What is the Research Methodology chapter?
The Research Methodology chapter explains how you carried out your study. It tells the examiner what you did, why you chose certain methods, and how reliable your results are. A clear methodology increases the credibility of your MCom project.
Why methodology is important
- Shows rigour — it proves your study follows a logical process.
- Helps others replicate or trust your findings.
- Links your objectives with methods and data — making results meaningful.
Main components to include
Your Methodology chapter should contain these sections. Write each part clearly and in simple language.
- Research design: Descriptive, exploratory, causal, comparative, etc.
- Data sources: Primary or secondary — explain what sources you used.
- Sample and sampling technique: Population, sample size, sampling method (random, stratified, convenience).
- Data collection tools: Questionnaire, interview schedule, observation, case study, document analysis.
- Data analysis methods: Statistical tools (mean, percentage, chi-square, t-test), qualitative techniques, software used (SPSS, Excel).
- Validity and reliability: How you ensured data is reliable and results valid.
- Ethical considerations: Consent, confidentiality, permission from organisations.
- Limitations: Practical issues you faced and how they affect findings.
Deciding between quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods
Choose the approach that fits your objectives.
| Approach | When to use |
|---|---|
| Quantitative | When you need measurable data — surveys, financial ratios, large samples |
| Qualitative | When you explore perceptions, experiences — interviews, focus groups, case studies |
| Mixed | Both numbers and words — useful for deeper insight and validation |
For many MCom projects, a quantitative or mixed approach works best — especially when analysing financial data or customer surveys.
Sampling: how to choose sample size and method
Explain your population (who you study) and how you select respondents. Be honest about limitations if using convenience samples.
- Population: e.g., salaried employees in Pune, small traders in Delhi.
- Sample size: Aim for 50–200 respondents for survey-based MCom projects (practical for distance learners).
- Sampling method: Random, stratified or convenience — justify your choice.
Write a small paragraph on sampling procedure — how you reached respondents and any selection criteria used.
Designing the questionnaire or interview guide
Keep tools simple and focused on objectives. Use closed questions for easy analysis and a few open questions for deeper insight.
- Start with easy demographic questions (age, income, education).
- Use Likert scales (1–5) for attitudes or satisfaction.
- Test the questionnaire with 10–15 respondents as a pilot — revise confusing questions.
Data analysis: describe tools and techniques
Explain how you process collected data. Mention software (if used) and statistical tests.
- Descriptive statistics: Mean, median, percentage, frequency tables and charts.
- Inferential tests: Chi-square, t-test, ANOVA — if you need to test relationships.
- Qualitative analysis: Thematic coding, content analysis for interviews.
Give short justification: e.g., “Chi-square test is used to check association between education and digital payment usage.”
Validity, reliability and ethics
Briefly state steps you took:
- Reliability: Pilot testing, consistent questionnaire items (Cronbach’s alpha if used).
- Validity: Expert review, face and content validity.
- Ethics: Informed consent, anonymity of respondents, permission letters if using company data.
Common mistakes in Methodology and how to avoid them
| Mistake | How to avoid |
|---|---|
| Vague sampling description | State population, sample size and sampling method clearly |
| Using wrong tests | Match tests to data type (categorical vs continuous) |
| No pilot testing | Always pre-test the questionnaire |
| Ignoring ethics | Obtain consent and protect respondent identity |
Short example Methodology paragraph (for report)
Sample paragraph: This study uses a descriptive research design to examine customer satisfaction with mobile wallets in Mumbai. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire from 150 respondents selected using convenience sampling. The questionnaire included demographic items and 10 Likert-scale questions on service quality and usability. A pilot test with 15 respondents helped refine the instrument. Data was analysed using MS Excel for descriptive statistics (percentages, mean) and chi-square test to examine associations between age group and frequency of mobile wallet use. Ethical consent was obtained from all participants and responses were stored anonymously.
How to present Methodology in your project
- Begin with a short intro to research design.
- Present sampling and respondents clearly (use a small table if helpful).
- Describe data collection tools — attach questionnaire in Annexure.
- Explain analysis methods step-by-step.
- Mention validity, reliability and ethical steps.
Quick checklist before you finalise Methodology
- Is the research design clearly stated?
- Are population and sample explained?
- Is the questionnaire described and attached in Annexure?
- Are analysis techniques explained and justified?
- Have you mentioned pilot testing, reliability and ethics?