Dissertation Methodology: Qualitative and Quantitative Dissertation Methods

The dissertation is an important academic document which determines your doctoral degree, and is impacted to a very great extent by your approach to dissertation methodology. Through the course of your research, you will need to use specific forms of dissertation methodology, which are particular ways of conducting your research to achieve the best results.

Your dissertation methodology could either be quantitative or qualitative in nature. Quantitative dissertation methodology refers to the scientific methods used to prove your thesis. Some ways to use quantitative dissertation methodology are by using objective and numerical data and methods such as statistical analysis or empirical data for drawing conclusions. Conclusions drawn from quantitative dissertation methodology are measurable and can be proved numerically.

Qualitative dissertation methodology refers to the subjective data and information which do not have any numerical value and cannot be proven mathematically. For instance, it is not possible to measure the attitudes, likes, dislikes, perceptions and prejudices of people.

It is also not possible to numerically study and prove the details of experiences of people which have been collected through observations. In such cases, the dissertation methodology will be qualitative and the results will be described not in numerical value, but in words. In such cases it is not possible to draw statistical conclusions from the study and generalisations are not entirely objective.

The dissertation methodology of most dissertations is generally only qualitative or only quantitative. However, some good dissertations will have a combination of both dissertation methodologies, even though the focus on any one will be greater. The best person to seek advice from while devising and planning the best dissertation methodology for your research is your supervisor, who will clearly state the best means of research to be used for obtaining the best results for your dissertation.