Chapter 3
Methodology
Chapter 3 describes the components of the methodology for the research study. Begin
with a paragraph describing the organization of the chapter. In your proposal use FUTURE tense
to describe your study. In your final thesis, use PAST tense.
Research Questions
Provide your research question(s) here. Add any information that would be helpful in
explaining your questions.
Variables. The variable section of the methodology chapter provides a succinct
explanation of the variable that were introduced in Chapter 1 and examined in detail in Chapter
2. The description of a variable needs to match the corresponding definition in the definition of
terms. Describing the variables helps the reader judge whether or not the variables are relevant to
the measures. Describing the variables also provides an advance organizer for understanding the
constructs included in the measures.
Explain and describe each variable in the same order as presented in the research
question(s). Include key references for each variable.
Conceptual/Operational Definitions. Discuss definitions related to your methodology
here.
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Measures. Measures are used to assess the performance of variable that are included in
research questions and hypotheses. The types of measures that are used in quantitative research
includes: instruments, tests, questionnaires that use fixed response items, ratings, observations,
and archival data. The measures section of Chapter 3 describes the design and performance of
the measures used in the study.
Scales and Subscales. Describe all scales and subscales for any instruments and tests that
are used in the study.
Reliability and Validity (if using a survey). Discuss reliability and validity here if you
are using a survey.
Research Design
Participants. Describe the participants here.
Characteristics of the Participants. Describe characteristics of the participants here that
are relevant to your study.
Intervention (treatment). Describe the treatment here.
Data Collection Procedures. Describe your data collection here.
Data Analysis Procedures. Describe your analysis here.
Summary (and transition to next chapter)
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References
The reference list at the end of the thesis should list all works cited in the thesis, and all items
listed as references must have been cited in the thesis text. The APA Manual can provide
guidance for ensuring accuracy in these details.
Examples of some common types of references are shown below; see APA 6.22 and Chapter 7
for more details.
Periodical (journal)
Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (1994). Title of article. Title of Periodical, xx(x),
xxx-xxx.
Online periodical (journal)
Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (1994). Title of article. Title of Periodical, xx(x),
xxx-xxx. doi: xxxxxx
Nonperiodical (book)
Author, A. A. (1994). Title of work. City of Publication, ST: Publisher.
Chapter in a book
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (1994). Title of chapter. In A. Editor, B. Editor, & C. Editor
(Eds.), Title of book (pp. xxx-xxx). City, ST: Publisher.
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The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Sixth Edition, Chapter 7,
includes numerous examples of reference list entries. For more information on references or
APA style, consult the APA website
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