Guidelines

Main sections in the methodology chapter of a positivist study

Structure

1. Description of the sampling method, the sampling frame, size of the population, number of responses, and the response rate compared with previous studies.
2. Explanation of the appropriateness of the methodology in the context of your paradigm.
3. Description of the methods used to collect data for the literature review and the research data. Discussion of their strengths and weaknesses in the context of alternatives to justify your choice. If the research data were collected over a long period of time, include a timetable showing when specific activities took place and any critical events.
4. Description of the methods used to analyse the literature and the research data. Discussion of their strengths and weaknesses in the context of alternatives to justify your choice.
5. Description of the variables in the analysis, level of measurement, unit of measurement and codes used.
6. Discussion of the limitations in the research design, making reference to generalizability, reliability and validity.

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