How to write Methodology Chapter?

Herewith a reply I wrote to a student, which I have modified for reference of other postgraduate students:

3.1 should be Introduction, in which you inform the outline of Chapter 3.

Next, you need to write your epistemological stance in 3.2 Research Design. Here, you explain how you believe new knowledge can be generated through your empirical study. Then you describe why you choose observation (participative or not? Why? Must be as specific as possible) and questionnaire survey to answer your research questions. Why not other research design? How each of these observation or survey related to each other, and how the findings may answer each research questions.

After that,  write 3.3 Instrumentation to depict how you developed or adapted and then planned to apply each of the instruments in your research. What are the pros and cons of each instrument and how you overcome the shortcomings of the instruments. For every instrument, you need to explain its validity and reliability, particularly what have you done to assure their validity (internal, external and ecological) and reliability (Cronbach Alpha)

Next, in 3.4 Data Collection, you explain how you sample or plan to sample your data. For PhD level, this is very important and you need to be as detailed as possible to justify your choice of samples are not purposive nor by chance. Results of Chi Square test or pattern of normal distribution should be shown. Then, write the data collection protocol and attach the details (consent form,  cover letter and information sheet of your research should be attached as Appendices). It would be better if you have letter of approval from an authority to study children. If so,  include it as appendix. Remember to show your timeline of data collection and justify your plan of timing.

In 3.5 Data Analysis Methods, you need to show a constructive alignment table between data collection methods, data analysis methods against which research questions and objectives you would answer or achieve. Since you plan to use survey, you need to explain whether you are using parametric or nonparametric statistical analysis methods, and justify your choice. Please specify the type of statistical tests you plan to run on the data.

If your research involve using multiple methods, either in data collection or in data analysis, you need to explain how the findings of each method complement or integrate with other findings. This could be a standalone sub topic as Triangulation.

For research that involves living things, you need to explain how you resolved or plan to resolve ethical issues in a sub topic titled Ethical Issues.