ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses issues to consider in writing a Methodology chapter that are of particular relevance to the second-language speaker. Students are often not fully aware of the purposes of this section. Second-language students in particular may not understand the distinction between methodology and methods where it is relevant. This may lead not only to inadequate description of the approach and framework adopted but also to an absence of argument and justification for the chosen approach. Students need to understand that one of the key functions of this section is to enable other researchers to replicate the study and this may account for the lengthier Methodology components of research theses as opposed to the more terse research article (Swales 2004). We also consider typical problems reported by an experienced examiner of PhD theses, many of which relate to an underdeveloped understanding of the role and function of this section of the thesis, and suggest ways to overcome these.
