Writing up Research: Method and Research Design
- Answers how data is collected and how it was analyzed
- This helps the reader evaluate the results correctly and efficiently
- Many different methods and research should give reasons why it was chosen
- Discuss problems that are anticipated and the ones that did occur
- Sufficient information is needed for possible replication
- Common problems include: irrelevant details, unnecessary explanations, and problem blindness
- Different types of research include: analysis, case study, comparison, correlation-prediction, evaluation, design-demonstration, survey-questionnaire, status, theory construction, and trend analysis
- Keep in mind the purpose
- Use a passive voice
- Verb tense should be consistent
- Give details about research design, participants, equipment, materials, variables, and actions by the participants
- Should contain enough information for others to repeat it
- Use subheadings
- Always write in past tense
- Avoid unnecessary details that are not relvant to outcomes
- Use proper formatting
- Participants should be explained, how they were obtained and what they did
- Describe the design used in the research and how the variables worked within the research
- Procedure should be described in detail from what the participants did, how data was collected, and the steps in the process of research
Summary Content Provided By: Cherry, K. (n.d.). How to Write a Method Section . Psychology – Student Resources . Retrieved March 4, 2010, from http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologywriting/ht/method.htm
