How to write your Methodology Chapter

 

Too often, the methodology chapter in a DPhil thesis is one of the weakest parts of a manuscript. Too many DPhil students are confused about when and how to discuss such intimidating issues as ontology, epistemology, standpoint and ethics. Yet, if we know how to write well about our research designs and our methodological choices, it should not only impress examiners, but it could also open up a rich seam of additional publications and broaden the impact of your work across the social sciences and humanities. This workshop – taught by Patrick Brindle - is aimed at DPhil students of all levels, and acts as a practical guide to the basics of writing about methods. Drawing on good (and bad) examples throughout, and interspersed with hands-on exercises, the workshop serves as an introduction to an often thorny academic skill for anyone new or newish to research writing.

The goal of the workshop is to break all of the tasks facing you as a methodology writer into practical writing challenges. Hopefully the workshop will demystify what is often a black box for DPhil students, and will set out techniques that can be adopted by DPhil students regardless of whether they are doing quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods research.

 

Objectives:

  • To understand why you are writing a methodology chapter
  • To gain insight into what your thesis examiners require from your methodology chapter
  • To understand how to use the chapter as a springboard to wider publication
  • To experiment with different practical ways of writing about methodology using 20 plus ‘rules for methodological writing’
  • To better connect your methodology chapter with other parts of your thesis
  • To be able to identify and learn from common mistakes when writing about methods

 

For TT24 courses
Application window opens Thursday 18th April from 11am

 

Booking process

When your application is received, you will be emailed a link and then have 48 hours to complete a pre-workshop form requesting additional information. If you do not meet this deadline, your application will be cancelled. 

See our full Terms and Conditions below

 

If you have specific circumstances which may affect your engagement with this event, or your meeting our Terms and Conditions, please continue with your booking and contact us by email to discuss how we can support you: researcherdevelopment@socsci.ox.ac.uk

Researcher Development Terms and Conditions - Trinity 2023

In booking any training workshops, you agree that: 

 

COMMITMENT: application is not an expression of interest; it is a firm commitment. You will be available for the full duration of the course session(s); if you are not, please do not make a booking. You will not accept any subsequent meeting invitations that may fall during the given workshop times. 

PRE-WORK / HOMEWORK: if applicable, you will complete any given pre-work and/or homework as described on the workshop web listing, as it constitutes part of the workshop  

CANCELLATION: should your circumstances change, and you are not able to attend the full session(s). you will cancel using the CoSy booking system (link in booking confirmation email) giving at least 72-hours' notice, so we can offer the place to someone on the waiting list. Cancellations by email will not be accepted. 

ARRIVAL: you will join, or arrive at, the workshop 5 minutes before the advertised start time, to ensure a prompt start. 

LATE POLICY: you understand that the online room will be locked / workshop door will be closed 10 minutes after the event start time and late-comers will not be admitted. This is to preserve the integrity of the course for those who are present.  

ENGAGEMENT: you will give the session your undivided attention and engagement. You will not be able to do other tasks in parallel. If online, you will ensure that your environment and internet connection allow you to participate verbally and with video cameras on. These are interactive workshops, and it is not appropriate to attend from a silent or shared workspace. 

ATTENDANCE RECORD: you understand the Register will be taken in the last half-hour of the course, and anyone not present in the room at that point will be marked as non -attending (see below) 

FEEDBACK: you will contribute feedback afterwards, to help us understand how well the session met its intended aims, and facilitate our continuous improvement 

CONSEQUENCES OF NON-ATTENDANCE: you understand that any non-attendance  
a) is visible to departments and supervisors/PIs, and  
b) may result in any future bookings you’ve made within the same term being cancelled, and the place(s) offered to the waiting list.