PhD Thesis Writing Process: A Systematic Approach—How to Write Your Methodology, Results and

Conclusion
1. The doctoral research process

1.1. Introduction

When identifying a research problem to investigate, you have to validate the problem by doing
hard bibliographic research. Questions like How to do the research to solve the problem? Why do
such research? What is its theoretical basis? For this, a design and a route must be planned to
continue with the scientific study, in which the most important part of the design is the
methodology. A distinction must be made between methodology and method, where the
methodology refers to the theoretical analysis of your research, while the method refers to a
systematic and orderly arrangement and measurement of your research.

In a project of human feelings, the methodology used is triangulation, that is, a mixture of
qualitative, quantitative and descriptive studies. Understanding research terminologies is
important to understanding the meaning of research and its applications, so that doctoral
candidates conduct their research successfully.

Variables: It is not consistent, it tends to change. By doing your research, variables can bring about
changes in the experiment. All of these are based on own preferences, indicators or evaluations.
There is no uniform criterion by which to measure them.

Dependent and independent variables: they are tested in the experimental field. The change of a
dependent variable is for an independent one. For example, when there are changes in the level of
knowledge of your students (dependent variable) after using the learning software (independent
variable). A change is an independent variable, while its result is dependent.

Causation: They are the changes that will be in the experiment before and after an experiment.

Correlation: Refers to a relationship between two variables, in which you want to measure the
variable that causes said change.

Pretest: When you want to do an experimental study, in certain cases you must administer a
preliminary test to determine your basic knowledge.

Posttest: Administered after completing an experiment to assess your achievement.

Random sample: It is when a certain number of participants is needed for a survey or experimental
study and a random sample is chosen that involves all members of the population with the same
options of being selected.

Validity and reliability: Terms used to assess the quality of experimental research. The study is
considered reliable when repeated and obtain similar results.

Sampling: It is a small but representative portion of the target population to study

Triangulation: It is when qualitative, quantitative and observation methodologies are combined, of
which only one is chosen. The qualitative method is used to collect and analyze data, it is very
naturalistic and used in real time, while the quantitative method is used to further strengthen
qualitative data. Sometimes both are used to evaluate research questions.

1.2. Helpful tips for writing your research methodology

Establish the methodology based on the type of research you do, a clear affiliation between your
study and your methodology, ask if this methodology will facilitate the search for answers to your
research questions, provide significant reasons for choosing your methodology, make sure that
your method Include research design, sample population, test instrument, validity, reliability, and
implementation phases.

There are many types of research methodologies when conducting academic research. When
conducting research, two questions must be considered: the quantitative and the qualitative with
people.

1) Quantitative method: numerically visualize the population and quantify the data in percentages
in relation to the set, the data is analyzed and statistically interpreted and this makes it easier for
other researchers to repeat your experiment or study to test its reliability.

2) Qualitative method: deals with the contextualization, interpretation, understanding and

perspectives of the respondents, investigates the quality of the information and data in which its
objective is to collect information on the opinions and perceptions of people through interviews
and surveys. It is based on interviews, group discussions, behavioral consultations, observations,
and videoconferencing.

1. The doctoral research process

1.1. Introduction

When identifying a research problem to investigate, you have to validate the problem by doing
hard bibliographic research. Questions like How to do the research to solve the problem? Why do
such research? What is its theoretical basis? For this, a design and a route must be planned to
continue with the scientific study, in which the most important part of the design is the
methodology. A distinction must be made between methodology and method, where the
methodology refers to the theoretical analysis of your research, while the method refers to a
systematic and orderly arrangement and measurement of your research.

In a project of human feelings, the methodology used is triangulation, that is, a mixture of
qualitative, quantitative and descriptive studies. Understanding research terminologies is
important to understanding the meaning of research and its applications, so that doctoral
candidates conduct their research successfully.

Variables: It is not consistent, it tends to change. By doing your research, variables can bring about
changes in the experiment. All of these are based on own preferences, indicators or evaluations.
There is no uniform criterion by which to measure them.
Dependent and independent variables: they are tested in the experimental field. The change of a
dependent variable is for an independent one. For example, when there are changes in the level of
knowledge of your students (dependent variable) after using the learning software (independent
variable). A change is an independent variable, while its result is dependent.

Causation: They are the changes that will be in the experiment before and after an experiment.

Correlation: Refers to a relationship between two variables, in which you want to measure the
variable that causes said change.

Pretest: When you want to do an experimental study, in certain cases you must administer a
preliminary test to determine your basic knowledge.

Posttest: Administered after completing an experiment to assess your achievement.

Random sample: It is when a certain number of participants is needed for a survey or experimental
study and a random sample is chosen that involves all members of the population with the same
options of being selected.

Validity and reliability: Terms used to assess the quality of experimental research. The study is
considered reliable when repeated and obtain similar results.

Sampling: It is a small but representative portion of the target population to study

Triangulation: It is when qualitative, quantitative and observation methodologies are combined, of

which only one is chosen. The qualitative method is used to collect and analyze data, it is very
naturalistic and used in real time, while the quantitative method is used to further strengthen
qualitative data. Sometimes both are used to evaluate research questions.

1.2. Helpful tips for writing your research methodology

Establish the methodology based on the type of research you do, a clear affiliation between your
study and your methodology, ask if this methodology will facilitate the search for answers to your
research questions, provide significant reasons for choosing your methodology, make sure that
your method Include research design, sample population, test instrument, validity, reliability, and
implementation phases.

There are many types of research methodologies when conducting academic research. When
conducting research, two questions must be considered: the quantitative and the qualitative with
people.

1) Quantitative method: numerically visualize the population and quantify the data in percentages
in relation to the set, the data is analyzed and statistically interpreted and this makes it easier for
other researchers to repeat your experiment or study to test its reliability.

2) Qualitative method: deals with the contextualization, interpretation, understanding and

perspectives of the respondents, investigates the quality of the information and data in which its
objective is to collect information on the opinions and perceptions of people through interviews
and surveys. It is based on interviews, group discussions, behavioral consultations, observations,
and videoconferencing.

Quota sampling: It is used when you want to study a specific characteristic of the target
population. This type of sampling is the most convenient and least expensive. But the result may
not be based on probability and may not be generalizable to the entire population.

Accidental sampling: Very similar to the previous one, but without a selected default characteristic
that is obvious or visible.

Intentional sampling: It is based on personal preference and judgment where only the participants
that you think will provide the type of information you need are selected.

Expert sampling: Selection of those participants or respondents who are well informed and will
provide you with the information you need.

Snowball sampling: Selection of people from the population who, after being provided with the
necessary information, are asked to suggest suitable people to participate in a similar interview or
survey.

Mixed sampling: Use of a mixture of principles of random and non-random sampling.

It is important to decide on the size of your sampling, when it has been decided, the necessary
data is collected. In a qualitative study, paying less attention to the sample size, whereas in
quantitative research, it is important to have an appropriate sample size relative to the target
population.

4.6. Data collection process

Data collection in research is a long process of collecting, measuring, and establishing meaning. It
is helpful to have a systematic roadmap for collecting relevant and current data to answer your
hypotheses and research questions.

What kind of data is necessary and how to collect the necessary information?

1) Choose an appropriate instrument for a meaningful result. It requires reading, discussing with
the working group, reviewing related bibliography to see how other academics have carried out
their data collection. You must have a clear vision of your research so that the data collected
meets the objectives of your study

2) Make sure the instrument is valid and reliable

3) Your instrument should not be biased, where the researcher must ensure that respondents are
not under pressure to provide information.

4.7. Data collection

4.7.1. Collection of primary data

If the information collected comes from original research, it is considered a primary source, in
which the data comes from first-hand work being published for the first time. Primary data also
refers to your collection of information directly from your sample population. Before starting data
collection, be sure to study the background of the target population (demographic characteristics,
socioeconomic level, educational level, age, gender, etc.)

4.7.2. Research instruments to collect primary data

1) Design of the questionnaire

It is vital to build a questionnaire that produces information of importance for your study. The
structure of a questionnaire requires an introduction, a main topic and a conclusion. It begins with
an introduction that explains its topic and purpose, as well as a brief introduction from the
researcher.

It should be clarified that participation should not be mandatory, it should take little time and the
responses of the respondents will be confidential, ensuring that the respondents feel comfortable
giving their comments or personal information. At the end of your questionnaire, be sure to
express your gratitude and thanks. When designing the questionnaire, the questions should be
theoretically sound and field-proven so as not to question the validity and reliability of your
instrument.

2) Types of questions

Open questions: Those that are not answered with a “Yes” or a “No”, require more open
information

Rating scales: Participant responses receive a rating, where the rating scale is based on
comparison (1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest).

Variable scales: Record the respondent's attitude and feelings towards a given situation or product
(Degree of agreement or disagreement)

Multiple choice questions: Answer through various options.

Dichotomous questions: the participant answers by choosing Yes / No or True / False

4.7.3. Primary data collection methods

Field Notes: It is the habit of taking notes of what is observed and what happens in the field.

Observation: It is one of the most effective ways to collect primary data for your research, it can
also be done through recording.

Observation of the participants: The researcher participates directly with the sample population
and observes the situation.
Observation of non-participants: The researcher does not participate in any activity; just watch
and listen to the conversation of a selected sample and take notes, sometimes it can lead to wrong
conclusion. Even though the participants know that you are watching them, they can change their
behavior so the data may not be accurate. Furthermore, the element of bias can cloud the
observer's interpretation or judgment of the situation.

Interview: After choosing your sample, conduct an interview with the participants and record the
session to see it later, it can be done face to face or by phone, you are free to ask any questions
and it is the duty of the researcher to make the session be interesting and motivating so that
respondents feel comfortable speaking.

1) Types of interviews
two)
Structured interview: The questions are designed before the interview, the data collected is
uniform and the comparability of the data is guaranteed and does not require an expert
investigator to conduct the interview.

Unstructured interview: The researcher has complete freedom regarding the content, the wording
and the way of asking questions, they are common in the qualitative and quantitative methods of
data collection.

Questionnaires: Uniform set of written questions to collect information from respondents,

questions should be clear, simple, easy to understand and not time consuming to answer,
distributed by email, phone conversation, public places, data collection is that it is not expensive
and respondents can express themselves more freely since they are not obliged to reveal their
names. However, some questions may be biased, participants may not answer all questions
truthfully, and questions considered sensitive may not be asked.

4.7.4. Secondary sources of data collection

They refer to the existing information in the form of specific topics (Books, monographs, hospital
records), the author is not the original source of the information, so he extracts information from
the original source. The good thing is that the information can be interpreted and presented
according to its types, where the importance of collecting relevant sources for your research
prevails.

1) Disadvantages of secondary data

The validity and reliability of the source are questionable (Personal, articles, newspapers and
magazines) and there may be problems accessing relevant or related data for verification.

4.7.5. Data analysis process

It is a systematic process of applying logical techniques and statistical instruments to give them
meaning and interpretation. The data must be adequately illustrated and evaluated to lead you to
a meaningful conclusion, where the results and the precision of your findings depend on the
correct analysis of the data. Pre-test, post-test, questionnaires, surveys, observation, checklist, and
interviews should be coded and prepared for data entry
The most widely used statistical analysis modules include descriptive statistics (means, standard
deviations, frequencies, counts, and percentages) and common statistical tools (ANOVA, pairwise t
test, etc.). The collected data is analyzed as follows:

1) Data reduction

It is a combination of deductive and inductive analysis to organize the collected data, which is
significantly classified and reconfigured. The data is selected to focus, then simplified and
extracted for easy understanding.

2) Data visualization

Patterns and interrelationships are organized between the data collected, critical media and
supporting evidence must be carefully analyzed.

4) Data verification

Here you should check the data's validity and conformity, check the implications of the collected
data for your research questions. Your data must be verified multiple times to determine its
validity and reliability.

4.8. Important considerations when doing your research

1) "Don't take off your shoes without seeing the water"

Research is all about techniques, employing the proper methodology and method, having an open
and impartial mind, and the ability to make predictions, but no decision should be made without a
thorough investigation of the possibilities.

2) Arm yourself with relevant knowledge:

It is important to read to have the power to "Conquer the mountain". Only a knowledgeable
person can think of a good problem and ask research questions that answer.

3) Don't be ambitious and don't expect too much:

It is important not to ask big questions that can take a long time to answer, it is better to focus on
questions that offer the possibility of being answered, taking into account your experience, time
and resources. Think of research in which you can pose precise questions and hypotheses.

4) Don't be arrogant, prejudiced or selfish:

Good research requires a good honest researcher, if there are doubts, losing help to the team.
Arrogance destroys your findings, because those who know they don't know are better than those
who don't know they don't know. You are not expected to be an expert in everything.

5. Process of doctoral results

5.1. Results

The important thing is to scientifically document your results, report the collected research, and
analyze your findings without bias. Their results must be accompanied by figures, tables, graphs
and illustrations so that research is clearly addressed. Please note that your results, whether
negative or positive, remain significant contributions to existing knowledge.

5.2. Process of writing doctoral results

The results must always be properly organized. It is always helpful to start with a short abstract-
style introduction that indicates what you intend to do in this chapter. Report your results in past
time as the data has already been collected. When declaring your results, do not mention phrases
like "I have found that ...", "We found that ..." because you are unprofessional. Instead, you can
say: "This project has investigated ...", "This study has found that ...", etc.

You start by giving the statement of the problem and at the same time presenting evidence to
demonstrate that you have proven or refuted the research problem, at the same time mentioning
the research questions and explaining with evidence what has been discovered, the hypothesis is
discussed explaining whether it was accepted or rejected using evidence based on their results,
the findings are explained and related to their problem, questions and hypotheses, the importance
of your findings is shown, nothing is interpreted or discussed in the result chapter.

The breadth of the results chapter depends on the amount of data obtained to make the
presentation of your results more meaningful and easy to understand, summarizing the
importance of your findings chronologically by reporting the most significant part of your results
first. At the end of the Results chapter, write a concluding paragraph similar to the one in the
introduction.

5.3. When documenting your results, keep in mind

1) It is the most important section, because the results of all investigations are reported, written in
a scientific and academic style, using adequate terminology to write their results. Only what was
discovered is reported in an objective way, making sure to write clearly to help the reader
understand their findings and relate them to their research

2) No problem if the findings do not support your hypothesis or your research questions even if
you have negative results, they are still results that may be of interest to other researchers

3) Summarize the content to know exactly what to include or exclude, making sure the narrative is
not overdone. Likewise, when you present your results, telling the most relevant of the problem,
questions and hypotheses. Be concise and to the point, so that your results are manageable and
easy to understand.

4) Report the results using statistics to support your claims, where at the end, a summary is made
of how the results yielded answers to your problem, questions and hypotheses.
The purpose of the results part is to describe the crucial findings of your research, bearing in mind
that undergraduate work is an excellent piece of academic writing with no spelling or grammatical
errors
6. The chapter of discussion and conclusion of doctorate

The conclusion is not a summary of the introduction although it needs a paragraph that can
summarize the whole thesis, in the chapter it would be useful to mention the research questions
and hypotheses again so that, when reading it, it can be related to the discussion of its findings. It
is important to emphasize the importance of the research and the answers found, discuss the why,
the what, and the how of your research, and emphasize both the importance and the impact of
your research on your Conclusion.

Adequate information should be provided for other researchers to carry out further studies with
an adequate methodology without adding any material that is not part of it. In this chapter, a
scientific thesis writing style should be followed, so that other academics cite their work to
recognize their contribution.

In the introduction general to specific statements are given while in the conclusion everything is
discussed from the specific and ends with a general understanding of things. Specify the actual
applications of your findings to the point where the findings can be generalized. Likewise, it is
important to ask questions for readers to reflect on. Emphasizing the fact that you have proven or
disproved your problem is important because you have answered the research questions and
tested your hypothesis.

Consider the following:

1) Explain what was previously understood and what was not, writing to the readers, not to
oneself.

2) Explain the problem statement, demonstrating with evidence in the results section that, in fact,
a knowledge gap has been closed.

3) Demonstrate how your hypotheses have demonstrated or not the importance of the study.

4) Discuss the importance of your contribution as a result of your research.

5) Be concise and precise.