded in the literature, and in participant and researcher experiential
knowledge.
I ______________________________ that the research process was not a linear one,
______________________________ can rather be characterised as an iterative
process of repeatedly revisiting data in order to examine emerging issues and
______________________________ initial interpretations. I
______________________________ importance of both theoretical and practitioner
knowledge, ______________________________ my role as both research and SAC
co-ordinator in the research process.
______________________________, I have aimed to lay the foundations for the
examination ______________________________ of the various six stages in the
research process.
3.8 Summary of the chapter
This chapter has presented all the methodological issues pertaining to the
study. In the first section, the chapter discussed the research design which involves
descriptive strategies and causal techniques. The unit of analysis has also been
explained followed by an outline of the research procedure which addressed all the
important methodological issues such as population and sampling, procedure for
data collection, sources of data and pilot testing to ensure validity and reliability. In
the next section, the econometric models adopted for the causal analyses were
specified, taking into account the conceptual framework. Consistent with prior
studies, some of the econometric specifications followed a semi-log linear
functional form while others were specified in level form due to the nature of the
data. In addition, the chapter has also provided detailed explanations on how the
variables in the models were operationalized and estimated. In the final section, the
various diagnostics tests that were conducted to ensure that results were valid and
reliable were also explained.

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VIII. Pointing to future chapters
Instead of simply providing a transition to the next chapter (i.e. the findings chapter),
some researchers like to present an overview of the rest of the thesis at the end of the
Methodology chapter. This will give the reader a clear view of what they will read from
this point onwards. You can use the future tense if you offer such an overview.
IX. Guiding questions for writing the Methodology chapter
What did you set out to achieve through the study?
How did you set out to achieve it?
Why did you choose that research approach?
What were your research questions?
How did your research approach help find the answers to those questions?