After deciding what you are going to study and writing about it on your introduction, you must decide HOW to study it, which requires attention to detail and process. The goal of this paper is to develop a method section for your research proposal. Use the method section on the articles you have collected as a model. Your paper should read just like their methods section.
Here are some pointers for developing your methodology:
a.
Start by thinking what kind of claim you want to make. Is it a frequency claim? An association claim? A causal claim? This choice will guide your selection of methodology.
You DON’T have to write what kind of claim you are making, thinking about the kind of claim will help you figure out your method.
b.
Pay attention to what other researchers on your topic have done (the authors of the articles you annotated) – Can you use the same activity or questionnaire that they used as your method? Can you create your own method based on theirs or improve their work?
Describe your variables and HOW they are going to be measured. This is very important, clarity here is crucial.
d.
Decide where you will find your participants? How will they be recruited? Describe the kind of sampling you will attempt. Be realistic.
e.
What are the procedures and/or instruments you will use?
Does your methodology follow ethical standards? Consider how you’ll debrief and educate your participants after the study is over (if needed).
