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How to write an APA methods section

How to Write an APA Methods Section | With Examples

Published on February 5, 2021 by Pritha Bhandari . Revised on June 22, 2023.

The methods section of an APA style paper is where you report in detail how you performed your study. Research papers in the social and natural sciences often follow APA style. This article focuses on reporting quantitative research methods .

In your APA methods section, you should report enough information to understand and replicate your study, including detailed information on the sample , measures, and procedures used.

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Structuring an apa methods section.

Participants

Example of an APA methods section

Other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about writing an apa methods section.

The main heading of “Methods” should be centered, boldfaced, and capitalized. Subheadings within this section are left-aligned, boldfaced, and in title case. You can also add lower level headings within these subsections, as long as they follow APA heading styles .

To structure your methods section, you can use the subheadings of “Participants,” “Materials,” and “Procedures.” These headings are not mandatory—aim to organize your methods section using subheadings that make sense for your specific study.

Heading	What to include
Participants
Materials
Procedure

Note that not all of these topics will necessarily be relevant for your study. For example, if you didn’t need to consider outlier removal or ways of assigning participants to different conditions, you don’t have to report these steps.

The APA also provides specific reporting guidelines for different types of research design. These tell you exactly what you need to report for longitudinal designs , replication studies, experimental designs , and so on. If your study uses a combination design, consult APA guidelines for mixed methods studies.

Detailed descriptions of procedures that don’t fit into your main text can be placed in supplemental materials (for example, the exact instructions and tasks given to participants, the full analytical strategy including software code, or additional figures and tables).

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how to write a method section of a research paper

Begin the methods section by reporting sample characteristics, sampling procedures, and the sample size.

Participant or subject characteristics

When discussing people who participate in research, descriptive terms like “participants,” “subjects” and “respondents” can be used. For non-human animal research, “subjects” is more appropriate.

Specify all relevant demographic characteristics of your participants. This may include their age, sex, ethnic or racial group, gender identity, education level, and socioeconomic status. Depending on your study topic, other characteristics like educational or immigration status or language preference may also be relevant.

Be sure to report these characteristics as precisely as possible. This helps the reader understand how far your results may be generalized to other people.

The APA guidelines emphasize writing about participants using bias-free language , so it’s necessary to use inclusive and appropriate terms.

Sampling procedures

Outline how the participants were selected and all inclusion and exclusion criteria applied. Appropriately identify the sampling procedure used. For example, you should only label a sample as random if you had access to every member of the relevant population.

Of all the people invited to participate in your study, note the percentage that actually did (if you have this data). Additionally, report whether participants were self-selected, either by themselves or by their institutions (e.g., schools may submit student data for research purposes).

Identify any compensation (e.g., course credits or money) that was provided to participants, and mention any institutional review board approvals and ethical standards followed.

Sample size and power

Detail the sample size (per condition) and statistical power that you hoped to achieve, as well as any analyses you performed to determine these numbers.

It’s important to show that your study had enough statistical power to find effects if there were any to be found.

Additionally, state whether your final sample differed from the intended sample. Your interpretations of the study outcomes should be based only on your final sample rather than your intended sample.

Write up the tools and techniques that you used to measure relevant variables. Be as thorough as possible for a complete picture of your techniques.

Primary and secondary measures

Define the primary and secondary outcome measures that will help you answer your primary and secondary research questions.

Specify all instruments used in gathering these measurements and the construct that they measure. These instruments may include hardware, software, or tests, scales, and inventories.

To cite hardware, indicate the model number and manufacturer.
To cite common software (e.g., Qualtrics), state the full name along with the version number or the website URL .
To cite tests, scales or inventories, reference its manual or the article it was published in. It’s also helpful to state the number of items and provide one or two example items.

Make sure to report the settings of (e.g., screen resolution) any specialized apparatus used.

For each instrument used, report measures of the following:

Reliability : how consistently the method measures something, in terms of internal consistency or test-retest reliability.
Validity : how precisely the method measures something, in terms of construct validity or criterion validity .

Giving an example item or two for tests, questionnaires , and interviews is also helpful.

Describe any covariates—these are any additional variables that may explain or predict the outcomes.

Quality of measurements

Review all methods you used to assure the quality of your measurements.

These may include:

training researchers to collect data reliably,
using multiple people to assess (e.g., observe or code) the data,
translation and back-translation of research materials,
using pilot studies to test your materials on unrelated samples.

For data that’s subjectively coded (for example, classifying open-ended responses), report interrater reliability scores. This tells the reader how similarly each response was rated by multiple raters.

Report all of the procedures applied for administering the study, processing the data, and for planned data analyses.

Data collection methods and research design

Data collection methods refers to the general mode of the instruments: surveys, interviews, observations, focus groups, neuroimaging, cognitive tests, and so on. Summarize exactly how you collected the necessary data.

Describe all procedures you applied in administering surveys, tests, physical recordings, or imaging devices, with enough detail so that someone else can replicate your techniques. If your procedures are very complicated and require long descriptions (e.g., in neuroimaging studies), place these details in supplementary materials.

To report research design, note your overall framework for data collection and analysis. State whether you used an experimental, quasi-experimental, descriptive (observational), correlational, and/or longitudinal design. Also note whether a between-subjects or a within-subjects design was used.

For multi-group studies, report the following design and procedural details as well:

how participants were assigned to different conditions (e.g., randomization),
instructions given to the participants in each group,
interventions for each group,
the setting and length of each session(s).

Describe whether any masking was used to hide the condition assignment (e.g., placebo or medication condition) from participants or research administrators. Using masking in a multi-group study ensures internal validity by reducing research bias . Explain how this masking was applied and whether its effectiveness was assessed.

Participants were randomly assigned to a control or experimental condition. The survey was administered using Qualtrics (https://www.qualtrics.com). To begin, all participants were given the AAI and a demographics questionnaire to complete, followed by an unrelated filler task. In the control condition , participants completed a short general knowledge test immediately after the filler task. In the experimental condition, participants were asked to visualize themselves taking the test for 3 minutes before they actually did. For more details on the exact instructions and tasks given, see supplementary materials.

Data diagnostics

Outline all steps taken to scrutinize or process the data after collection.

This includes the following:

Procedures for identifying and removing outliers
Data transformations to normalize distributions
Compensation strategies for overcoming missing values

To ensure high validity, you should provide enough detail for your reader to understand how and why you processed or transformed your raw data in these specific ways.

Analytic strategies

The methods section is also where you describe your statistical analysis procedures, but not their outcomes. Their outcomes are reported in the results section.

These procedures should be stated for all primary, secondary, and exploratory hypotheses. While primary and secondary hypotheses are based on a theoretical framework or past studies, exploratory hypotheses are guided by the data you’ve just collected.

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This annotated example reports methods for a descriptive correlational survey on the relationship between religiosity and trust in science in the US. Hover over each part for explanation of what is included.

The sample included 879 adults aged between 18 and 28. More than half of the participants were women (56%), and all participants had completed at least 12 years of education. Ethics approval was obtained from the university board before recruitment began. Participants were recruited online through Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk; www.mturk.com). We selected for a geographically diverse sample within the Midwest of the US through an initial screening survey. Participants were paid USD $5 upon completion of the study.

A sample size of at least 783 was deemed necessary for detecting a correlation coefficient of ±.1, with a power level of 80% and a significance level of .05, using a sample size calculator (www.sample-size.net/correlation-sample-size/).

The primary outcome measures were the levels of religiosity and trust in science. Religiosity refers to involvement and belief in religious traditions, while trust in science represents confidence in scientists and scientific research outcomes. The secondary outcome measures were gender and parental education levels of participants and whether these characteristics predicted religiosity levels.

Religiosity

Religiosity was measured using the Centrality of Religiosity scale (Huber, 2003). The Likert scale is made up of 15 questions with five subscales of ideology, experience, intellect, public practice, and private practice. An example item is “How often do you experience situations in which you have the feeling that God or something divine intervenes in your life?” Participants were asked to indicate frequency of occurrence by selecting a response ranging from 1 (very often) to 5 (never). The internal consistency of the instrument is .83 (Huber & Huber, 2012).

Trust in Science

Trust in science was assessed using the General Trust in Science index (McCright, Dentzman, Charters & Dietz, 2013). Four Likert scale items were assessed on a scale from 1 (completely distrust) to 5 (completely trust). An example question asks “How much do you distrust or trust scientists to create knowledge that is unbiased and accurate?” Internal consistency was .8.

Potential participants were invited to participate in the survey online using Qualtrics (www.qualtrics.com). The survey consisted of multiple choice questions regarding demographic characteristics, the Centrality of Religiosity scale, an unrelated filler anagram task, and finally the General Trust in Science index. The filler task was included to avoid priming or demand characteristics, and an attention check was embedded within the religiosity scale. For full instructions and details of tasks, see supplementary materials.

For this correlational study , we assessed our primary hypothesis of a relationship between religiosity and trust in science using Pearson moment correlation coefficient. The statistical significance of the correlation coefficient was assessed using a t test. To test our secondary hypothesis of parental education levels and gender as predictors of religiosity, multiple linear regression analysis was used.

If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Normal distribution
Measures of central tendency
Chi square tests
Confidence interval
Quartiles & Quantiles

Methodology

Cluster sampling
Stratified sampling
Thematic analysis
Cohort study
Peer review
Ethnography

Research bias

Implicit bias
Cognitive bias
Conformity bias
Hawthorne effect
Availability heuristic
Attrition bias
Social desirability bias

In your APA methods section , you should report detailed information on the participants, materials, and procedures used.

Describe all relevant participant or subject characteristics, the sampling procedures used and the sample size and power .
Define all primary and secondary measures and discuss the quality of measurements.
Specify the data collection methods, the research design and data analysis strategy, including any steps taken to transform the data and statistical analyses.

You should report methods using the past tense , even if you haven’t completed your study at the time of writing. That’s because the methods section is intended to describe completed actions or research.

In a scientific paper, the methodology always comes after the introduction and before the results , discussion and conclusion . The same basic structure also applies to a thesis, dissertation , or research proposal .

Depending on the length and type of document, you might also include a literature review or theoretical framework before the methodology.

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How to Write the Methods Section of a Research Paper

Writing a research paper is both an art and a skill, and knowing how to write the methods section of a research paper is the first crucial step in mastering scientific writing. If, like the majority of early career researchers, you believe that the methods section is the simplest to write and needs little in the way of careful consideration or thought, this article will help you understand it is not 1 .

We have all probably asked our supervisors, coworkers, or search engines “ how to write a methods section of a research paper ” at some point in our scientific careers, so you are not alone if that’s how you ended up here. Even for seasoned researchers, selecting what to include in the methods section from a wealth of experimental information can occasionally be a source of distress and perplexity.

Additionally, journal specifications, in some cases, may make it more of a requirement rather than a choice to provide a selective yet descriptive account of the experimental procedure. Hence, knowing these nuances of how to write the methods section of a research paper is critical to its success. The methods section of the research paper is not supposed to be a detailed heavy, dull section that some researchers tend to write; rather, it should be the central component of the study that justifies the validity and reliability of the research.

Are you still unsure of how the methods section of a research paper forms the basis of every investigation? Consider the last article you read but ignore the methods section and concentrate on the other parts of the paper . Now think whether you could repeat the study and be sure of the credibility of the findings despite knowing the literature review and even having the data in front of you. You have the answer!

Having established the importance of the methods section , the next question is how to write the methods section of a research paper that unifies the overall study. The purpose of the methods section , which was earlier called as Materials and Methods , is to describe how the authors went about answering the “research question” at hand. Here, the objective is to tell a coherent story that gives a detailed account of how the study was conducted, the rationale behind specific experimental procedures, the experimental setup, objects (variables) involved, the research protocol employed, tools utilized to measure, calculations and measurements, and the analysis of the collected data 2 .

In this article, we will take a deep dive into this topic and provide a detailed overview of how to write the methods section of a research paper . For the sake of clarity, we have separated the subject into various sections with corresponding subheadings.

Table of Contents

What is the methods section of a research paper ?

The methods section is a fundamental section of any paper since it typically discusses the ‘ what ’, ‘ how ’, ‘ which ’, and ‘ why ’ of the study, which is necessary to arrive at the final conclusions. In a research article, the introduction, which serves to set the foundation for comprehending the background and results is usually followed by the methods section, which precedes the result and discussion sections. The methods section must explicitly state what was done, how it was done, which equipment, tools and techniques were utilized, how were the measurements/calculations taken, and why specific research protocols, software, and analytical methods were employed.

Why is the methods section important?

The primary goal of the methods section is to provide pertinent details about the experimental approach so that the reader may put the results in perspective and, if necessary, replicate the findings 3 . This section offers readers the chance to evaluate the reliability and validity of any study. In short, it also serves as the study’s blueprint, assisting researchers who might be unsure about any other portion in establishing the study’s context and validity. The methods plays a rather crucial role in determining the fate of the article; an incomplete and unreliable methods section can frequently result in early rejections and may lead to numerous rounds of modifications during the publication process. This means that the reviewers also often use methods section to assess the reliability and validity of the research protocol and the data analysis employed to address the research topic. In other words, the purpose of the methods section is to demonstrate the research acumen and subject-matter expertise of the author(s) in their field.

Structure of methods section of a research paper

Similar to the research paper, the methods section also follows a defined structure; this may be dictated by the guidelines of a specific journal or can be presented in a chronological or thematic manner based on the study type. When writing the methods section , authors should keep in mind that they are telling a story about how the research was conducted. They should only report relevant information to avoid confusing the reader and include details that would aid in connecting various aspects of the entire research activity together. It is generally advisable to present experiments in the order in which they were conducted. This facilitates the logical flow of the research and allows readers to follow the progression of the study design.

It is also essential to clearly state the rationale behind each experiment and how the findings of earlier experiments informed the design or interpretation of later experiments. This allows the readers to understand the overall purpose of the study design and the significance of each experiment within that context. However, depending on the particular research question and method, it may make sense to present information in a different order; therefore, authors must select the best structure and strategy for their individual studies.

In cases where there is a lot of information, divide the sections into subheadings to cover the pertinent details. If the journal guidelines pose restrictions on the word limit , additional important information can be supplied in the supplementary files. A simple rule of thumb for sectioning the method section is to begin by explaining the methodological approach ( what was done ), describing the data collection methods ( how it was done ), providing the analysis method ( how the data was analyzed ), and explaining the rationale for choosing the methodological strategy. This is described in detail in the upcoming sections.

How to write the methods section of a research paper

Contrary to widespread assumption, the methods section of a research paper should be prepared once the study is complete to prevent missing any key parameter. Hence, please make sure that all relevant experiments are done before you start writing a methods section . The next step for authors is to look up any applicable academic style manuals or journal-specific standards to ensure that the methods section is formatted correctly. The methods section of a research paper typically constitutes materials and methods; while writing this section, authors usually arrange the information under each category.

The materials category describes the samples, materials, treatments, and instruments, while experimental design, sample preparation, data collection, and data analysis are a part of the method category. According to the nature of the study, authors should include additional subsections within the methods section, such as ethical considerations like the declaration of Helsinki (for studies involving human subjects), demographic information of the participants, and any other crucial information that can affect the output of the study. Simply put, the methods section has two major components: content and format. Here is an easy checklist for you to consider if you are struggling with how to write the methods section of a research paper .

Explain the research design, subjects, and sample details
Include information on inclusion and exclusion criteria
Mention ethical or any other permission required for the study
Include information about materials, experimental setup, tools, and software
Add details of data collection and analysis methods
Incorporate how research biases were avoided or confounding variables were controlled
Evaluate and justify the experimental procedure selected to address the research question
Provide precise and clear details of each experiment
Flowcharts, infographics, or tables can be used to present complex information
Use past tense to show that the experiments have been done
Follow academic style guides (such as APA or MLA ) to structure the content
Citations should be included as per standard protocols in the field

Now that you know how to write the methods section of a research paper , let’s address another challenge researchers face while writing the methods section —what to include in the methods section . How much information is too much is not always obvious when it comes to trying to include data in the methods section of a paper. In the next section, we examine this issue and explore potential solutions.

What to include in the methods section of a research paper

The technical nature of the methods section occasionally makes it harder to present the information clearly and concisely while staying within the study context. Many young researchers tend to veer off subject significantly, and they frequently commit the sin of becoming bogged down in itty bitty details, making the text harder to read and impairing its overall flow. However, the best way to write the methods section is to start with crucial components of the experiments. If you have trouble deciding which elements are essential, think about leaving out those that would make it more challenging to comprehend the context or replicate the results. The top-down approach helps to ensure all relevant information is incorporated and vital information is not lost in technicalities. Next, remember to add details that are significant to assess the validity and reliability of the study. Here is a simple checklist for you to follow ( bonus tip: you can also make a checklist for your own study to avoid missing any critical information while writing the methods section ).

Structuring the methods section : Authors should diligently follow journal guidelines and adhere to the specific author instructions provided when writing the methods section . Journals typically have specific guidelines for formatting the methods section ; for example, Frontiers in Plant Sciences advises arranging the materials and methods section by subheading and citing relevant literature. There are several standardized checklists available for different study types in the biomedical field, including CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) for randomized clinical trials, PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis) for systematic reviews and meta-analysis, and STROBE (STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology) for cohort, case-control, cross-sectional studies. Before starting the methods section , check the checklist available in your field that can function as a guide.
Organizing different sections to tell a story : Once you are sure of the format required for structuring the methods section , the next is to present the sections in a logical manner; as mentioned earlier, the sections can be organized according to the chronology or themes. In the chronological arrangement, you should discuss the methods in accordance with how the experiments were carried out. An example of the method section of a research paper of an animal study should first ideally include information about the species, weight, sex, strain, and age. Next, the number of animals, their initial conditions, and their living and housing conditions should also be mentioned. Second, how the groups are assigned and the intervention (drug treatment, stress, or other) given to each group, and finally, the details of tools and techniques used to measure, collect, and analyze the data. Experiments involving animal or human subjects should additionally state an ethics approval statement. It is best to arrange the section using the thematic approach when discussing distinct experiments not following a sequential order.
Define and explain the objects and procedure: Experimental procedure should clearly be stated in the methods section . Samples, necessary preparations (samples, treatment, and drug), and methods for manipulation need to be included. All variables (control, dependent, independent, and confounding) must be clearly defined, particularly if the confounding variables can affect the outcome of the study.
Match the order of the methods section with the order of results: Though not mandatory, organizing the manuscript in a logical and coherent manner can improve the readability and clarity of the paper. This can be done by following a consistent structure throughout the manuscript; readers can easily navigate through the different sections and understand the methods and results in relation to each other. Using experiment names as headings for both the methods and results sections can also make it simpler for readers to locate specific information and corroborate it if needed.
Relevant information must always be included: The methods section should have information on all experiments conducted and their details clearly mentioned. Ask the journal whether there is a way to offer more information in the supplemental files or external repositories if your target journal has strict word limitations. For example, Nature communications encourages authors to deposit their step-by-step protocols in an open-resource depository, Protocol Exchange which allows the protocols to be linked with the manuscript upon publication. Providing access to detailed protocols also helps to increase the transparency and reproducibility of the research.
It’s all in the details: The methods section should meticulously list all the materials, tools, instruments, and software used for different experiments. Specify the testing equipment on which data was obtained, together with its manufacturer’s information, location, city, and state or any other stimuli used to manipulate the variables. Provide specifics on the research process you employed; if it was a standard protocol, cite previous studies that also used the protocol. Include any protocol modifications that were made, as well as any other factors that were taken into account when planning the study or gathering data. Any new or modified techniques should be explained by the authors. Typically, readers evaluate the reliability and validity of the procedures using the cited literature, and a widely accepted checklist helps to support the credibility of the methodology. Note: Authors should include a statement on sample size estimation (if applicable), which is often missed. It enables the reader to determine how many subjects will be required to detect the expected change in the outcome variables within a given confidence interval.
Write for the audience: While explaining the details in the methods section , authors should be mindful of their target audience, as some of the rationale or assumptions on which specific procedures are based might not always be obvious to the audience, particularly for a general audience. Therefore, when in doubt, the objective of a procedure should be specified either in relation to the research question or to the entire protocol.
Data interpretation and analysis : Information on data processing, statistical testing, levels of significance, and analysis tools and software should be added. Mention if the recommendations and expertise of an experienced statistician were followed. Also, evaluate and justify the preferred statistical method used in the study and its significance.

What NOT to include in the methods section of a research paper

To address “ how to write the methods section of a research paper ”, authors should not only pay careful attention to what to include but also what not to include in the methods section of a research paper . Here is a list of do not’s when writing the methods section :

Do not elaborate on specifics of standard methods/procedures: You should refrain from adding unnecessary details of experiments and practices that are well established and cited previously. Instead, simply cite relevant literature or mention if the manufacturer’s protocol was followed.
Do not add unnecessary details : Do not include minute details of the experimental procedure and materials/instruments used that are not significant for the outcome of the experiment. For example, there is no need to mention the brand name of the water bath used for incubation.
Do not discuss the results: The methods section is not to discuss the results or refer to the tables and figures; save it for the results and discussion section. Also, focus on the methods selected to conduct the study and avoid diverting to other methods or commenting on their pros or cons.
Do not make the section bulky : For extensive methods and protocols, provide the essential details and share the rest of the information in the supplemental files. The writing should be clear yet concise to maintain the flow of the section.

We hope that by this point, you understand how crucial it is to write a thoughtful and precise methods section and the ins and outs of how to write the methods section of a research paper . To restate, the entire purpose of the methods section is to enable others to reproduce the results or verify the research. We sincerely hope that this post has cleared up any confusion and given you a fresh perspective on the methods section .

As a parting gift, we’re leaving you with a handy checklist that will help you understand how to write the methods section of a research paper . Feel free to download this checklist and use or share this with those who you think may benefit from it.

References

Bhattacharya, D. How to write the Methods section of a research paper. Editage Insights, 2018. https://www.editage.com/insights/how-to-write-the-methods-section-of-a-research-paper (2018).
Kallet, R. H. How to Write the Methods Section of a Research Paper. Respiratory Care 49, 1229–1232 (2004). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15447808/
Grindstaff, T. L. & Saliba, S. A. AVOIDING MANUSCRIPT MISTAKES. Int J Sports Phys Ther 7, 518–524 (2012). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3474299/

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How to Write a Methods Section for a Psychology Paper

Tips and Examples of an APA Methods Section

Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin

The methods section of an APA format psychology paper provides the methods and procedures used in a research study or experiment . This part of an APA paper is critical because it allows other researchers to see exactly how you conducted your research.

Method refers to the procedure that was used in a research study. It included a precise description of how the experiments were performed and why particular procedures were selected. While the APA technically refers to this section as the 'method section,' it is also often known as a 'methods section.'

The methods section ensures the experiment's reproducibility and the assessment of alternative methods that might produce different results. It also allows researchers to replicate the experiment and judge the study's validity.

This article discusses how to write a methods section for a psychology paper, including important elements to include and tips that can help.

What to Include in a Method Section

So what exactly do you need to include when writing your method section? You should provide detailed information on the following:

Research design
Participants
Participant behavior

The method section should provide enough information to allow other researchers to replicate your experiment or study.

Components of a Method Section

The method section should utilize subheadings to divide up different subsections. These subsections typically include participants, materials, design, and procedure.

Participants

In this part of the method section, you should describe the participants in your experiment, including who they were (and any unique features that set them apart from the general population), how many there were, and how they were selected. If you utilized random selection to choose your participants, it should be noted here.

For example: "We randomly selected 100 children from elementary schools near the University of Arizona."

At the very minimum, this part of your method section must convey:

Basic demographic characteristics of your participants (such as sex, age, ethnicity, or religion)
The population from which your participants were drawn
Any restrictions on your pool of participants
How many participants were assigned to each condition and how they were assigned to each group (i.e., randomly assignment , another selection method, etc.)
Why participants took part in your research (i.e., the study was advertised at a college or hospital, they received some type of incentive, etc.)

Information about participants helps other researchers understand how your study was performed, how generalizable the result might be, and allows other researchers to replicate the experiment with other populations to see if they might obtain the same results.

In this part of the method section, you should describe the materials, measures, equipment, or stimuli used in the experiment. This may include:

Testing instruments
Technical equipment
Any psychological assessments that were used
Any special equipment that was used

For example: "Two stories from Sullivan et al.'s (1994) second-order false belief attribution tasks were used to assess children's understanding of second-order beliefs."

For standard equipment such as computers, televisions, and videos, you can simply name the device and not provide further explanation.

Specialized equipment should be given greater detail, especially if it is complex or created for a niche purpose. In some instances, such as if you created a special material or apparatus for your study, you might need to include an illustration of the item in the appendix of your paper.

In this part of your method section, describe the type of design used in the experiment. Specify the variables as well as the levels of these variables. Identify:

The independent variables
Dependent variables
Control variables
Any extraneous variables that might influence your results.

Also, explain whether your experiment uses a within-groups or between-groups design.

For example: "The experiment used a 3x2 between-subjects design. The independent variables were age and understanding of second-order beliefs."

The next part of your method section should detail the procedures used in your experiment. Your procedures should explain:

What the participants did
How data was collected
The order in which steps occurred

For example: "An examiner interviewed children individually at their school in one session that lasted 20 minutes on average. The examiner explained to each child that he or she would be told two short stories and that some questions would be asked after each story. All sessions were videotaped so the data could later be coded."

Keep this subsection concise yet detailed. Explain what you did and how you did it, but do not overwhelm your readers with too much information.

Tips for How to Write a Methods Section

In addition to following the basic structure of an APA method section, there are also certain things you should remember when writing this section of your paper. Consider the following tips when writing this section:

Use the past tense : Always write the method section in the past tense.
Be descriptive : Provide enough detail that another researcher could replicate your experiment, but focus on brevity. Avoid unnecessary detail that is not relevant to the outcome of the experiment.
Use an academic tone : Use formal language and avoid slang or colloquial expressions. Word choice is also important. Refer to the people in your experiment or study as "participants" rather than "subjects."
Use APA format : Keep a style guide on hand as you write your method section. The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association is the official source for APA style.
Make connections : Read through each section of your paper for agreement with other sections. If you mention procedures in the method section, these elements should be discussed in the results and discussion sections.
Proofread : Check your paper for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.. typos, grammar problems, and spelling errors. Although a spell checker is a handy tool, there are some errors only you can catch.

After writing a draft of your method section, be sure to get a second opinion. You can often become too close to your work to see errors or lack of clarity. Take a rough draft of your method section to your university's writing lab for additional assistance.

A Word From Verywell

The method section is one of the most important components of your APA format paper. The goal of your paper should be to clearly detail what you did in your experiment. Provide enough detail that another researcher could replicate your study if they wanted.

Finally, if you are writing your paper for a class or for a specific publication, be sure to keep in mind any specific instructions provided by your instructor or by the journal editor. Your instructor may have certain requirements that you need to follow while writing your method section.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the subsections can vary, the three components that should be included are sections on the participants, the materials, and the procedures.

Describe who the participants were in the study and how they were selected.
Define and describe the materials that were used including any equipment, tests, or assessments
Describe how the data was collected

To write your methods section in APA format, describe your participants, materials, study design, and procedures. Keep this section succinct, and always write in the past tense. The main heading of this section should be labeled "Method" and it should be centered, bolded, and capitalized. Each subheading within this section should be bolded, left-aligned and in title case.

The purpose of the methods section is to describe what you did in your experiment. It should be brief, but include enough detail that someone could replicate your experiment based on this information. Your methods section should detail what you did to answer your research question. Describe how the study was conducted, the study design that was used and why it was chosen, and how you collected the data and analyzed the results.

Erdemir F. How to write a materials and methods section of a scientific article ? Turk J Urol . 2013;39(Suppl 1):10-5. doi:10.5152/tud.2013.047

Kallet RH. How to write the methods section of a research paper . Respir Care . 2004;49(10):1229-32. PMID: 15447808.

American Psychological Association. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington DC: The American Psychological Association; 2019.

American Psychological Association. APA Style Journal Article Reporting Standards . Published 2020.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

USC Libraries
Research Guides

Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper

6. The Methodology
Purpose of Guide
Design Flaws to Avoid
Independent and Dependent Variables
Glossary of Research Terms
Reading Research Effectively
Narrowing a Topic Idea
Broadening a Topic Idea
Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea
Academic Writing Style
Applying Critical Thinking
Choosing a Title
Making an Outline
Paragraph Development
Research Process Video Series
Executive Summary
The C.A.R.S. Model
Background Information
The Research Problem/Question
Theoretical Framework
Citation Tracking
Content Alert Services
Evaluating Sources
Primary Sources
Secondary Sources
Tiertiary Sources
Scholarly vs. Popular Publications
Qualitative Methods
Quantitative Methods
Insiderness
Using Non-Textual Elements
Limitations of the Study
Common Grammar Mistakes
Writing Concisely
Avoiding Plagiarism
Footnotes or Endnotes?
Further Readings
Generative AI and Writing
USC Libraries Tutorials and Other Guides
Bibliography

The methods section describes actions taken to investigate a research problem and the rationale for the application of specific procedures or techniques used to identify, select, process, and analyze information applied to understanding the problem, thereby, allowing the reader to critically evaluate a study’s overall validity and reliability. The methodology section of a research paper answers two main questions: How was the data collected or generated? And, how was it analyzed? The writing should be direct and precise and always written in the past tense.

Kallet, Richard H. "How to Write the Methods Section of a Research Paper." Respiratory Care 49 (October 2004): 1229-1232.

Importance of a Good Methodology Section

You must explain how you obtained and analyzed your results for the following reasons:

Readers need to know how the data was obtained because the method you chose affects the results and, by extension, how you interpreted their significance in the discussion section of your paper.
Methodology is crucial for any branch of scholarship because an unreliable method produces unreliable results and, as a consequence, undermines the value of your analysis of the findings.
In most cases, there are a variety of different methods you can choose to investigate a research problem. The methodology section of your paper should clearly articulate the reasons why you have chosen a particular procedure or technique.
The reader wants to know that the data was collected or generated in a way that is consistent with accepted practice in the field of study. For example, if you are using a multiple choice questionnaire, readers need to know that it offered your respondents a reasonable range of answers to choose from.
The method must be appropriate to fulfilling the overall aims of the study. For example, you need to ensure that you have a large enough sample size to be able to generalize and make recommendations based upon the findings.
The methodology should discuss the problems that were anticipated and the steps you took to prevent them from occurring. For any problems that do arise, you must describe the ways in which they were minimized or why these problems do not impact in any meaningful way your interpretation of the findings.
In the social and behavioral sciences, it is important to always provide sufficient information to allow other researchers to adopt or replicate your methodology. This information is particularly important when a new method has been developed or an innovative use of an existing method is utilized.

Bem, Daryl J. Writing the Empirical Journal Article. Psychology Writing Center. University of Washington; Denscombe, Martyn. The Good Research Guide: For Small-Scale Social Research Projects . 5th edition. Buckingham, UK: Open University Press, 2014; Lunenburg, Frederick C. Writing a Successful Thesis or Dissertation: Tips and Strategies for Students in the Social and Behavioral Sciences . Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, 2008.

Structure and Writing Style

I. Groups of Research Methods

There are two main groups of research methods in the social sciences:

The e mpirical-analytical group approaches the study of social sciences in a similar manner that researchers study the natural sciences . This type of research focuses on objective knowledge, research questions that can be answered yes or no, and operational definitions of variables to be measured. The empirical-analytical group employs deductive reasoning that uses existing theory as a foundation for formulating hypotheses that need to be tested. This approach is focused on explanation.
The i nterpretative group of methods is focused on understanding phenomenon in a comprehensive, holistic way . Interpretive methods focus on analytically disclosing the meaning-making practices of human subjects [the why, how, or by what means people do what they do], while showing how those practices arrange so that it can be used to generate observable outcomes. Interpretive methods allow you to recognize your connection to the phenomena under investigation. However, the interpretative group requires careful examination of variables because it focuses more on subjective knowledge.

II. Content

The introduction to your methodology section should begin by restating the research problem and underlying assumptions underpinning your study. This is followed by situating the methods you used to gather, analyze, and process information within the overall “tradition” of your field of study and within the particular research design you have chosen to study the problem. If the method you choose lies outside of the tradition of your field [i.e., your review of the literature demonstrates that the method is not commonly used], provide a justification for how your choice of methods specifically addresses the research problem in ways that have not been utilized in prior studies.

The remainder of your methodology section should describe the following:

Decisions made in selecting the data you have analyzed or, in the case of qualitative research, the subjects and research setting you have examined,
Tools and methods used to identify and collect information, and how you identified relevant variables,
The ways in which you processed the data and the procedures you used to analyze that data, and
The specific research tools or strategies that you utilized to study the underlying hypothesis and research questions.

In addition, an effectively written methodology section should:

Introduce the overall methodological approach for investigating your research problem . Is your study qualitative or quantitative or a combination of both (mixed method)? Are you going to take a special approach, such as action research, or a more neutral stance?
Indicate how the approach fits the overall research design . Your methods for gathering data should have a clear connection to your research problem. In other words, make sure that your methods will actually address the problem. One of the most common deficiencies found in research papers is that the proposed methodology is not suitable to achieving the stated objective of your paper.
Describe the specific methods of data collection you are going to use , such as, surveys, interviews, questionnaires, observation, archival research. If you are analyzing existing data, such as a data set or archival documents, describe how it was originally created or gathered and by whom. Also be sure to explain how older data is still relevant to investigating the current research problem.
Explain how you intend to analyze your results . Will you use statistical analysis? Will you use specific theoretical perspectives to help you analyze a text or explain observed behaviors? Describe how you plan to obtain an accurate assessment of relationships, patterns, trends, distributions, and possible contradictions found in the data.
Provide background and a rationale for methodologies that are unfamiliar for your readers . Very often in the social sciences, research problems and the methods for investigating them require more explanation/rationale than widely accepted rules governing the natural and physical sciences. Be clear and concise in your explanation.
Provide a justification for subject selection and sampling procedure . For instance, if you propose to conduct interviews, how do you intend to select the sample population? If you are analyzing texts, which texts have you chosen, and why? If you are using statistics, why is this set of data being used? If other data sources exist, explain why the data you chose is most appropriate to addressing the research problem.
Provide a justification for case study selection . A common method of analyzing research problems in the social sciences is to analyze specific cases. These can be a person, place, event, phenomenon, or other type of subject of analysis that are either examined as a singular topic of in-depth investigation or multiple topics of investigation studied for the purpose of comparing or contrasting findings. In either method, you should explain why a case or cases were chosen and how they specifically relate to the research problem.
Describe potential limitations . Are there any practical limitations that could affect your data collection? How will you attempt to control for potential confounding variables and errors? If your methodology may lead to problems you can anticipate, state this openly and show why pursuing this methodology outweighs the risk of these problems cropping up.

NOTE: Once you have written all of the elements of the methods section, subsequent revisions should focus on how to present those elements as clearly and as logically as possibly. The description of how you prepared to study the research problem, how you gathered the data, and the protocol for analyzing the data should be organized chronologically. For clarity, when a large amount of detail must be presented, information should be presented in sub-sections according to topic. If necessary, consider using appendices for raw data.

ANOTHER NOTE: If you are conducting a qualitative analysis of a research problem , the methodology section generally requires a more elaborate description of the methods used as well as an explanation of the processes applied to gathering and analyzing of data than is generally required for studies using quantitative methods. Because you are the primary instrument for generating the data [e.g., through interviews or observations], the process for collecting that data has a significantly greater impact on producing the findings. Therefore, qualitative research requires a more detailed description of the methods used.

YET ANOTHER NOTE: If your study involves interviews, observations, or other qualitative techniques involving human subjects , you may be required to obtain approval from the university's Office for the Protection of Research Subjects before beginning your research. This is not a common procedure for most undergraduate level student research assignments. However, i f your professor states you need approval, you must include a statement in your methods section that you received official endorsement and adequate informed consent from the office and that there was a clear assessment and minimization of risks to participants and to the university. This statement informs the reader that your study was conducted in an ethical and responsible manner. In some cases, the approval notice is included as an appendix to your paper.

III. Problems to Avoid

Irrelevant Detail The methodology section of your paper should be thorough but concise. Do not provide any background information that does not directly help the reader understand why a particular method was chosen, how the data was gathered or obtained, and how the data was analyzed in relation to the research problem [note: analyzed, not interpreted! Save how you interpreted the findings for the discussion section]. With this in mind, the page length of your methods section will generally be less than any other section of your paper except the conclusion.

Unnecessary Explanation of Basic Procedures Remember that you are not writing a how-to guide about a particular method. You should make the assumption that readers possess a basic understanding of how to investigate the research problem on their own and, therefore, you do not have to go into great detail about specific methodological procedures. The focus should be on how you applied a method , not on the mechanics of doing a method. An exception to this rule is if you select an unconventional methodological approach; if this is the case, be sure to explain why this approach was chosen and how it enhances the overall process of discovery.

Problem Blindness It is almost a given that you will encounter problems when collecting or generating your data, or, gaps will exist in existing data or archival materials. Do not ignore these problems or pretend they did not occur. Often, documenting how you overcame obstacles can form an interesting part of the methodology. It demonstrates to the reader that you can provide a cogent rationale for the decisions you made to minimize the impact of any problems that arose.

Literature Review Just as the literature review section of your paper provides an overview of sources you have examined while researching a particular topic, the methodology section should cite any sources that informed your choice and application of a particular method [i.e., the choice of a survey should include any citations to the works you used to help construct the survey].

It’s More than Sources of Information! A description of a research study's method should not be confused with a description of the sources of information. Such a list of sources is useful in and of itself, especially if it is accompanied by an explanation about the selection and use of the sources. The description of the project's methodology complements a list of sources in that it sets forth the organization and interpretation of information emanating from those sources.

Azevedo, L.F. et al. "How to Write a Scientific Paper: Writing the Methods Section." Revista Portuguesa de Pneumologia 17 (2011): 232-238; Blair Lorrie. “Choosing a Methodology.” In Writing a Graduate Thesis or Dissertation , Teaching Writing Series. (Rotterdam: Sense Publishers 2016), pp. 49-72; Butin, Dan W. The Education Dissertation A Guide for Practitioner Scholars . Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin, 2010; Carter, Susan. Structuring Your Research Thesis . New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2012; Kallet, Richard H. “How to Write the Methods Section of a Research Paper.” Respiratory Care 49 (October 2004):1229-1232; Lunenburg, Frederick C. Writing a Successful Thesis or Dissertation: Tips and Strategies for Students in the Social and Behavioral Sciences . Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, 2008. Methods Section. The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin, Madison; Rudestam, Kjell Erik and Rae R. Newton. “The Method Chapter: Describing Your Research Plan.” In Surviving Your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process . (Thousand Oaks, Sage Publications, 2015), pp. 87-115; What is Interpretive Research. Institute of Public and International Affairs, University of Utah; Writing the Experimental Report: Methods, Results, and Discussion. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Methods and Materials. The Structure, Format, Content, and Style of a Journal-Style Scientific Paper. Department of Biology. Bates College.

Writing Tip

Statistical Designs and Tests? Do Not Fear Them!

Don't avoid using a quantitative approach to analyzing your research problem just because you fear the idea of applying statistical designs and tests. A qualitative approach, such as conducting interviews or content analysis of archival texts, can yield exciting new insights about a research problem, but it should not be undertaken simply because you have a disdain for running a simple regression. A well designed quantitative research study can often be accomplished in very clear and direct ways, whereas, a similar study of a qualitative nature usually requires considerable time to analyze large volumes of data and a tremendous burden to create new paths for analysis where previously no path associated with your research problem had existed.

To locate data and statistics, GO HERE .

Another Writing Tip

Knowing the Relationship Between Theories and Methods

There can be multiple meaning associated with the term "theories" and the term "methods" in social sciences research. A helpful way to delineate between them is to understand "theories" as representing different ways of characterizing the social world when you research it and "methods" as representing different ways of generating and analyzing data about that social world. Framed in this way, all empirical social sciences research involves theories and methods, whether they are stated explicitly or not. However, while theories and methods are often related, it is important that, as a researcher, you deliberately separate them in order to avoid your theories playing a disproportionate role in shaping what outcomes your chosen methods produce.

Introspectively engage in an ongoing dialectic between the application of theories and methods to help enable you to use the outcomes from your methods to interrogate and develop new theories, or ways of framing conceptually the research problem. This is how scholarship grows and branches out into new intellectual territory.

Reynolds, R. Larry. Ways of Knowing. Alternative Microeconomics . Part 1, Chapter 3. Boise State University; The Theory-Method Relationship. S-Cool Revision. United Kingdom.

Yet Another Writing Tip

Methods and the Methodology

Do not confuse the terms "methods" and "methodology." As Schneider notes, a method refers to the technical steps taken to do research . Descriptions of methods usually include defining and stating why you have chosen specific techniques to investigate a research problem, followed by an outline of the procedures you used to systematically select, gather, and process the data [remember to always save the interpretation of data for the discussion section of your paper].

The methodology refers to a discussion of the underlying reasoning why particular methods were used . This discussion includes describing the theoretical concepts that inform the choice of methods to be applied, placing the choice of methods within the more general nature of academic work, and reviewing its relevance to examining the research problem. The methodology section also includes a thorough review of the methods other scholars have used to study the topic.

Bryman, Alan. "Of Methods and Methodology." Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal 3 (2008): 159-168; Schneider, Florian. “What's in a Methodology: The Difference between Method, Methodology, and Theory…and How to Get the Balance Right?” PoliticsEastAsia.com. Chinese Department, University of Leiden, Netherlands.

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A Research Guide
Research Paper Guide

How to Write a Methods Section for a Research Paper

Purpose of methods section
Key components
How to describe
Step-by-step guide
Methods section formats
Additional elements

Purpose of the Methods section

What key components must be included in the methods section.

Research design. This is the most important section to help your audience see the methods used. Make sure to structure your research methodology correctly and follow the rules of the scientific field. Depending on your work type, the research design of a methods section should represent an outline with the basic introduction, set objectives, a lab/field environment, and other related elements.
Participants. When dealing with a sample group or a case study, you must discuss the research participants. Always narrow things down to why a specific group of participants have been chosen and talk about how it will be helpful to stay objective and unbiased.
Equipment. This part describes the set of tools that have been used. Writing a methods section can include software, hardware, voice recorders, chemical equipment, special labs, and more.
Materials. Describe what materials have been used for your studies. Talk about the studies and procedures used based on the available data.
Variables. Talk about independent and dependent variables. The independent variables are related to those elements of your research that can be changed, like the amount of water or the use of certain colors to replicate a process. As for dependent variables, these are those affected by specific changes. In other words, variables in a methods section can change during the process of studies, like the experiment outcome or exceptions in the sample group.
Participant behavior . This is where you talk about what has been experienced by the participants (if relevant). A methods section example may include a description of actions taken, processes experienced, and the environment used to conduct the research.

How to describe your research design and procedures?

Reflect on your hypothesis . Talk about variables or aspects you should research. This is a procedure section of a research paper where you describe the type of information you must collect as you work on your main arguments. Narrow down the scope of data that has to be evaluated.
Define your research approach . In most cases, it can be either qualitative or quantitative. While you can choose a mixture of both for your paper, focusing on one to clarify a relevant section is recommended.
Choose your research design type . If you are dealing with quantitative research, it’s possible to use experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, or descriptive design methods. Suppose you are choosing a qualitative design methodology. In that case, you may approach ethnography (a method based on cultural immersion, inside research), phenomenology (research based on the perspective of an individual, an intuitive analytical variable), or a grounded method (social-based research).
Define your research sampling method . The risk here is to generate excessive data, making it extremely challenging to see things to include and avoid. You can choose a probabilistic sampling method or a deterministic sampling approach, also known as non-random selection. Certain methods can fit better depending on the materials section of the research paper. If you still choose a non-random design, the only challenge is that the latter sampling method is more biased.
Evaluate the best data collection method . Start your Methodology section by marking the difference between your primary (surveys, interviews) and secondary data (references that have already been published) sources.
Choose an approach to data analysis . You can alternate between qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods section approaches.

Step-by-step guide on how to compose your Methods section

Step 1: Focus on two main purposes of your Methods section. You should help your target audience understand your research project easier and make it possible to replicate all the vital processes.
Step 2: Offer sufficient information to make replication unbiased and complete. While you may have your research project ready for publishing, providing overly detailed information is only sometimes necessary. Always check things twice to learn the requirements. Most importantly, keep your research transparent, provide a clear methodology, and keep every step easy to replicate.
Step 3: To make things easier, imagine you are an individual in your target audience. Think about how you would replicate your study and what scientific paper methods you would find accessible. Ask yourself about what information you would require. Take notes and create 2-3 outlines for additional clarity.
Step 4: Consider adding visual aid elements. It may include relevant flow charts, mind maps, checklists, or statistical data for your methodology. It will help your readers interpret the study and avoid unnecessary steps.
Step 5: Always adhere to strict ethical standards and scientific guidelines. Even though the “Ethical Guidelines” section will be presented in another research paper part, you must show the main arguments and thesis concerning ethical rules. It will show that you are using strict standards and following the rules related to your discipline.

Methods section checklist

Is your logic consistent in every section?
Does your introduction provide sufficient background information?
Does your methodology structure sound clear and follows a chronology of the research?
Do you provide the results of your research in the same format?
Can you replicate your study based on a given methodology?
Do your readers have all the necessary objectives mentioned?
Are the tools used mentioned?

Methods section formats and features

Additional elements to consider.

Location specifics. This is where the location and research environment can make a major difference for replication purposes.
Limitations of the research. Talk about the limitations and specifics of the tools and methods being used.
Writing style and tone. Remember to write in the past tense and keep the same tone throughout your research paper.
Ethical considerations. Clarify and specify all the ethical guidelines for your institution, a scientific journal methodology, and a field of science.
Data analysis methodology.
Participants and subjects.
Data collection methodology.
Things required to replicate the research.
Addressing the research objectives.
Basic research question.

Writing a Research Paper
Research Paper Title
Research Paper Sources
Research Paper Problem Statement
Research Paper Thesis Statement
Hypothesis for a Research Paper
Research Question
Research Paper Outline
Research Paper Summary
Research Paper Prospectus
Research Paper Proposal
Research Paper Format
Research Paper Styles
AMA Style Research Paper
MLA Style Research Paper
Chicago Style Research Paper
APA Style Research Paper
Research Paper Structure
Research Paper Cover Page
Research Paper Abstract
Research Paper Introduction
Research Paper Body Paragraph
Research Paper Literature Review
Research Paper Background
Research Paper Methods Section
Research Paper Results Section
Research Paper Discussion Section
Research Paper Conclusion
Research Paper Appendix
Research Paper Bibliography
APA Reference Page
Annotated Bibliography
Bibliography vs Works Cited vs References Page
Research Paper Types
What is Qualitative Research

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How to Start a Methods Section in Research? [with Examples]

The examples below are from 76,350 full-text PubMed research papers that I analyzed in order to explore common ways to start the Materials and Methods section.

Research papers included in this analysis were selected at random from those uploaded to PubMed Central between the years 2016 and 2021. I used the BioC API to download the data (see the References section below).

Examples of how to start writing the Methods section

The Methods section is the recipe for the study: it should provide the reader enough information to replicate the study without looking elsewhere. [for more information, see: How to Write & Publish a Research Paper: Step-by-Step Guide ]

The Methods section can:

1. Start by mentioning the approvals acquired to conduct the study

For example:

“ The study protocol was approved by the institutional research commissions of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH; Basel, Switzerland) and the Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire (CSRS; Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire). Ethical approval was granted by the ethics committee of Basel (EKBB; reference no. 316/08), and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Côte d’Ivoire (reference no. 124/MESRS/DGRSIT/YKS/sac).” Source: taken from the Methods section of this PubMed article

2. Start by mentioning the study design

“This cross-sectional study was performed among students and staff of one of the largest government-funded universities in Malaysia.” Source: taken from the Methods section of this PubMed article

3. Start by mentioning the date, duration, and place of the study

“This cross-sectional study was a part of the Student Mental Health Survey that was conducted at Akita University between May 20 and June 16, 2020 .” Source: taken from the Methods section of this PubMed article

4. Start by mentioning the source of the data

“ This study used three datasets from the 2007, 2013–14, and 2018 Zambian Demographic Health Surveys (DHS).” Source: taken from the Methods section of this PubMed article

5. Start by mentioning the sample size

“Data were acquired on 30 patients with schizophrenia and 30 healthy controls .” Source: taken from the Methods section of this PubMed article

6. Start by justifying the use of the main material or method

“ In order to describe the infectious disease progression we use the minimal and prototypical SIR model.” Source: taken from the Methods section of this PubMed article

Common words used to start a Methods section

Here’s a list of the most common words used at the beginning of the Methods section:

“This study was approved by…”
“This study was conducted at…”
“This was a retrospective study…”
“This cross-sectional study was conducted…”
“This study was conducted in accordance…”
“This study was performed in accordance…”
“All procedures were approved by the…”
“Written informed consent was obtained from…”
Comeau DC, Wei CH, Islamaj Doğan R, and Lu Z. PMC text mining subset in BioC: about 3 million full text articles and growing, Bioinformatics , btz070, 2019.

How to Write a Methods Section for a Research Paper

A common piece of advice for authors preparing their first journal article for publication is to start with the methods section: just list everything that was done and go from there. While that might seem like a very practical approach to a first draft, if you do this without a clear outline and a story in mind, you can easily end up with journal manuscript sections that are not logically related to each other.

Since the methods section constitutes the core of your paper, no matter when you write it, you need to use it to guide the reader carefully through your story from beginning to end without leaving questions unanswered. Missing or confusing details in this section will likely lead to early rejection of your manuscript or unnecessary back-and-forth with the reviewers until eventual publication. Here, you will find some useful tips on how to make your methods section the logical foundation of your research paper.

Not just a list of experiments and methods

While your introduction section provides the reader with the necessary background to understand your rationale and research question (and, depending on journal format and your personal preference, might already summarize the results), the methods section explains what exactly you did and how you did it. The point of this section is not to list all the boring details just for the sake of completeness. The purpose of the methods sections is to enable the reader to replicate exactly what you did, verify or corroborate your results, or maybe find that there are factors you did not consider or that are more relevant than expected.

To make this section as easy to read as possible, you must clearly connect it to the information you provide in the introduction section before and the results section after, it needs to have a clear structure (chronologically or according to topics), and you need to present your results according to the same structure or topics later in the manuscript. There are also official guidelines and journal instructions to follow and ethical issues to avoid to ensure that your manuscript can quickly reach the publication stage.

Table of Contents:

General Methods Structure: What is Your Story?
What Methods Should You Report (and Leave Out)?
Details Frequently Missing from the Methods Section

More Journal Guidelines to Consider

Accurate and Appropriate Language in the Methods

General Methods Section Structure: What Is Your Story?

You might have conducted a number of experiments, maybe also a pilot before the main study to determine some specific factors or a follow-up experiment to clarify unclear details later in the process. Throwing all of these into your methods section, however, might not help the reader understand how everything is connected and how useful and appropriate your methodological approach is to investigate your specific research question. You therefore need to first come up with a clear outline and decide what to report and how to present that to the reader.

The first (and very important) decision to make is whether you present your experiments chronologically (e.g., Experiment 1, Experiment 2, Experiment 3… ), and guide the reader through every step of the process, or if you organize everything according to subtopics (e.g., Behavioral measures, Structural imaging markers, Functional imaging markers… ). In both cases, you need to use clear subheaders for the different subsections of your methods, and, very importantly, follow the same structure or focus on the same topics/measures in the results section so that the reader can easily follow along (see the two examples below).

If you are in doubt which way of organizing your experiments is better for your study, just ask yourself the following questions:

Does the reader need to know the timeline of your study?
Is it relevant that one experiment was conducted first, because the outcome of this experiment determined the stimuli or factors that went into the next?
Did the results of your first experiment leave important questions open that you addressed in an additional experiment (that was maybe not planned initially)?
Is the answer to all of these questions “no”? Then organizing your methods section according to topics of interest might be the more logical choice.

If you think your timeline, protocol, or setup might be confusing or difficult for the reader to grasp, consider adding a graphic, flow diagram, decision tree, or table as a visual aid.

What Methods Should You Report (and Leave Out)?

The answer to this question is quite simple–you need to report everything that another researcher needs to know to be able to replicate your study. Just imagine yourself reading your methods section in the future and trying to set up the same experiments again without prior knowledge. You would probably need to ask questions such as:

Where did you conduct your experiments (e.g., in what kind of room, under what lighting or temperature conditions, if those are relevant)?
What devices did you use? Are there specific settings to report?
What specific software (and version of that software) did you use?
How did you find and select your participants?
How did you assign participants into groups?
Did you exclude participants from the analysis? Why and how?
Where did your reagents or antibodies come from? Can you provide a Research Resource Identifier (RRID) ?
Did you make your stimuli yourself or did you get them from somewhere?
Are the stimuli you used available for other researchers?
What kind of questionnaires did you use? Have they been validated?
How did you analyze your data? What level of significance did you use?
Were there any technical issues and did you have to adjust protocols?

Note that for every experimental detail you provide, you need to tell the reader (briefly) why you used this type of stimulus/this group of participants/these specific amounts of reagents. If there is earlier published research reporting the same methods, cite those studies. If you did pilot experiments to determine those details, describe the procedures and the outcomes of these experiments. If you made assumptions about the suitability of something based on the literature and common practice at your institution, then explain that to the reader.

In a nutshell, established methods need to be cited, and new methods need to be clearly described and briefly justified. However, if the fact that you use a new approach or a method that is not traditionally used for the data or phenomenon you study is one of the main points of your study (and maybe already reflected in the title of your article), then you need to explain your rationale for doing so in the introduction already and discuss it in more detail in the discussion section .

Note that you also need to explain your statistical analyses at the end of your methods section. You present the results of these analyses later, in the results section of your paper, but you need to show the reader in the methods section already that your approach is either well-established or valid, even if it is new or unusual.

When it comes to the question of what details you should leave out, the answer is equally simple ‒ everything that you would not need to replicate your study in the future. If the educational background of your participants is listed in your institutional database but is not relevant to your study outcome, then don’t include that. Other things you should not include in the methods section:

Background information that you already presented in the introduction section.
In-depth comparisons of different methods ‒ these belong in the discussion section.
Results, unless you summarize outcomes of pilot experiments that helped you determine factors for your main experiment.

Also, make sure your subheadings are as clear as possible, suit the structure you chose for your methods section, and are in line with the target journal guidelines. If you studied a disease intervention in human participants, then your methods section could look similar to this:

Since the main point of interest here are your patient-centered outcome variables, you would center your results section on these as well and choose your headers accordingly (e.g., Patient characteristics, Baseline evaluation, Outcome variable 1, Outcome variable 2, Drop-out rate ).

If, instead, you did a series of visual experiments investigating the perception of faces including a pilot experiment to create the stimuli for your actual study, you would need to structure your methods section in a very different way, maybe like this:

Since here the analysis and outcome of the pilot experiment are already described in the methods section (as the basis for the main experimental setup and procedure), you do not have to mention it again in the results section. Instead, you could choose the two main experiments to structure your results section ( Discrimination and classification, Familiarization and adaptation ), or divide the results into all your test measures and/or potential interactions you described in the methods section (e.g., Discrimination performance, Classification performance, Adaptation aftereffects, Correlation analysis ).

Details Commonly Missing from the Methods Section

Manufacturer information.

For laboratory or technical equipment, you need to provide the model, name of the manufacturer, and company’s location. The usual format for these details is the product name (company name, city, state) for US-based manufacturers and the product name (company name, city/town, country) for companies outside the US.

Sample size and power estimation

Power and sample size estimations are measures for how many patients or participants are needed in a study in order to detect statistical significance and draw meaningful conclusions from the results. Outside of the medical field, studies are sometimes still conducted with a “the more the better” approach in mind, but since many journals now ask for those details, it is better to not skip this important step.

Ethical guidelines and approval

In addition to describing what you did, you also need to assure the editor and reviewers that your methods and protocols followed all relevant ethical standards and guidelines. This includes applying for approval at your local or national ethics committee, providing the name or location of that committee as well as the approval reference number you received, and, if you studied human participants, a statement that participants were informed about all relevant experimental details in advance and signed consent forms before the start of the study. For animal studies, you usually need to provide a statement that all procedures included in your research were in line with the Declaration of Helsinki. Make sure you check the target journal guidelines carefully, as these statements sometimes need to be placed at the end of the main article text rather than in the method section.

Structure & word limitations

While many journals simply follow the usual style guidelines (e.g., APA for the social sciences and psychology, AMA for medical research) and let you choose the headers of your method section according to your preferred structure and focus, some have precise guidelines and strict limitations, for example, on manuscript length and the maximum number of subsections or header levels. Make sure you read the instructions of your target journal carefully and restructure your method section if necessary before submission. If the journal does not give you enough space to include all the details that you deem necessary, then you can usually submit additional details as “supplemental” files and refer to those in the main text where necessary.

Standardized checklists

In addition to ethical guidelines and approval, journals also often ask you to submit one of the official standardized checklists for different study types to ensure all essential details are included in your manuscript. For example, there are checklists for randomized clinical trials, CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) , cohort, case-control, cross‐sectional studies, STROBE (STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology ), diagnostic accuracy, STARD (STAndards for the Reporting of Diagnostic accuracy studies) , systematic reviews and meta‐analyses PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses) , and Case reports, CARE (CAse REport) .

Make sure you check if the manuscript uses a single- or double-blind review procedure , and delete all information that might allow a reviewer to guess where the authors are located from the manuscript text if necessary. This means that your method section cannot list the name and location of your institution, the names of researchers who conducted specific tests, or the name of your institutional ethics committee.

Accurate and Appropriate Language in the Methods Section

Like all sections of your research paper, your method section needs to be written in an academic tone . That means it should be formal, vague expressions and colloquial language need to be avoided, and you need to correctly cite all your sources. If you describe human participants in your method section then you should be especially careful about your choice of words. For example, “participants” sounds more respectful than “subjects,” and patient-first language, that is, “patients with cancer,” is considered more appropriate than “cancer patients” by many journals.

Passive voice is often considered the standard for research papers, but it is completely fine to mix passive and active voice, even in the method section, to make your text as clear and concise as possible. Use the simple past tense to describe what you did, and the present tense when you refer to diagrams or tables. Have a look at this article if you need more general input on which verb tenses to use in a research paper .

Lastly, make sure you label all the standard tests and questionnaires you use correctly (look up the original publication when in doubt) and spell genes and proteins according to the common databases for the species you studied, such as the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee database for human studies .

Visit Wordvice AI’s AI Text Editor to receive a free grammar check and English editing services (including manuscript editing , paper editing , and dissertation editing ) before submitting your manuscript to journal editors.

How To Write A Research Paper

Research Paper Methods Section

How To Write The Methods Section of a Research Paper Step-by-Step

13 min read

Published on: Mar 6, 2024

Last updated on: Jul 18, 2024

What is the Methods Section of a Research Paper?

The methods section of a research paper provides a detailed description of the procedures, techniques, and methods employed to conduct the study. It outlines the steps taken to collect, analyze, and interpret data, allowing other researchers to replicate the study and assess the validity of the results.

This section includes information on the study design, participants, materials or apparatus used, data collection procedures, and statistical analyses. Typically, the methodology section is placed after the introduction and before the results section in a research paper.

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Importance of Methods Section

The methods section of a research paper holds significant importance. Here is why:

Replicability: The methods section ensures the replicability of the study by providing a clear and comprehensive account of the procedures used.
Transparency: It enhances transparency, allowing other researchers to understand and evaluate the validity of the study's findings.
Credibility: A well-documented methods section enhances the credibility of the research, instilling confidence in the study's design and execution.
Guidance for Future Research: It serves as a guide for future research, offering insights into methodologies that can be applied or modified in similar studies.
Ethical Considerations: The section highlights ethical considerations, promoting responsible and accountable research practices.

Structure of Methods Section of a Research Paper

There are some important parts of the method section of a research paper that you will need to include, whether you have done an experimental study or a descriptive study.

Provided structured approach below ensures clarity and replicability of the research methodology:

Clearly outline the overall design and approach adopted for the research.

Detailed demographic information and selection criteria for the study participants.

Provide a comprehensive list of all materials, tools, or equipment utilized during the study.

Describe the step-by-step procedures followed in data collection, experimentation, or analysis.

Specify how data were collected, including any surveys, measurements, or observations.

Outline the statistical or analytical methods applied to interpret the collected data.

Address ethical aspects, including participant consent, confidentiality, and Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval.

Formatting of the Methods Section

Make the main " Methods " heading centered, bold, and capitalized. For subtopics under "Methods," like participant details or data collection, use left-aligned, bold, and title cases.

Feel free to include even sub-headings for more specifics. This formatting helps readers easily follow your study steps.

Next, we will address the most common query, i.e., how to write the methodology section of a research paper. Letâs explain the steps for writing the methodology section of a research paper:

Step 1: Start with Study Design

The initial step in the method section of a research paper is to provide a clear description of the study type. This involves outlining the overall plan and structure of the research.

Different types of studies, such as cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional, may be employed based on the research objectives.

For instance:

This study employed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design to investigate the effects of a new teaching method on students' academic performance.

Starting with the study design sets the stage for understanding the methodology. It provides readers with a foundation for subsequent sections in the methods portion of the research paper.

Step 2: Describe Participants

In the methods section, the second step involves providing a detailed account of the participants involved in the study. Start by describing the characteristics of both human and non-human subjects, using clear and descriptive language.

Address specific demographic characteristics relevant to your study, such as age, sex, ethnic or racial group, gender identity, education level, and socioeconomic status. Clearly outlining these essential details ensures transparency, replicability, and a comprehensive understanding of the study's sample.

Sampling Procedures:

Clearly outline how participants were selected, specifying any inclusion and exclusion criteria applied.
Appropriately identify the sampling procedure used, such as random sampling, convenience sampling, or stratified sampling.
If applicable, note the percentage of invited participants who actually participated.
Specify if participants were self-selected or chosen by their institutions (e.g., schools submitting student data).

Sample Size and Power:

Detail the intended sample size estimation per condition and the statistical power aimed for in the study.
Provide information on any analyses conducted to determine the sample size and power.
Emphasize the importance of statistical power for detecting effects if present.
State whether the final sample size differed from the originally intended sample.
Base your interpretations of study outcomes solely on the final sample, reinforcing the importance of transparency in reporting.

"The study included 200 undergraduate students (mean age = 22.5 years, SD = 2.0) from diverse ethnic backgrounds (40% Caucasian, 30% Asian, 20% African American, 10% Hispanic). Participants were recruited from various academic disciplines to ensure a representative sample. There were 120 females and 80 males, reflecting the gender distribution on campus. All participants provided informed consent before participation."

"Twenty-four laboratory mice (C57BL/6 strain) were used in the experiment. The mice were evenly divided into two groups, with an equal distribution of males and females. Their ages ranged from 8 to 10 weeks at the beginning of the study. Mice were housed in standard laboratory conditions with ad libitum access to food and water throughout the experimental period."

Step 3: State Materials or Apparatus

In the third step, thoroughly describe the materials or apparatus used in your research. In addition, gives detailed information on the tools and techniques employed to measure relevant outcome variables.

Primary and Secondary Measures:

Clearly define both primary and secondary outcome measures aligned with research questions.
Specify all instruments used, citing hardware models, software versions, or references to manuals/articles.
Report settings of specialized apparatus, such as screen resolution.

Reliability and Validity:

For each instrument, detail measures of reliability and validity.
Include an explanation of how consistently (reliability) and precisely (validity) the method measures the targeted variables.
Provide examples or reference materials to illustrate the reliability and validity of tests, questionnaires, or interviews.

Covariates and Quality Assurance:

Describe any covariates considered and their relevance to explaining or predicting outcomes.
Review methods used to assure measurement quality, such as researcher training, multiple assessors, translation procedures, and pilot studies.
For subjectively coded data, report interrater reliability scores to gauge consistency among raters.

"To measure cognitive performance, we utilized the Stroop Color-Word Test (Golden, 1978), a widely accepted instrument for assessing attention and processing speed. The test comprises three conditions, each with a specific cognitive demand. We cited the test manual for reference, including the number of items and providing an example item for each condition. Additionally, we used Qualtrics survey software (version 3.2.1) for administering psychological questionnaires."

Step 4 Write the Procedure

Next is the procedure section of the research paper, which thoroughly details the procedures applied for administering the study, processing data, and planning data analyses.

Data Collection Methods and Research Design

Summarize data collection methods (e.g., surveys, tests) and the overall research design.
Provide detailed procedures for administering surveys, tests, or any other data collection instruments.
Clarify the research design framework, specifying whether it's experimental, quasi-experimental, descriptive, correlational, and/or longitudinal.
For multi-group studies, report assignment methods, group instructions, interventions, and session details.

Data Analysis

Clearly state the planned data analysis methods for each research question or hypothesis.
Specify descriptive statistics, inferential statistical tests, and any other analysis techniques.
Include software or tools used for data analysis (e.g., SPSS, R).
Provide a brief rationale for choosing each analysis method.

This randomized clinical trial (RCT) explored the impact of a 4-week mindfulness intervention on college students' stress levels. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group, engaging in 30-minute sessions twice a week. Data collection involved pre- and post-intervention Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) self-reports and heart rate variability (HRV) recorded using a Polar H10 device.

For data analysis, paired-sample t-tests assessed within-group changes, and an independent samples t-test compared intervention and control groups. The level of significance (?) was 0.05, and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for mean changes. Statistical power was ensured at 80% for robust findings. This streamlined approach combines self-reported and physiological measures, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the mindfulness intervention's impact.

Step 5: Mention Ethical Approvals

In the fifth step of the methods section, explicitly address the ethical considerations of your research, ensuring transparency and adherence to ethical standards. Here are some key ethical considerations:

IRB Approval:

Clearly state that the research received approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) or an equivalent ethical review body.

Informed Consent:

Specify the process of obtaining informed consent, including the provision of information sheets to participants.

Confidentiality:

Describe measures taken to maintain confidentiality, such as assigning unique identification numbers and securing data.

Participant Rights:

Emphasize participants' right to withdraw from the study at any point without consequences.

Debriefing:

Mention if debriefing procedures were implemented to address any participant concerns post-study.

"This study received approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at [Institution Name], ensuring that it adheres to ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects. Informed consent was obtained from all participants before their involvement in the study. Participants were provided with a detailed information sheet explaining the purpose of the research, the procedures involved, potential risks, and benefits. They were assured of their right to withdraw from the study at any point without consequences. Confidentiality was maintained by assigning unique identification numbers to participants, and all data were stored securely, accessible only to the research team. Additionally, debriefing was provided to participants upon study completion, clarifying the study's objectives and addressing any concerns."

Methods Section of Research Paper Examples

Exploring sample methodology sections is crucial when composing your first research paper, as it enhances your understanding of the structure. We provide PDF examples of methodology sections that you can review to gain inspiration for your own research paper.

Methods Section of A Qualitative Research Paper

Methods Section of Research Paper Template

Methods Section of Research Proposal Example

Methods Section of Research Paper APA

How To Write A Method For An Experiment

Journal Guidelines to Consider

When writing the methods section, be mindful of the specific guidelines set by your target journal. These guidelines can vary, impacting the structure, word limitations, and even the presentation of your methodology.

Here's a detailed explanation, along with an example:

Structure & Word Limitations

If a journal follows APA guidelines, it might allow flexibility in structuring the method section. However, some journals may impose strict limitations on the manuscript's length and the number of subsections.

For instance, a journal might specify a maximum of 3000 words for the entire paper and limit the method section to 500 words. In such cases, ensure you adhere to these constraints, potentially submitting supplemental files for additional details.

Standardized Checklists

Journals often request authors to use standardized checklists for various study types to ensure completeness.

For a randomized clinical trial, the CONSORT(Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) checklist might be required. If your research involves observational studies, the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) checklist may be applicable.

For diagnostic accuracy studies, adherence to the STARD (Standards for the Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) checklist is common. These checklists serve as a systematic way to include essential details in your manuscript, aligning with the journal's preferred reporting standards.

Blind Review Procedures

Some journals implement single- or double-blind review procedures. If a double-blind review is in place, authors need to remove any information that might reveal their identity or institutional affiliations.

For instance, the method section cannot explicitly mention the institution's name, researchers' identities, or the institutional ethics committee. This ensures an unbiased evaluation of the research without reviewers being influenced by the authors' affiliations.

The Dos And Donâts Of Writing The Methods Section

While it's important to be thorough, certain elements are better suited for other sections of the paper. Here are some Doâs and Donâts of writing the methods section:

Dos of Writing the Methods Section

Here are what to include in the methods section:

Clarity and Precision: Clearly and concisely describe the procedures used in your study. Ensure that another researcher can replicate your work based on your explanation.
Chronological Order: Present the methods in a logical and chronological sequence. This helps readers follow the flow of your research.
Detail and Specificity: Provide sufficient detail to allow for replication. Specify equipment, materials, and procedures used, including any modifications.
Consistency with Study Design: Align your methods with the overall design of your study. Clearly state whether it's experimental, observational, or another design.
Inclusion of Participants: Detail participant characteristics, including demographics and any inclusion/exclusion criteria. Clearly state the sample size.
Operational Definitions: Define and operationalize key variables. Clearly explain how each variable was measured or manipulated.
Transparency in Data Collection: Describe the data collection process, including the timing, location, and any relevant protocols followed during the study.
Statistical Information: Outline the statistical methods used for analysis. Specify the software, tests employed and significance levels.
Ethical Considerations: Discuss ethical approvals obtained, informed consent procedures, and measures taken to ensure participant confidentiality. Address any potential conflicts of interest.

Don'ts of Writing the Methods Section

Extraneous Details: Unlike the discussion section avoid including unnecessary details or information that does not contribute directly to understanding the research methods.
Results Discussion: Refrain from discussing or interpreting the results in the methods section. Focus solely on describing the methods employed.
Ambiguity and Vagueness: Steer clear of vague or ambiguous language. Be precise and specific in your descriptions.
Overemphasis on Background: While some background information is relevant, avoid turning the methods section into an extensive literature review . Keep the focus on the research methods.
Personal Opinions: Do not include personal opinions or anecdotes. Stick to factual and objective descriptions.
Excessive Jargon: Minimize the use of technical jargon that may be confusing to readers who are not experts in your field. If necessary, provide clear explanations.
Inadequate Explanation of Modifications: If you deviate from standard procedures, clearly explain the modifications and justify why they were made.
Inconsistency with Design: Ensure that your methods align with the study design. Avoid inconsistencies that could create confusion for readers.

In conclusion , learning the art of writing the methods section is pivotal for any research paper. Following a step-by-step approach, from defining the study design to detailed data collection and analysis, ensures clarity and replicability.

Remember, precision matters. If you find yourself grappling with the intricacies of your methodology, don't hesitate to reach out to CollegeEssay.org.

Our professional writing service is ready to assist you in crafting a robust and well-structured methods section.

Connect with our research paper writing service for expert guidance and conquer the challenges of research paper writing.

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As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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Home » Research Methodology – Types, Examples and writing Guide

Research Methodology – Types, Examples and writing Guide

Table of Contents

Research Methodology

Definition:

Research Methodology refers to the systematic and scientific approach used to conduct research, investigate problems, and gather data and information for a specific purpose. It involves the techniques and procedures used to identify, collect , analyze , and interpret data to answer research questions or solve research problems . Moreover, They are philosophical and theoretical frameworks that guide the research process.

Structure of Research Methodology

Research methodology formats can vary depending on the specific requirements of the research project, but the following is a basic example of a structure for a research methodology section:

I. Introduction

Provide an overview of the research problem and the need for a research methodology section
Outline the main research questions and objectives

II. Research Design

Explain the research design chosen and why it is appropriate for the research question(s) and objectives
Discuss any alternative research designs considered and why they were not chosen
Describe the research setting and participants (if applicable)

III. Data Collection Methods

Describe the methods used to collect data (e.g., surveys, interviews, observations)
Explain how the data collection methods were chosen and why they are appropriate for the research question(s) and objectives
Detail any procedures or instruments used for data collection

IV. Data Analysis Methods

Describe the methods used to analyze the data (e.g., statistical analysis, content analysis )
Explain how the data analysis methods were chosen and why they are appropriate for the research question(s) and objectives
Detail any procedures or software used for data analysis

V. Ethical Considerations

Discuss any ethical issues that may arise from the research and how they were addressed
Explain how informed consent was obtained (if applicable)
Detail any measures taken to ensure confidentiality and anonymity

VI. Limitations

Identify any potential limitations of the research methodology and how they may impact the results and conclusions

VII. Conclusion

Summarize the key aspects of the research methodology section
Explain how the research methodology addresses the research question(s) and objectives

Research Methodology Types

Types of Research Methodology are as follows:

Quantitative Research Methodology

This is a research methodology that involves the collection and analysis of numerical data using statistical methods. This type of research is often used to study cause-and-effect relationships and to make predictions.

Qualitative Research Methodology

This is a research methodology that involves the collection and analysis of non-numerical data such as words, images, and observations. This type of research is often used to explore complex phenomena, to gain an in-depth understanding of a particular topic, and to generate hypotheses.

Mixed-Methods Research Methodology

This is a research methodology that combines elements of both quantitative and qualitative research. This approach can be particularly useful for studies that aim to explore complex phenomena and to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a particular topic.

Case Study Research Methodology

This is a research methodology that involves in-depth examination of a single case or a small number of cases. Case studies are often used in psychology, sociology, and anthropology to gain a detailed understanding of a particular individual or group.

Action Research Methodology

This is a research methodology that involves a collaborative process between researchers and practitioners to identify and solve real-world problems. Action research is often used in education, healthcare, and social work.

Experimental Research Methodology

This is a research methodology that involves the manipulation of one or more independent variables to observe their effects on a dependent variable. Experimental research is often used to study cause-and-effect relationships and to make predictions.

Survey Research Methodology

This is a research methodology that involves the collection of data from a sample of individuals using questionnaires or interviews. Survey research is often used to study attitudes, opinions, and behaviors.

Grounded Theory Research Methodology

This is a research methodology that involves the development of theories based on the data collected during the research process. Grounded theory is often used in sociology and anthropology to generate theories about social phenomena.

Research Methodology Example

An Example of Research Methodology could be the following:

Research Methodology for Investigating the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Depression in Adults

Introduction:

The aim of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing symptoms of depression in adults. To achieve this objective, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted using a mixed-methods approach.

Research Design:

The study will follow a pre-test and post-test design with two groups: an experimental group receiving CBT and a control group receiving no intervention. The study will also include a qualitative component, in which semi-structured interviews will be conducted with a subset of participants to explore their experiences of receiving CBT.

Participants:

Participants will be recruited from community mental health clinics in the local area. The sample will consist of 100 adults aged 18-65 years old who meet the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group.

Intervention :

The experimental group will receive 12 weekly sessions of CBT, each lasting 60 minutes. The intervention will be delivered by licensed mental health professionals who have been trained in CBT. The control group will receive no intervention during the study period.

Data Collection:

Quantitative data will be collected through the use of standardized measures such as the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Data will be collected at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. Qualitative data will be collected through semi-structured interviews with a subset of participants from the experimental group. The interviews will be conducted at the end of the intervention period, and will explore participants’ experiences of receiving CBT.

Data Analysis:

Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and mixed-model analyses of variance (ANOVA) to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common themes and patterns in participants’ experiences of receiving CBT.

Ethical Considerations:

This study will comply with ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects. Participants will provide informed consent before participating in the study, and their privacy and confidentiality will be protected throughout the study. Any adverse events or reactions will be reported and managed appropriately.

Data Management:

All data collected will be kept confidential and stored securely using password-protected databases. Identifying information will be removed from qualitative data transcripts to ensure participants’ anonymity.

Limitations:

One potential limitation of this study is that it only focuses on one type of psychotherapy, CBT, and may not generalize to other types of therapy or interventions. Another limitation is that the study will only include participants from community mental health clinics, which may not be representative of the general population.

Conclusion:

This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of CBT in reducing symptoms of depression in adults. By using a randomized controlled trial and a mixed-methods approach, the study will provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the relationship between CBT and depression. The results of this study will have important implications for the development of effective treatments for depression in clinical settings.

How to Write Research Methodology

Writing a research methodology involves explaining the methods and techniques you used to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. It’s an essential section of any research paper or thesis, as it helps readers understand the validity and reliability of your findings. Here are the steps to write a research methodology:

Start by explaining your research question: Begin the methodology section by restating your research question and explaining why it’s important. This helps readers understand the purpose of your research and the rationale behind your methods.
Describe your research design: Explain the overall approach you used to conduct research. This could be a qualitative or quantitative research design, experimental or non-experimental, case study or survey, etc. Discuss the advantages and limitations of the chosen design.
Discuss your sample: Describe the participants or subjects you included in your study. Include details such as their demographics, sampling method, sample size, and any exclusion criteria used.
Describe your data collection methods : Explain how you collected data from your participants. This could include surveys, interviews, observations, questionnaires, or experiments. Include details on how you obtained informed consent, how you administered the tools, and how you minimized the risk of bias.
Explain your data analysis techniques: Describe the methods you used to analyze the data you collected. This could include statistical analysis, content analysis, thematic analysis, or discourse analysis. Explain how you dealt with missing data, outliers, and any other issues that arose during the analysis.
Discuss the validity and reliability of your research : Explain how you ensured the validity and reliability of your study. This could include measures such as triangulation, member checking, peer review, or inter-coder reliability.
Acknowledge any limitations of your research: Discuss any limitations of your study, including any potential threats to validity or generalizability. This helps readers understand the scope of your findings and how they might apply to other contexts.
Provide a summary: End the methodology section by summarizing the methods and techniques you used to conduct your research. This provides a clear overview of your research methodology and helps readers understand the process you followed to arrive at your findings.

When to Write Research Methodology

Research methodology is typically written after the research proposal has been approved and before the actual research is conducted. It should be written prior to data collection and analysis, as it provides a clear roadmap for the research project.

The research methodology is an important section of any research paper or thesis, as it describes the methods and procedures that will be used to conduct the research. It should include details about the research design, data collection methods, data analysis techniques, and any ethical considerations.

The methodology should be written in a clear and concise manner, and it should be based on established research practices and standards. It is important to provide enough detail so that the reader can understand how the research was conducted and evaluate the validity of the results.

Applications of Research Methodology

Here are some of the applications of research methodology:

To identify the research problem: Research methodology is used to identify the research problem, which is the first step in conducting any research.
To design the research: Research methodology helps in designing the research by selecting the appropriate research method, research design, and sampling technique.
To collect data: Research methodology provides a systematic approach to collect data from primary and secondary sources.
To analyze data: Research methodology helps in analyzing the collected data using various statistical and non-statistical techniques.
To test hypotheses: Research methodology provides a framework for testing hypotheses and drawing conclusions based on the analysis of data.
To generalize findings: Research methodology helps in generalizing the findings of the research to the target population.
To develop theories : Research methodology is used to develop new theories and modify existing theories based on the findings of the research.
To evaluate programs and policies : Research methodology is used to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and policies by collecting data and analyzing it.
To improve decision-making: Research methodology helps in making informed decisions by providing reliable and valid data.

Purpose of Research Methodology

Research methodology serves several important purposes, including:

To guide the research process: Research methodology provides a systematic framework for conducting research. It helps researchers to plan their research, define their research questions, and select appropriate methods and techniques for collecting and analyzing data.
To ensure research quality: Research methodology helps researchers to ensure that their research is rigorous, reliable, and valid. It provides guidelines for minimizing bias and error in data collection and analysis, and for ensuring that research findings are accurate and trustworthy.
To replicate research: Research methodology provides a clear and detailed account of the research process, making it possible for other researchers to replicate the study and verify its findings.
To advance knowledge: Research methodology enables researchers to generate new knowledge and to contribute to the body of knowledge in their field. It provides a means for testing hypotheses, exploring new ideas, and discovering new insights.
To inform decision-making: Research methodology provides evidence-based information that can inform policy and decision-making in a variety of fields, including medicine, public health, education, and business.

Advantages of Research Methodology

Research methodology has several advantages that make it a valuable tool for conducting research in various fields. Here are some of the key advantages of research methodology:

Systematic and structured approach : Research methodology provides a systematic and structured approach to conducting research, which ensures that the research is conducted in a rigorous and comprehensive manner.
Objectivity : Research methodology aims to ensure objectivity in the research process, which means that the research findings are based on evidence and not influenced by personal bias or subjective opinions.
Replicability : Research methodology ensures that research can be replicated by other researchers, which is essential for validating research findings and ensuring their accuracy.
Reliability : Research methodology aims to ensure that the research findings are reliable, which means that they are consistent and can be depended upon.
Validity : Research methodology ensures that the research findings are valid, which means that they accurately reflect the research question or hypothesis being tested.
Efficiency : Research methodology provides a structured and efficient way of conducting research, which helps to save time and resources.
Flexibility : Research methodology allows researchers to choose the most appropriate research methods and techniques based on the research question, data availability, and other relevant factors.
Scope for innovation: Research methodology provides scope for innovation and creativity in designing research studies and developing new research techniques.

Research Methodology Vs Research Methods

Research Methodology	Research Methods
Research methodology refers to the philosophical and theoretical frameworks that guide the research process.	refer to the techniques and procedures used to collect and analyze data.
It is concerned with the underlying principles and assumptions of research.	It is concerned with the practical aspects of research.
It provides a rationale for why certain research methods are used.	It determines the specific steps that will be taken to conduct research.
It is broader in scope and involves understanding the overall approach to research.	It is narrower in scope and focuses on specific techniques and tools used in research.
It is concerned with identifying research questions, defining the research problem, and formulating hypotheses.	It is concerned with collecting data, analyzing data, and interpreting results.
It is concerned with the validity and reliability of research.	It is concerned with the accuracy and precision of data.
It is concerned with the ethical considerations of research.	It is concerned with the practical considerations of research.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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A Scholar’s Guide to Writing the Methods Section of a Research Paper

Table of contents

1 What Is the Methods Section of a Research Paper
2 Methodology vs. Methods
3.1 Participants
3.2 Apparatus
3.3 Procedure
4.1 Methods and Results Should Match
4.2 Preparing the Statistical Methods Subsection
4.3 The Style of the Methodology
5 Key Information to Include in Methodology
6 Helping Hand in Writing Methodology Chapter
7.1 Which information is not included in the methodology section of a research article?
7.2 Where does the research methodology section go in a research paper?
7.3 What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative methods?

In the vast realm of academic writing, the research paper stands as a testament to a scholar’s systematic exploration of a particular subject. Each section of the paper plays a pivotal role, knitting together the fabric of the study. While the introduction sets the stage and the results showcase the findings, it is the Methods section that forms the backbone, providing a clear roadmap for any reader or researcher wishing to replicate or understand the study’s inner workings. As pivotal as it is, crafting an impeccable Methods section often poses challenges for researchers. This article aims to elucidate the intricacies of constructing a robust Methodology section in a research paper.

After reading our guide, you will:

Get a clear understanding of the importance and purpose of the Methods in a research paper.
Discover in details what should contain a comprehensive Methods section.
Learn essentials on writing a Methodology in a research paper.

Now, let’s take a detailed look at these points!

What Is the Methods Section of a Research Paper

Do you have any questions about how to write the Methodology? Firstly, let’s define this section for research. The Methods or Methodology section of the research paper gives the road map for how the research was conducted. A well-crafted Methods section not only guides the researcher but also helps other scholars understand, replicate your study.

In other words, it’s like a recipe in a cookbook. If you want others to recreate your experiment or study, this section tells them exactly how you did it. It includes details about the steps you took, the tools or ingredients you used, and how you measured your results. This way, others can see if they get the same outcome when they follow your “recipe” or if they can trust your findings.

This means that the Methodology should be thoughtfully planned, executed, and reported. The reader should understand the basic research structure and the steps taken to conduct the study, including the research design, methods, gathered data, and data analysis techniques used.

The Methodology of a research study is essential for several reasons:

Validity and Reliability: A well-defined Methodology provides the foundation for the criteria and reliability of the study, particularly in addressing the research question for research. It helps to ensure that the research is conducted in a systematic and controlled manner and that the results are accurate and trustworthy.

Replicability: It allows other researchers to understand and replicate the study, which is important for building on existing knowledge and advancing the field.

Clarity and Transparency: A clear and concise Methods part makes it easier for readers to understand the research process and evaluate the results. This helps to increase transparency and build trust in the findings.

Justification of Approach: The research methodology provides a rationale for the approach taken, including why certain methods and techniques were chosen and how they relate to the question for research.

Evidence of Rigor: A well-executed research methodology demonstrates the rigor and thoroughness of the study, which is important for establishing the credibility of the results.

Methodology vs. Methods

In rigorous academic and research contexts, there is a distinction between “methods” and “methodology.” However, outside of strict scholarly circles or in more informal discussions, there might be some overlapping use. The “methods” generally refer to the specific techniques or procedures, while “methodology” dives into the theoretical framework and rationale behind those techniques. It’s essential to use the terms correctly in formal academic and research writings to maintain clarity and precision.

Nevertheless, in many research papers, the specifics of the methods (the “how”) are the primary focus, and the theoretical rationale (the “why”) might be briefly touched upon within the same section.

Structure of the Methodology In A Research Paper

The Methods section typically begins with a brief overview of its contents and a reiteration of the research question. This is followed by a description of the participants, detailing their demographics, and how they were recruited. The materials or apparatus used are then specified, from tools to equipment, with any unique specifications highlighted.

The core of the Methods section is the procedure, a step-by-step account of the study, from experimental tasks to the sequence of operations. This is complemented by an explanation of the experimental design, where the type of research design is described, along with the variables involved. Detailed accounts of how data was gathered, whether through surveys, interviews, or other methods, are provided, ensuring the reader understands the data collection nuances.

Critical to the credibility of the study is the section on statistical analysis, which reveals how data was processed, what statistical tests were used, and the software or tools employed. If the research involved humans or animals, the ethical considerations section becomes pivotal. Here, measures taken to ensure participants’ rights, confidentiality, and informed consent are documented. Towards the end, the limitations of the study are discussed, providing insights into potential biases or constraints faced during the research process. The section wraps up with a brief recap, emphasizing the methods’ role in ensuring the study’s integrity and reproducibility.

According to APA style , there are three major subsections to report here: participants, apparatus, and procedure.

Participants

This segment reports the characteristics of the participants involved in the experiment, the method of sampling, and the sample size.

Characteristics

This details the demography of the respondents that may be relevant to the experiment. This includes but is not limited to age, gender, ethnicity or race, religion, level of education, socioeconomic status, origin of the population, and any restrictions.

✏️Example:

Fifty female undergraduate students between the ages of 19 and 23 participated in the experiment. All were sophomores in the Faculty of Engineering and native English speakers who lived on the university campus. The participants were separated into two groups of 25 students, each without any determining criteria. This study was conducted at the University of Alabama, USA .

Sampling Strategy

Identify the selection criteria and whether the sample was random or not. Include it if you have access to data informing the percentage of people invited to participate and how many agreed. You should also report the selection mode; was it voluntary, or were the participants assigned to the study? Additionally, identify any compensation that was provided to participants.

The ethics board was petitioned, and approval was granted before the recruitment of participants commenced. All the female sophomores from the faculty of Engineering at the University of Alabama, USA, were invited to participate, and those who did were self-selected. In liaison with department heads, the students were offered additional credits in a faculty-wide course as compensation for their time.

Sample Size

Identify the sample size per group, the statistical power you aimed to attain, whether you could attain it, and the analyses you used to determine the figures you arrived at. You should also include whether the final sample you got was what you initially required.

The required power for this experiment to detect a 15% effect at a significance level of .08 was 75%. To achieve this, we needed 25 participants in each group. The final sample met these conditions.

This subsection describes the materials and apparatus used in the experiment. It calls for detailed information on all devices and techniques used to collate data, measure suitable variables, and reach analysis, including tests and surveys. You must include a proper count of the number of apparatus used, their names, model number, manufacturer, reliability, and validity. For surveys, including the meaning of the formats used and the number of questions asked.

A survey that consisted of 15 multiple-choice questions was carried out to determine the safety of female students on the school campus. The participants were asked to answer the questions using a 5-point grading system (1 = Extremely True and 5 = Extremely False).

This includes the conditions in which data was collated, instructions given to the participants, and data analysis methods.

The two groups of participants were placed in two different classrooms at individual desks and given 10 minutes to answer the questions. They were instructed to give the first answers they thought of without thinking too deeply. Each group had a supervisor attached to it.

Writing a research paper requires a great deal of skill and knowledge, so if you need help compiling the Methods section of your paper, consider using a professional coursework writing service to help you.

Advice On How to Write the Methods Section

You already know the relevance of the Methods part to your research paper. Additionally, you must adhere to formatting guidelines specific for your field.

If you cannot write according to standards, you can use a research paper writing service to get good results. Go for one with good reviews and a super online reputation.

Here are some more tips for a concise and meticulously written Methodology:

Method Introduction: Begin the section on methodology by introducing the methods used in the research. Provide a brief overview of the research design and the data collection and analysis techniques used.
Methodological Connection: Establish the connection between the methodology and the research query.
Instrument Introduction: Introduce the instruments used to assemble data, such as surveys, interviews, or observation. Provide a brief description of each instrument and how it will be used in the study.
Analysis Discussion: Discuss the analysis techniques used to analyze the data collected. Explain how the data will be organized, coded, and analyzed to address the research query.
Background Information: Provide background information about the methodology and the relevant literature. Explain how the methodology fits into the broader context of the research area and what it contributes to the current understanding of the topic.
Sampling Process: Discuss the sampling process used in the study. Explain how the sample was selected, what criteria were used, and how the samples taken were determined.
Limitations: It was required to discuss any research constraints in the past tense, such as limited sample sizes, issues with the data collection process, or issues with the analysis methods employed. Researchers had to explain how these constraints might have affected the study’s findings and conclusions.

Methods and Results Should Match

In the Methods section, the results obtained should be discussed based on the experimental procedures used. Explain the methodology behind the techniques used to acquire all the observations and results of the experiment in the right order. You can create a detailed flowchart or block flow diagram (BFD) to easily describe the complexities of the study and its procedures to the reader.

Preparing the Statistical Methods Subsection

The statistical analysis subsection comes at the end of the Methods section. It includes a thorough description of the analyzed data to arrive at the results and conclusion. Due to its technicality, it might be a little difficult and daunting to write. If this is the case, you can get the statistician who participated in the study to write it.

Here, you must indicate all the data variables, including the control variables, dependent and independent variables, and any potentially irrelevant variables that could affect your results and conclusion. Specify the exact tests carried out on the different types of data you have, the requirements you tested, like distribution normality, and all assumptions you initially applied.

You should also include all data alterations, possible mix-ups, confidence intervals or significance levels used, techniques for data analysis, and ensuing statistical tests that were employed. Furthermore, specify any criteria particular to the experiment, like set baselines and any specific software used to conduct the statistical analysis.

The Style of the Methodology

As mentioned earlier, it aims to explain how and why the experiment was carried out so that readers can understand it and possibly repeat the procedure.

Therefore, it is essential to be aware of your audience so you can modify your writing based on what they know and explain technical terms where necessary. If you are finding it difficult to write in the appropriate style, you can buy a research paper written by writers. You can find these writers on several platforms for college essays.

The methodology should read as though you describe the experiment to your reader. For this reason, it should be worded in third-person constructs and a passive voice. For example, you should use “We carried out a survey” and not “I carried out a survey.” Since the experiment has already been carried out, you must write the entire section in the past tense.

Key Information to Include in Methodology

Now you know what the Methods section is, what information must be included in this segment of your paper? Here’s a summary of the things you need to include:

Literature review . The sources that helped in the methods are cited under this heading.
Research participants. This includes all information about the study participants, including compensations, mode of selection, and demographics.
Criteria for inclusion or exclusion include the factors determining what participants were eliminated and why.
Grouping conditions are the factors determining the subgrouping of the chosen participants.
Procedures. These are the conditions under which the experiment was carried out.
Materials and apparatus. These include all devices, equipment, reliability, and validity.
Statistical analysis. This is detailed information about the data, measured and analyzed, and the tests carried out.

Helping Hand in Writing Methodology Chapter

It can be challenging for researchers to adequately describe their study methodologies and strategies when writing the methodology chapter of a research report. Organizing and presenting complex material, retaining clarity and conciseness, and describing technical processes or approaches are among the usual difficulties.

To overcome these challenges, researchers can consider seeking feedback from peers, utilizing a https://papersowl.com/ or editor, and thoroughly reviewing and revising their methodology chapter multiple times. With the help of an essay writing service, you can ensure that your research paper is accurate and successful.

Which information is not included in the methodology section of a research article?

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Research Tips and Infromation

How to Write the Method Section of your Research Paper in 03 Simple Steps?

When I first started writing the methodology section of a research paper, it felt like I was lost in a maze. I wasn’t sure which direction to go or how to explain things clearly.

I had so many questions. What was the best way to do my study? How could I make sure my results were reliable? And how could I explain everything without making it too complicated?

During this time, I learned an important lesson: balance is key. I had to find the right balance between giving enough detail and keeping things simple.

I read a lot of books and articles to learn from others’ experiences. Their stories of success and struggles helped me feel less alone. With each hurdle I faced, I gained more confidence in my ability to write a good methodology section.

So, to anyone else feeling lost in the methodology maze, my advice is this: embrace the journey and the challenges. And remember, your story is unique and valuable. In the end, it’s your methodology that will help others understand and appreciate your research.

Crafting a well-written research paper involves much more than just presenting your findings and conclusions. One crucial section that forms the backbone of your study is the method section. In this blog post, I will guide you through the process of writing an effective and comprehensive method section that not only showcases the rigour and validity of your research but also allows others to replicate and build upon your work.

The method section is where you provide a detailed account of the research design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques employed in your study. It is the roadmap that guides readers through the steps you took to gather and interpret your data. By following a structured approach and addressing key elements, you can ensure clarity, transparency, and credibility in your methodology.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the key components of a method section and provide practical tips to help you navigate each step. You will learn how to select and justify your research methods, describe your data collection process, and outline your data analysis techniques. We will also cover important considerations such as ethical considerations, limitations, and tips for maintaining conciseness and clarity.

Whether you are a novice researcher or seeking to improve your academic writing skills, this blog post will equip you with the essential knowledge and strategies to write a robust method section. By mastering this critical aspect of research paper writing, you will not only enhance the credibility and reproducibility of your study but also contribute to the broader scientific community by enabling others to build upon your work.

So, let’s dive in and discover the key principles and practical steps to write an outstanding method section that will elevate the impact and significance of your research.

1. Selection of Research Method and Justification

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The method section is the core part of any research paper . The method section highlights the procedure used to obtain the results by following an innovative or modified approach to the existing methods. The method section usually begins with a block diagram.

The method section of a research paper represents the technical steps involved in conducting the research. Details about the methods focus on characterizing and defining them, but also explaining your chosen techniques, and providing a complete account of the procedures used for selecting, collecting and analyzing the data.

The method section of a research paper should fully explain the reasons for choosing a specific methodology or technique . Also, it’s essential that you describe the specific research methods of data collection you are going to use , whether they are primary or secondary data collection. The methods you choose should have a clear connection with the overall research approach and you need to explain the reasons for choosing the research techniques in your study, and how they help you understand your study’s purpose.

In the method section, you need to explain the rationale of your article to other researchers. You should focus on answering the following questions:

Which research methods did you use?
Why did you choose these methods and techniques?
How did you collect the data or how did you generate the data?
How did you use these methods for analyzing the research question or problem?

Based on the questions the following three sections can be identified for writing the research method in question.

1. Selection of research method and justification 2. Data Collection or generation 3. Experimental setup

When writing the method section of a research paper, it is important to explain why you chose a particular research method and how it will help you achieve the aims of your study. The selection of a research method should be based on the research question, the data that you need to collect, and the type of analysis that you plan to conduct.

For example, if you are conducting a study on the effectiveness of a new algorithm for solving a particular problem, you might choose to use a randomized controlled trial as your research method. This would involve randomly assigning participants to either an experimental group (which uses the new algorithm) or a control group (which uses an existing algorithm). You would then compare the outcomes between the two groups to determine whether the new algorithm is more effective.

In this case, the justification for using a randomized controlled trial is that it allows you to control for confounding variables that might affect the outcomes of your study. By randomly assigning participants to the groups, you can ensure that any differences in outcomes are due to the algorithm and not other factors.

Another example from computer science is if you are conducting a study on user behaviour in a social networking platform, you might choose to use a survey as your research method. This would involve collecting data from users through an online questionnaire and asking questions about their behaviour and preferences on the platform.

The justification for using a survey, in this case, is that it allows you to collect data from a large number of users in a relatively short amount of time. You can then use statistical analysis to identify patterns and trends in the data, which can help you make informed decisions about the design of the platform.

In addition to explaining why you chose a particular research method, it is important to discuss any potential problems that you anticipated and the steps you took to prevent or minimize them. For example, if you are conducting a survey, you might discuss how you ensured the validity and reliability of the survey questions, how you recruited participants to ensure a representative sample, and how you minimized the risk of non-response bias.

The Table below represents the Research Method and Justification for its selection

Research Method	Justification
Randomized Controlled Trial	– Allows control for confounding variables. ( Ensures any differences in outcomes are due to the algorithm being tested).
Survey	– Enables data collection from a large number of users in a short time ( Allows identification of patterns and trends through statistical analysis)
Deep Learning Model	– Excels at capturing complex patterns and relationships in large datasets. ( Well-suited for image recognition, natural language processing, and speech recognition tasks.)
Penetration Testing	– Identifies vulnerabilities and weaknesses in computer systems or networks. ( Provides insights into potential security threats and helps strengthen defenses)
Sentiment Analysis	– Analyzes and categorizes opinions, attitudes, and emotions expressed in text data. (Enables understanding of customer sentiments, brand reputation monitoring, and data-driven decision-making)

Overall, the selection of a research method and justification is a critical component of the method section in a research paper. It is important to carefully consider the research question, the data you need to collect, and the type of analysis you plan to conduct in order to choose the most appropriate method for your study.

2. Data Collection or Generation

Readers, academicians and other researchers need to know how the data used in your academic article was collected. The research methods used for collecting or generating data will influence the discoveries and, by extension, how you will interpret them and explain their contribution to general knowledge. The most basic methods for data collection are as follows:

Primary data represent data originated for the specific purpose of the study, with its research questions. The methods vary on how Authors and Researchers conduct an experiment, survey or study, but, in general, it uses a particular scientific method to gather data. Here readers need to understand how the information was gathered or generated in a way that is consistent with research practices in a field of study.

For primary data, that involve surveys, experiments or observations, authors should provide information about

Devices/equipment used for data collection
Under what conditions were data collected ( Summer, winter, morning, evening, temperature etc)
Longitude and Lattitude where data is collected (Exact location)
If the camera is used then: Camera configuration, resolution, distance and angle between the camera and object under observation
If any sensors are used then their configuration and operating environment need to be specified
If data is collected from living beings then species name, sex, age etc needs to be provided
Inclusion or exclusion criteria used for data collection

Here’s an example based on the given criteria:

Example: In this research study, data collection was conducted using a combination of devices and equipment to gather information on air quality parameters in urban areas. The data collection process involved the use of sensors, cameras, and monitoring equipment to capture relevant data.

Devices/Equipment Used:

Air quality sensors: These sensors were specifically designed to measure particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) levels in the air.
Weather station: A weather station was deployed to collect meteorological data such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed.
Cameras: High-resolution cameras were installed to capture images of the urban environment, focusing on areas with significant air pollution sources.

Conditions of Data Collection:

Data collection occurred over a period of one year, encompassing all four seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter).
Locations were selected in various urban areas known for their diverse air quality profiles and pollution sources.
Longitude and latitude coordinates were recorded for each data collection site to precisely locate the study areas.

Camera Configuration:

The cameras used had a resolution of 20 megapixels, ensuring clear and detailed images.
Distances between the cameras and the objects under observation were kept at approximately 100 meters for optimal image capture.
Angles of view were adjusted to encompass a wide range of the urban landscape, focusing on areas with notable air pollution sources.

Sensors Configuration:

The air quality sensors were configured to collect real-time data at regular intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes) throughout the data collection period.
Operating environments varied based on the sensor type. Some sensors were deployed outdoors, while others were placed indoors in locations of interest.

Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria:

Data collection included multiple species of trees, plants, and vegetation to assess their impact on air quality. Species names were recorded for each sample.
The study focused on both male and female trees to account for potential gender-related variations in pollutant absorption.
Age was not a factor in this particular study.

By employing these devices, following specific conditions of data collection, and considering inclusion/exclusion criteria, this study aimed to gain insights into the spatial and temporal variations in air quality parameters in urban environments.

Example 2 :

In the current work, the images of diseased samples of pomegranate leaves were captured using a Nikon Coolpix L20 digital camera with a resolution of 10 megapixels and a 3.6x optical zoom capability.
The camera was positioned at an equal distance of 16 cm from the object to ensure consistent image capture.
All the captured images were saved in the JPEG format.
For the purpose of image acquisition, the authors visited several pomegranate farms in the places of Hagaribommanahalli (15.0456° N, 76.2074° E) in Bellary district and Kaladhagi (16.2050° N, 75.5015° E) in Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India.

This format presents the information in a concise and pointwise manner, highlighting the key details of the image acquisition process, camera specifications, image format, and the specific locations where the data collection took place.

Secondary data are data that have been previously collected or gathered for other purposes than the aim of the academic article’s study. This type of data is already available, in different forms, from a variety of sources. Here Authors should provide information about the following:

From which website data is collected
On which date the data is collected (can be specified in references)
what specific data within the data set is used for the experiment

Example:

Example 1: Secondary data were collected from the official website of the World Health Organization (WHO). The data was accessed on March 15, 2022, and specific information related to global vaccination rates and COVID-19 cases was extracted from the dataset for the experiment.

Example 2: Data for this study was obtained from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) database. The data was collected on January 1, 2021, and specific variables such as GDP growth, inflation rates, and unemployment rates were utilized from the dataset for the experiment.

Example 3: Secondary data were collected from the United States Census Bureau website. The data was gathered on July 1, 2020, and specific demographic information, including age, gender, and income levels, was extracted from the dataset for the experiment.

Example 4: Our predictor algorithm will be tested for real-life benchmark datasets available at CAVIAR Project (EC Funded CAVIAR project/IST 2001 37540) to check for relative error. The data set consists of different human motion patterns observed at INRIA Lab at Grenoble, France and Shop Centre. These motion patterns consist of frames captured at 25 frames/second.

In each of these examples, the authors clearly mention the source from which the secondary data was collected (e.g., WHO website, NBER database, United States Census Bureau website, EC Funded CAVIAR project/IST 2001 37540). The specific date of data collection is also provided, which can be cited in the references. Additionally, the authors specify the particular data or variables that were utilized from the dataset for the experiment, ensuring clarity on the specific information used from the secondary data.

When it comes to data collection or generation, researchers often face the challenge of having to label their data. There are two main approaches to data labelling: using existing data labelling software and outsourcing the labelling process.

With existing data labelling software, researchers can utilize pre-existing tools and platforms to label their data efficiently and accurately. This can save time and resources, as well as ensure consistency in the labelling process.

On the other hand, outsourcing the data labelling process to external providers can also be a viable option, especially when dealing with large datasets or complex labelling tasks. Outsourcing can also help researchers save time and resources while benefiting from the expertise and experience of professional data labelling services.

By carefully considering their options and choosing the right approach for their needs, researchers can ensure that their data is labelled accurately and efficiently, enabling them to conduct their research with confidence. Discover the benefits of outsourcing your data labelling needs by checking out our blog post on Outsourcing Research Data Labelling: Risks and Rewards for Researchers and find the right partner to help you unlock the full potential of your research data.”

Here you need to describe and explain your chosen methods and relate them to your research questions and/or hypotheses. The description of the methods used should include enough details so that the study can be replicated by other Researchers, or at least repeated in a similar situation or framework. This information is particularly important when a new method has been developed or an innovative use of an existing method is utilized. Detailed discussion on the following points is essential in the method section.

Instruments used and their configuration.
Computing machine (like server/desktop/laptop) configuration, speed, memory size etc.
The software setup and the algorithms applied in computation.
If deployed on the Cloud platform then cloud setup.

Example: Let me take an example from one of my research papers ” Diagnosis and Classification of Grape Leaf Diseases using Neural Networks” The goal of research work is to diagnose the disease using image processing and artificial intelligence techniques on images of the grape plant leaf. In the proposed system, a grape leaf image with a complex background is taken as input. Thresholding is deployed to mask green pixels and the image is processed to remove noise using anisotropic diffusion. Then grape leaf disease segmentation is done using K-means clustering. The diseased portion from segmented images is identified. The Feedforward Back Propagation Neural Network was trained for classification.

Here the Method Section is divided into several sub-sections such as A. Image Acquisition: B. Background Removal: C. Preprocessing: D. Segmentation: Using K-means Clustering Algorithm E. Extract Lesion: F. Feature Extraction: G. Classification: Using Backpropagation Neural Network

Please follow the link and refer to the paper for complete details of the methods section.

I had the privilege of interviewing two eminent research scholars Barry Menglong Yao, a Ph.D. student at Virginia Tech and Vinay Kabadi, a Research Scholar, at the University of Melbourne regarding their award-winning research papers. There I had a lengthy discussion regarding their approach towards the methodology of research. I have added these interviews to my blog posts. Please take a visit to the blog posts for further details.

I nterview With Barry Yao: Author, Best Paper Award Honorable Mention-SIGIR 2023
Vinay Kabadi, University of Melbourne, Interview on Award-Winning Research

When writing a method section for a research paper, it’s important to focus on including relevant and essential information while avoiding unnecessary or inappropriate content. Here are some things that should generally be avoided in a method section:

Excessive background information: The method section should primarily focus on the specific procedures, techniques, and processes employed in your study. Avoid providing excessive background information or delving into detailed literature reviews.
Personal anecdotes or stories: The method section should maintain a professional and objective tone. Avoid including personal anecdotes, stories, or unrelated information that does not contribute to the understanding of the research methods.
Interpretation of results: The method section should not include any discussion or interpretation of the results. Save the interpretation and analysis of data for the results or discussion sections of your paper.
Citations or references : The method section is not the appropriate place to include citations or references to external sources. Save these for the introduction or discussion sections of your research paper.
Speculation or assumptions: Stick to describing the actual procedures and steps followed in your research. Avoid including speculative or hypothetical assumptions about your findings or potential outcomes.
Excessive technical details: While it is important to provide sufficient detail to allow for replication of your study, avoid overwhelming readers with excessively technical jargon or intricate details that are not crucial for understanding the overall research process.
Repetition: Avoid repeating information that has already been presented in the introduction or other sections of the paper. Keep the method section focused on the unique aspects of your research methodology.

Remember that the method section should be clear, concise, and focused on providing a thorough and replicable account of your research methods. Stick to the essentials and avoid including irrelevant or unnecessary information that does not contribute to the understanding of your study.

The method section of a research paper provides a detailed account of the research design and procedures used to collect and analyze data. Once the data is collected and analyzed, the results section is where researchers present their findings to the reader. In the results section, researchers can provide tables, graphs, and statistical analyses to help readers understand the key findings of the study. To learn more about how to effectively present your research findings in the results section, check out our blog post on How to write the Results Section of your Research Paper . By following the guidelines given in the blog post, you can ensure that your research results are presented in a clear, concise, and effective manner, helping to maximize the impact of your study.

Here are some common academic phrases that can be used in the methods and materials section of a paper or research article. Below here, I’ve included a table with examples to illustrate how these phrases might be used:

Phrase	Example
Research design: This phrase is used to describe the research design or methodology used in the study.	“This study uses a quasi-experimental research design to investigate the effects of a new teaching method on student learning outcomes.”
Participants/Sample: This phrase is used to describe the participants or sample of the study.	“The study recruited a sample of 100 undergraduate students majoring in computer science at a large public university in the United States.”
Data collection: This phrase is used to describe the methods used to collect data in the study.	“Data was collected through a survey questionnaire administered online to all participants over a period of four weeks.”
Data analysis: This phrase is used to describe the methods used to analyze the data collected in the study.	“Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including means, standard deviations, and frequencies, as well as inferential statistics, including t-tests and ANOVA.”
Instruments/Tools: This phrase is used to describe the instruments or tools used in the study.	“In this study, we used a commercially available eye-tracking device to measure participants’ gaze patterns while they completed a series of programming tasks.”
Procedures: This phrase is used to describe the specific procedures followed in the study.	“Participants were randomly assigned to either the treatment or control group, and all participants completed a pre-test and post-test to assess their programming skills.”
Ethical considerations: This phrase is used to describe the ethical considerations and procedures followed in the study.	“The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the university, and all participants provided informed consent before participating in the study.”

Here are some common academic phrases that can be used in the Implementation details of the Method Section. Below here, I’ve included a table with examples to illustrate how these phrases might be used:

Phrase	Example
Implementation details: This phrase is used to provide an overview of the implementation details, such as the programming language, frameworks, and libraries used.	“The implementation was done in Python using the TensorFlow and Keras frameworks for deep learning, and the NLTK library for natural language processing tasks.”
System architecture: This phrase is used to describe the overall system architecture, including any data flow diagrams, software design patterns, and algorithms used.	“The system is designed as a client-server architecture, with the server running a RESTful API to handle requests from the client and process data using a multilayer perceptron neural network algorithm.”
Algorithm details: This phrase is used to describe the specific algorithms used in the implementation.	“The implementation uses the Dijkstra algorithm for shortest path finding in a graph, and the A* algorithm for pathfinding in a 2D grid.”
Data preprocessing: This phrase is used to describe the preprocessing steps used to clean and transform raw data.	“The raw data were preprocessed using techniques such as tokenization, stemming, and stop-word removal, to extract the relevant features for training the machine learning models.”
Model training: This phrase is used to describe the process of training machine learning models using preprocessed data.	“The machine learning models were trained on a labelled dataset consisting of over 10,000 samples using the stochastic gradient descent optimization algorithm with a learning rate of 0.1.”
Evaluation metrics: This phrase is used to describe the evaluation metrics used to assess the performance of the implemented system.	“The performance of the system was evaluated using precision, recall, and F1-score, as well as accuracy and mean squared error for regression tasks.”
Experimental setup: This phrase is used to describe the experimental setup used to test the implemented system.	“The experimental setup involved testing the system on a variety of datasets, ranging from small toy datasets to larger real-world datasets with millions of records.”

Writing a clear and concise method section is crucial for any research paper, as it lays the foundation for the entire study. The method section should include information on the selection of research methods and techniques, the justification for their use, and the approach to data collection or generation. Additionally, it should provide details on the experimental setup, which can help readers to understand the process of analyzing the research question or problem.

The selection of research methods and techniques should be based on a thorough review of the literature and the research question or problem. It is essential to justify why the chosen methods are the most appropriate for the research question and to explain any limitations of the selected methods. Providing this information can help readers to understand the reliability and validity of the study.

Data collection or generation should also be described in detail, including the sample size, population, and data collection or generation methods. This can help readers to understand the generalizability of the study results.

Finally, the experimental setup should be explained in detail, including any relevant variables or parameters, and any procedures or protocols used in the study. This information can help readers to understand the internal validity of the study and to replicate the study if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

When writing the methods section of your research paper based on a survey, you should include the following key components: Survey Design: Explain the design and structure of your survey. Mention the survey type (e.g., online, paper-based), the survey instrument used (e.g., questionnaire), and any specific survey software or platforms employed. Participant Selection: Describe how you selected your survey participants, including any inclusion or exclusion criteria. Specify the target population, the sampling method (e.g., random sampling, convenience sampling), and the sample size. Survey Administration: Outline how you administered the survey. Explain the process of contacting participants, distributing the survey, and collecting responses. If any incentives were offered to encourage participation, mention them here. Survey Content: Provide an overview of the survey questions or topics covered. Mention the number of questions, the types of questions (e.g., multiple-choice, Likert scale), and any scales or response formats used. If you used pre-existing survey instruments, provide references or indicate their source. Data Analysis: Describe the analytical methods employed to analyze the survey data. Mention any statistical techniques, software, or coding processes used for data processing and analysis. If you calculated any descriptive statistics or performed inferential analysis, provide details. Ethical Considerations: Discuss the ethical considerations you addressed in your survey. Explain how you obtained informed consent from participants and ensured their privacy and confidentiality. If you obtained ethical approval from an institutional review board, mention it here. Limitations : Highlight any limitations or challenges encountered during the survey process. This could include issues related to sample representativeness, response bias, or any other factors that may have influenced the validity or generalizability of your findings. Data Validation: If relevant, briefly discuss how you ensured the validity and reliability of the survey data. This could include pilot testing, pre-testing the survey instrument, or assessing the internal consistency of the survey items.

The length of the methods section in a research paper can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the study, the research design, the amount of data collected, and the specific requirements of the journal or conference where the paper will be submitted. However, as a general guideline: For a research paper of 5-10 pages: The methods section may typically span around 1-1.5 pages. For a research paper of 10-20 pages: The methods section could range from approximately 1.5-3 pages. For a research paper of 20-30 pages: The methods section might extend from approximately 3-4 pages. These estimates are only approximate, and the actual length of the methods section may vary based on the specific details of your study and the extent of information you need to provide to ensure clarity and replicability. It’s essential to prioritize conciseness and clarity while including all the necessary information for readers to understand and reproduce your research.

Typically, statistical analyses and graphs are not included in the method section of a research paper. The method section primarily focuses on describing the research design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques used in your study. It serves as a detailed account of the procedures undertaken to gather and analyze the data. Statistical analyses and graphs are usually presented in the results section, where you discuss and interpret the findings derived from your data analysis. The results section is where you present the statistical tests, summarize the outcomes, and visualize the data through graphs, charts, or figures. However, there might be instances where you may need to include a minimal amount of statistical information or basic graphical representation in the method section. For example, you might mention the statistical software used for data analysis or briefly describe the type of graphs that were employed to visually represent the data during data collection (e.g., using bar graphs or scatter plots). But these instances are generally limited and concise.

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How to Write the Methods Section of a Scientific Article

What Is the Methods Section of a Research Paper?

The Methods section of a research article includes an explanation of the procedures used to conduct the experiment. For authors of scientific research papers, the objective is to present their findings clearly and concisely and to provide enough information so that the experiment can be duplicated.

Research articles contain very specific sections, usually dictated by either the target journal or specific style guides. For example, in the social and behavioral sciences, the American Psychological Association (APA) style guide is used to gather information on how the manuscript should be arranged . As with most styles, APA’s objectives are to ensure that manuscripts are written with minimum distractions to the reader. Every research article should include a detailed Methods section after the Introduction.

Why is the Methods Section Important?

The Methods section (also referred to as “Materials and Methods”) is important because it provides the reader enough information to judge whether the study is valid and reproducible.

Structure of the Methods Section in a Research Paper

While designing a research study, authors typically decide on the key points that they’re trying to prove or the “ cause-and-effect relationship ” between objects of the study. Very simply, the study is designed to meet the objective. According to APA, a Methods section comprises of the following three subsections: participants, apparatus, and procedure.

How do You Write a Method Section in Biology?

In biological sciences, the Methods section might be more detailed, but the objectives are the same—to present the study clearly and concisely so that it is understandable and can be duplicated.

If animals (including human subjects) were used in the study, authors should ensure to include statements that they were treated according to the protocols outlined to ensure that treatment is as humane as possible.

The Declaration of Helsinki is a set of ethical principles developed by The World Medical Association to provide guidance to scientists and physicians in medical research involving human subjects.

Research conducted at an institution using human participants is overseen by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) with which it is affiliated. IRB is an administrative body whose purpose is to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects during their participation in the study.

Literature Search

Literature searches are performed to gather as much information as relevant from previous studies. They are important for providing evidence on the topic and help validate the research. Most are accomplished using keywords or phrases to search relevant databases. For example, both MEDLINE and PubMed provide information on biomedical literature. Google Scholar, according to APA, is “one of the best sources available to an individual beginning a literature search.” APA also suggests using PsycINFO and refers to it as “the premier database for locating articles in psychological science and related literature.”

Authors must make sure to have a set of keywords (usually taken from the objective statement) to stay focused and to avoid having the search move far from the original objective. Authors will benefit by setting limiting parameters, such as date ranges, and avoiding getting pulled into the trap of using non-valid resources, such as social media, conversations with people in the same discipline, or similar non-valid sources, as references.

Related: Ready with your methods section and looking forward to manuscript submission ? Check these journal selection guidelines now!

What Should be Included in the Methods Section of a Research Paper?

One commonly misused term in research papers is “methodology.” Methodology refers to a branch of the Philosophy of Science which deals with scientific methods, not to the methods themselves, so authors should avoid using it. Here is the list of main subsections that should be included in the Methods section of a research paper ; authors might use subheadings more clearly to describe their research.

Literature search : Authors should cite any sources that helped with their choice of methods. Authors should indicate timeframes of past studies and their particular parameters.
Study participants : Authors should cite the source from where they received any non-human subjects. The number of animals used, the ages, sex, their initial conditions, and how they were housed and cared for, should be listed. In case of human subjects, authors should provide the characteristics, such as geographical location; their age ranges, sex, and medical history (if relevant); and the number of subjects. In case hospital records were used, authors should include the subjects’ basic health information and vital statistics at the beginning of the study. Authors should also state that written informed consent was provided by each subject.
Inclusion/exclusion criteria : Authors should describe their inclusion and exclusion criteria, how they were determined, and how many subjects were eliminated.
Group characteristics (could be combined with “Study participants”) : Authors should describe how the chosen group was divided into subgroups and their characteristics, including the control. Authors should also describe any specific equipment used, such as housing needs and feed (usually for animal studies). If patient records are reviewed and assessed, authors should mention whether the reviewers were blinded to them.
Procedures : Authors should describe their study design. Any necessary preparations (e.g., tissue samples, drugs) and instruments must be explained. Authors should describe how the subjects were “ manipulated to answer the experimental question .” Timeframes should be included to ensure that the procedures are clear (e.g., “Rats were given XX drug for 14 d”). For animals sacrificed, the methods used and the protocols followed should be outlined.
Statistical analyses: The type of data, how they were measured, and which statistical tests were performed, should be described. (Note: This is not the “results” section; any relevant tables and figures should be referenced later.) Specific software used must be cited.

What Should not be Included in Your Methods Section?

Common pitfalls can make the manuscript cumbersome to read or might make the readers question the validity of the research. The University of Southern California provides some guidelines .

Background information that is not helpful must be avoided.
Authors must avoid providing a lot of detail.
Authors should focus more on how their method was used to meet their objective and less on mechanics .
Any obstacles faced and how they were overcome should be described (often in your “Study Limitations”). This will help validate the results.

According to the University of Richmond , authors must avoid including extensive details or an exhaustive list of equipment that have been used as readers could quickly lose attention. These unnecessary details add nothing to validate the research and do not help the reader understand how the objective was satisfied. A well-thought-out Methods section is one of the most important parts of the manuscript. Authors must make a note to always prepare a draft that lists all parts, allow others to review it, and revise it to remove any superfluous information.

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How to write the methods section of a research paper

Affiliation.

1 Respiratory Care Services, San Francisco General Hospital, NH:GA-2, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA. [email protected]
PMID: 15447808

The methods section of a research paper provides the information by which a study's validity is judged. Therefore, it requires a clear and precise description of how an experiment was done, and the rationale for why specific experimental procedures were chosen. The methods section should describe what was done to answer the research question, describe how it was done, justify the experimental design, and explain how the results were analyzed. Scientific writing is direct and orderly. Therefore, the methods section structure should: describe the materials used in the study, explain how the materials were prepared for the study, describe the research protocol, explain how measurements were made and what calculations were performed, and state which statistical tests were done to analyze the data. Once all elements of the methods section are written, subsequent drafts should focus on how to present those elements as clearly and logically as possibly. The description of preparations, measurements, and the protocol should be organized chronologically. For clarity, when a large amount of detail must be presented, information should be presented in sub-sections according to topic. Material in each section should be organized by topic from most to least important.

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How to write the methods section of a research paper

November 2004
Respiratory Care 49(10):1229-32

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Correspondence: Richard H Kallet MS RRT FAARC, Respiratory Care Services, San Francisco General Hospital, NH:GA-2, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco CA. 94110. E-mail: rkallet{at}sfghsom.ucsf.edu .

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CD - CoRP - Maxwell: Start with Background

Start with Background
Then Move to Research
Understand Scholarly Conversations
Next is Synthesizing and Analyzing
Lastly, Cite

First things first...

Before we can truly understand what to search for and how to understand the academic information we'll encounter, we often need to get a basic understanding of a topic or concept first. This is known as getting background information. Sometimes, you'll actually use the information you find and cite these sources in your paper, but sometimes, you'll simply use them to learn more about your topic.

There are a few methods for learning background information on a topic:

Option 1: reference sources.

Credo Reference This link opens in a new window Think of Credo like a scholarly Wikipedia. Some search terms also generate a Concept Map, showing connecting topics.
AccessMedicine This link opens in a new window Includes books, reference sources, infographics, study tools, and more.
MEDLINE (EBSCO) This link opens in a new window After typing your search terms, select "Reference Materials Only" from the left-hand filter options.

These are just a few reference sources you might use for a Communications Disorders class.

You can view all of the library's reference databases here:

Reference Books:

Located on Drinko Library's first floor

Reference eBooks:

Option 2: Literature Reviews

A literature review provides an overview of a topic, and is something most of you have encountered at one time or another. It can be an entire article, or a section of an article,* that compiles and summarizes published information (from books, articles, studies, etc.) resulting in an examination of literature (the research) on a chosen topic. They can cover a broad topic or a sub-area of a larger topic.

*Lit reviews aren't always obviously labeled "literature review"; they may be embedded within sections such as the Introduction or Background.

How to find literature reviews?

When searching in Summon:

Example: stuttering AND "literature review"
Summon will label these as "Review Article"

Screenshot of a Summon results screen highlighting the search terms "Stuttering and 'literature reivew'" and the title of a lit review and the tag of 'Review Article'

When searching in a database, such as CINAHL or ASHA:

Try the above search technique
Look for the "Publication Type" filter on the Advanced Search page and select Meta Analysis and/or Systematic Review (these are types of Literature Reviews ).

Screenshot of CINAHL database showing a search term with limiters for Meta Analysis as Publication type, and the title of a result including the feature of a meta analysis

Option 3: Generative AI*

* Disclaimer : Check your syllabus or with your professor to determine whether you're allowed to use AI in this manner before proceeding.

Use Generative AI, such as Chat GPT, to learn background information

Ask ChatGPT to teach you about a topic, making the assumption that you're unfamiliar with it, and ask it to cite its sources.

The image below is a screenshot of an example prompt. Click to enlarge.

Screenshot of ChatGPT response to the prompt: "Can you summarize, in three to four paragraphs, the foundational information about the effects of global warming on air quality? Assume that I am unfamiliar with the topic."

Additional Resources of Interest

Communication Sciences and Disorders - List of Open Educational Resources (from Brescia University)
Communicative Disorders - List of Professional Organizations, Gateways, and Other Useful Resources (from The University of Alabama)
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How to Write an Abstract

How to write an abstract for a conference, what is an abstract and why is it important.

An abstract is a brief summary of your research or creative project, usually about a paragraph long (250-350 words), and is written when you are ready to present your research or included in a thesis or research publication.

For additional support in writing your abstract, you can contact the Office of URSA at [email protected] or schedule a time to meet with a Writing and Research Consultant at the OSU Writing Center .

Main Components of an Abstract:

The opening sentences should summarize your topic and describe what researchers already know, with reference to the literature.

A brief discussion that clearly states the purpose of your research or creative project. This should give general background information on your work and allow people from different fields to understand what you are talking about. Use verbs like investigate, analyze, test, etc. to describe how you began your work.

In this section you will be discussing the ways in which your research was performed and the type of tools or methodological techniques you used to conduct your research.

This is where you describe the main findings of your research study and what you have learned. Try to include only the most important findings of your research that will allow the reader to understand your conclusions. If you have not completed the project, talk about your anticipated results and what you expect the outcomes of the study to be.

Significance

This is the final section of your abstract where you summarize the work performed. This is where you also discuss the relevance of your work and how it advances your field and the scientific field in general.

Your word count for a conference may be limited, so make your abstract as clear and concise as possible.
Organize it by using good transition words found on the lef so the information flows well.
Have your abstract proofread and receive feedback from your supervisor, advisor, peers, writing center, or other professors from different disciplines.
Double-check on the guidelines for your abstract and adhere to any formatting or word count requirements.
Do not include bibliographic references or footnotes.
Avoid the overuse of technical terms or jargon.

Feeling stuck? Visit the OSU ScholarsArchive for more abstract examples related to your field

Physical Science Example

Human trafficking: The relationship between government efforts & survivor punishment.

By Amantia, R, Irvin, VL, Smit, E, Seifert, JR, Garcia, J

Context: Human trafficking is a global public health and human rights issue, although it remains unknown how governmental-level systems impact survivors of human trafficking. Survivor punishment (where federal or local officials arrest, fine, imprison, deport, or otherwise punish survivors) is evident even with global promotion of survivor-centered approaches to human trafficking.

Purpose: This study serves as an initial investigation of how government involvement in survivor services and prevention progress are related to survivor punishment.

Methods: This cross-national study utilized the 2011 Human Trafficking Indicators. Although this dataset heavily relies on the U.S. TIP reports, our analyses are guided by a human rights framework that recognizes the importance of prevention and partnerships in mitigating the vulnerability of survivors. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to determine factors associated with survivor punishment.

Findings: Findings indicate that countries categorized by the U.S. as showing substantial prevention progress have a lower likelihood of survivor punishment (OR = 0.30; 95% CI [0.15, 0.62]). Government survivor service offering was not significantly associated with punishment (OR = 0.65; 95% CI [0.33, 1.28]).

Significance: Findings call for the development of global measures resulting from international partnerships to characterize stocks and flows of human trafficking, as well as the quality and effectiveness of governmental efforts and partnerships.

Social Science Example

Guinea pig model of mild hyperandrogenemia – is it a suitable model for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? A pilot study.

By Juriana E. Barboza Sagrero

Context: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an idiopathic disorder prevalent in ~5-10% of reproductive-aged women. In PCOS women who become pregnant, many experience complications including increased susceptibility of having a miscarriage, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes, among others. Additionally, exposure to PCOS may have transgenerational impacts: offspring may be at increased risk of overall poor health in adulthood.

Purpose: Many models of PCOS have been developed, such as the sheep and rodent animal models; yet these models do not provide a good foundation to study PCOS as it would appear in women, and to understand the effects inflicted on offspring later in life. In previous studies, a nonhuman primate model of PCOS which exposed rhesus monkeys to mildly elevated testosterone (T) with and without a high fat diet (HFD) during early adolescence developed many PCOS-like symptoms; however, transgenerational studies in macaques were challenging to pursue due to longer generational intervals (5+ years). We hypothesize the guinea pig is a good surrogate for primates and will show a similar PCOS like phenotype.

Methods: Eight Hartley Guinea Pigs were obtained prior to puberty, and had subcutaneous implants placed containing either cholesterol (n=4) or T (n=4) at 1 month of age and again at 3 months of age. Serum T levels and weight were assessed weekly, and females were monitored for signs of estrus periodically. At 5 months of age, after 16 weeks of treatment, all females were necropsied, and tissues of interest were analyzed, and some collected for histology.

Findings: The T-treated females did not differ in body weight by age or compared to the controls, similar to previous studies in rhesus monkeys. After the end of the eight weeks, the levels of serum T remained 2.01 +/- 0.5-fold increase above female guinea pigs in the cholesterol control group.

Significance: Further analyses are ongoing, but these results suggest the guinea pig sow may be a good surrogate model of mild hyperandrogenemia, similar to women with PCOS.

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Learn how to write an APA methods section for quantitative research papers, including subheadings, reporting guidelines, and examples. The methods section should be written in past tense to describe how you performed your study.
How to Write the Methods Section of a Research Paper
Learn how to write the methods section of a research paper that describes the experimental approach, data collection, analysis, and rationale of the study. Find out the structure, content, and tips for writing a clear and concise methods section that justifies the validity and reliability of the research.
PDF How to Write the Methods Section of a Research Paper
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Learn how to write a clear and comprehensive methods section for your research paper, with tips on detail, ethics, and standards. Find out how to use visual aids, protocols, and checklists to enhance reproducibility and rigor.
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Learn how to write a methods section for an APA format psychology paper, including important elements to include and tips that can help. The methods section should provide detailed information on the research design, participants, materials, variables, and procedure used in the study.
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Learn tips and tricks to write a clear and informative Methods section for your research article. Find out how to structure, explain, and report the details of your study design, materials, and analysis.
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The methods section describes actions taken to investigate a research problem and the rationale for the application of specific procedures or techniques used to identify, select, process, and analyze information applied to understanding the problem, thereby, allowing the reader to critically evaluate a study's overall validity and reliability.
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Learning how to write a methods section of a research paper, you will see how to describe your research design and what key components must be included. Purpose of the Methods section. Most college students need to learn how to start with your Methods section because reading through the definitions does not help. The purpose here is to show the ...
How to Start a Methods Section in Research? [with Examples]
Learn from 76,350 PubMed papers how to start writing the Methods section of a research paper. See examples of different ways to begin the Methods section, such as mentioning approvals, study design, data source, sample size, and more.
How to Write a Methods Section for a Research Paper
Learn how to structure, report, and justify your methods section to enable the reader to replicate your study and verify your results. Find tips on journal guidelines, ethical issues, and common mistakes to avoid.
Research Paper
The methods section of a research paper describes the research design, the sample selection, the data collection and analysis procedures, and the statistical methods used to analyze the data. This section should provide sufficient detail for other researchers to replicate the study.
How To Write The Methods Section of a Research
Learn the essentials of writing the methods section of a research paper, including study design, participants, materials, procedure, data collection, analysis, and ethical considerations. Follow the step-by-step guide and examples to craft a clear and comprehensive methodology.
How to Write the Methods Section of your Research Paper
In this article freelance medical writer for Kolabtree Laura Moro-Martin, MSc, PhD, provides tips to write the methods section of a research paper, along with common errors to avoid.. Goals of the methods section. The Methods section of a research article reports what you did and what you used to perform your research. It describes the tools and processes that enabled you to meet the ...
Research Methodology
How to Write Research Methodology. Writing a research methodology involves explaining the methods and techniques you used to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. It's an essential section of any research paper or thesis, as it helps readers understand the validity and reliability of your findings. Here are the steps to write a ...
How to Write the Methods Section of a Research Paper
Learn the essential steps for crafting an effective methods section in your research paper with our comprehensive guide on research methodology and reporting. Services. Essay Writing; Research Paper Writing; ... In the vast realm of academic writing, the research paper stands as a testament to a scholar's systematic exploration of a ...
How to write Method Section of Research Paper in 03 easy steps
When writing the methods section of your research paper based on a survey, you should include the following key components: Survey Design: Explain the design and structure of your survey. Mention the survey type (e.g., online, paper-based), the survey instrument used (e.g., questionnaire), and any specific survey software or platforms employed.
How to Write the Methods Section of a Scientific Article
Learn how to write the Methods section of a research paper, also known as Materials and Methods, according to APA style guide. Find out what to include, what to avoid, and how to structure this section for different disciplines.
How to write the methods section of a research paper
The methods section of a research paper provides the information by which a study's validity is judged. Therefore, it requires a clear and precise description of how an experiment was done, and the rationale for why specific experimental procedures were chosen. The methods section should describe wh …
How to write the methods section of a research paper
"The methods section of a research paper provides the information by which a study's validity is judged" (Kallet, 2004, p.1229). In this chapter, individual sections of the Methods of a ...
How to Write the Methods Section of a Research Paper
Learn how to describe the materials, methods, and analysis of a study in a clear and precise way. This article provides guidelines and examples for writing the methods section of a research paper in respiratory care.
How to write a scientific paper—Writing the methods section
The writing of the Methods section should be clear and orderly to avoid confusion and ambiguity. The methods section should ideally be structured in a set of subsections describing its main content. 13, 14, 15 A possible structure is proposed along this paper including the following subsections 13, 14, 15: 1.
LibGuides: CD
It can be an entire article, or a section of an article,* that compiles and summarizes published information (from books, articles, studies, etc.) resulting in an examination of literature (the research) on a chosen topic. They can cover a broad topic or a sub-area of a larger topic.
How to Write an Abstract
Methods. In this section you will be discussing the ways in which your research was performed and the type of tools or methodological techniques you used to conduct your research. Findings. This is where you describe the main findings of your research study and what you have learned.

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Participant or subject characteristics

Sampling procedures

Sample size and power

Primary and secondary measures

Quality of measurements

Data collection methods and research design

Data diagnostics

Analytic strategies

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Pritha Bhandari

How to Write the Methods Section of a Research Paper

What is the methods section of a research paper ?

Why is the methods section important?

Structure of methods section of a research paper

How to write the methods section of a research paper

What to include in the methods section of a research paper

What NOT to include in the methods section of a research paper

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How to Start a Methods Section in Research? [with Examples]

Examples of how to start writing the Methods section

1. Start by mentioning the approvals acquired to conduct the study

2. Start by mentioning the study design

3. Start by mentioning the date, duration, and place of the study

4. Start by mentioning the source of the data

5. Start by mentioning the sample size

6. Start by justifying the use of the main material or method

Common words used to start a Methods section

Further reading

How to Write a Methods Section for a Research Paper

Not just a list of experiments and methods

More Journal Guidelines to Consider

General Methods Section Structure: What Is Your Story?

What Methods Should You Report (and Leave Out)?

Details Commonly Missing from the Methods Section

Sample size and power estimation

Ethical guidelines and approval

Structure & word limitations

Standardized checklists

Accurate and Appropriate Language in the Methods Section

How To Write The Methods Section of a Research Paper Step-by-Step

What is the Methods Section of a Research Paper?

Importance of Methods Section

Structure of Methods Section of a Research Paper

Formatting of the Methods Section

Step 1: Start with Study Design

Step 2: Describe Participants

Step 3: State Materials or Apparatus

Step 4 Write the Procedure

Data Collection Methods and Research Design

Data Analysis

Step 5: Mention Ethical Approvals

The Dos And Donâts Of Writing The Methods Section