Writing a Methods Section

The methods section of research is argued to be the most important aspect of any report. Fortunately, it is also the most straightforward section to write. Often the challenge of writing such a section is knowing what to include, as well as how much detail is needed. By keeping three distinct goals in mind,[Page 1889] scholars will be able to quickly and effectively draft a methods section. First, one must remember that the goal of the methods section is to provide the framework used in the study. Second, it should be expected that the methods section will look different depending on the audience to which the research is being presented. While the same information is required for a journal manuscript and a conference presentation, the amount of detail will vary. Third, this section, while straightforward, is still an argument. It is up to the writer to provide an argument for why methodical choices were made, as well as the evidence to show that the study was done ethically and effectively. With these three goals in mind, this entry first provides an overview of the parts typically included in the methods section, followed by tips for adapting the methods section to three varying forums—course paper or thesis, conferences, and journal publication. The entry concludes with additional tips for crafting the methods section.