One of the joys of teaching is listening to students’ responses when they’re asked a question.
In the days of large in-student lectures, I would often direct a question to a sea of faces. Sometimes, an enthusiastic student would answer, beautifully, but completely off the topic.
And my response? “That’s a great answer, but to a different question.”
Unfortunately, a dissertation or thesis is not as kind or forgiving. You and your data simply have to answer the research question and sub-questions you have posed in your first chapter. And if you are framing hypotheses, you need to make sure that your data is sufficient to test them.
So, here is a tool to ensure consistency between your research question(s) and your data.
Construct a consistency matrix as in the following example:
If applicable, you could add a column for the corresponding propositions/hypotheses.
This table is simple but powerful. It provides a structure for your analysis, discussion and conclusions, and makes marking easier for your supervisor and examiners. Of course, you may need to amend the details later, due to the flexible nature of qualitative research, or as you refine your measurement instruments in quantitative research.
The matrix may be placed within the methodology section of your proposal or dissertation, or as an appendix, should you choose.
Would you like me to check the consistency matrix of your thesis or dissertation?
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