How+to+Write+the+Methodology+of+a+Research+Paper

Ø Methodology section is one of the parts of a research paper.

Ø This part is the core of your paper as it is a proof that you use the scientific method.

Ø Through this section, your study’s validity is judged. So, it is very important.

Ø Your methodology answers two main questions:  Ø While writing this section, be direct and precise. Write it in the past tense.
 * 1) How did you collect or generate the data?
 * 2) How did you analyze the data?

Ø Include enough information so that  Ø The explanation of the collection and the analysis of your data is very important because;  Ø Discuss the anticipated problems in the process of the data collection and the steps you took to prevent them.
 * 1) others could repeat the experiment and evaluate whether the results are reproducible.
 * 2) the audience can judge whether the results and conclusions are valid.
 * 1) readers need to know the reasons why you chose a particular method or procedure instead of others.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5;">readers need to know that the collection or the generation of the data is valid in the field of study.

Ø <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Present the rationale for why you chose specific experimental procedures.

Ø <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Provide sufficient information of the whole process so that others could replicate your study. You can do this by: <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5;">Specifically;
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5;">giving a completely accurate description of the data collection equipments and the techniques.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5;">explaining how you collected the data and analysed them.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">a- Present the basic demographic profile of the sample population like age, gender, and the racial composition of the sample. When animals are the subjects of a study, you list their species, weight, strain, sex, and age.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">b- Explain how you gathered the samples/ subjects by answering these questions:

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I- Did you use any randomization techniques? <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> II- How did you prepare the samples?

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">c- Explain how you made the measurements by answering this question.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I -What calculations did you make?

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">d- Describe the materials and equipments that you used in the research.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">e- Describe the statistical techniques that you used upon the data.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The order of the methods section should flow like this:

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1. Describing the samples/ participants. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">2. Describing the materials you used in the study <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">3. Explaining how you prepared the materials <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">4. Describing the research design <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">5. Explaining how you made measurements and what calculations you performed <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">6. Stating which statistical tests you did to analyze the data.