The overall elements that you will need to write for your Chapter 3 can be written from the following outline. However, you are not required to utilize these headings. This is generally a guide and your Chapter 3 can take the shape that is needed for your methodology. If you need to follow a scaffolded guideline, please scroll to the 3 step process below.

Introduction
Key Research Question/s
Theoretical Applications/Framework
Theoretical Model (if needed)
Methodology Selection
Methodological Framework
Methodology Defense
Strengths and Weaknesses -Methods
Study Overview – details, context, participants
Logic Model
Researcher Role
Data Sources
Recruitment
Data collection procedures
Ethical considerations (including data storage & disposal)
Validity (Triangulation if needed)
Implementation plan
Data analysis – how and what software if any
Methods conclusion
Instruments (In appendix) correspondence including consent, surveys, procedures

Chapter 3 Theory Section (Part 1 of 3)

Define your concepts, and in narrative and/or diagram outline your logic model, or the dynamics of process that you intend to explore that ties your concepts into a theory.
Outline the theoretical foundations of your research, your research questions, and the hypotheses you want to test and/or extend. You will need to refer to the key literature, without repeating the description and analysis that you have in Chapter 2. If you find that you need to refer to new references for this part of Chapter 3, be sure to incorporate these into Chapter 2.

Additional Questions to Consider

How does your theory connect with others in the field, as analyzed in the literature review chapter? (Refer back to the theory in the literature review, but don’t repeat it here, except in the barest of summary.)
As a model, how does the theory help to frame your research questions and hypotheses?

Chapter 3: Methodology (Part 2 of 3)

Provide a deep description of your chosen methodology, including the epistemological assumptions of this methodological approach, and its limitations. Argue why this methodology is the appropriate one, capable of addressing your key research question/s.

This chapter should be supported by the literature, at least 10-15 sources. This should not only include methods textbook writers, but key thinkers in the development and evolution of this methodology.

Questions to Address

What are the most appropriate methods to test your hypotheses and develop your theory?
What is the theory associated with the method you have selected, and who are its main proponents? What are the epistemological assumptions that underly this theory? How will it generate knowledge that is deeper and broader than everyday, casual experience?
What are the strengths of this methodology?
Under which circumstances is the methodology the most appropriate?
​What do its critics say? What are its intrinsic limitations? What are its weaknesses?
What is your justification for selecting this theory/method? Why is the methodology you have chosen the best way to conduct your study?

Chapter 3: Methodology Implementation (Part 3 of 3)

Revised Chapter 3 Parts 1 and 2 based on peer and advisor feedback
Practical application of your dissertation project (See specifics below)
Description and justification of your data sources and data collection strategy
Data Analysis Plan
Implementation plan and Timeline
Design of data collection instruments (include in appendix)
IRB documentation (include in appendix).

Questions to Address:

What is your implementation plan? What is your timeline?
What are your data sources: participants, sample, primary knowledge resources, IRB approvals. What instruments will you use to collect data?
How are you planning to analyze the research data and other materials you collect? What measures will you apply? How do these connect with your research questions?
IRB overview (but link to details in the Appendix)

Appendices

Include ancillary artifacts such as surveys, or interview and observation schedules as appendices.
Draft, submit and have approved IRB protocols in readiness for the preliminary examination (for your methodology, if necessary). If your study does not require an IRB, please indicate that and the reason that your study is exempt.

*When chapter 3 is complete, you will send to your coordinator for approval and possible peer review before sending to your advisor.