ABSTRACT
I. DEFINING THE METHODOLOGY A "Methodology" section follows the "Review of the Literature" section in most empirical article, thesis, and dissertation outlines. The methodology section is the' 'plan of investigation." It must not be "tacked on." Rather, the researcher must demonstrate to the reader that the methodology is appropriate for investigating the relationships set forth in his or her model. Many researchers prefer a "multitrait, multimethod" (MTMM) approach, with each variable (trait) measured multiple ways (e.g., multiple survey items) and each relationship examined by multiple methods (survey research and case studies, for instance) so as to achieve a higher level of confirmation of results. Also, it is often a good idea to identify prominent alternative methodologies not used and explain why the methods actually selected are superior.
