The methods section is the most dreaded and difficult part of academic articles, both to read and also to write. One of the reasons for this common opinion is because this section holds a lot of importance for the outcome of the entire article.
When you’re diving into an article, the methods section is your go-to for the “how” behind the research—how data was collected, analyzed, and interpreted. Understanding what’s included (and sometimes what’s left out) helps you gauge the study’s credibility and quality. Likewise, when writing your own methods section, it’s essential to keep the reader’s perspective in mind, aiming for clarity, thoroughness, and transparency to make it as digestible as possible.
In this guide, we’ll break down both reading and writing a methods section. We’ll also cover the nuances between crafting methods sections for literature reviews versus research articles, as each serves a distinct purpose and approach.
Key Take Aways
- Understand the Purpose Of A Methods Section
- Distinguish Between Literature Review and Research Article Methods
- Evaluate And Interoperate A Methods Sections
- Apply Writing Techniques To Write Your Own Methods Section
What is Important About A Methods Section
A study analyzing 400 submissions to a medical journal found that poor methodology was among the top five reasons for manuscript rejection, alongside issues like lack of new information and low scientific content.
When studies go wrong, they usually go wrong in the methods section. Investors, companies, and grading professors alike look for sound methods nearly above all else. Getting this section wrong could cost you big time in funding, second phase research acceptance, credibility, and in time and energy if you are trying to graduate.
If you are writing this paper as a part of graduation requirements, plan on rewriting the methods section more than a few times before your principal investigator approves your paper for defense. Don’t take it personally, it is just a part of the graduate student experience.
Consider it a cannon event that contributes to the plot and to your overall character development. At least that is how most of the people we know who went through graduate school coped with the stress of endless edits on dissertation and thesis writing.
Save yourself a lot of rework and unnecessary revisions by continuing to read below. The info in the next few paragraphs will be sure to set you up for success in how to write a methods section for literature reviews and research articles.
What is NOT included in the Methods Section
Before we cover what is in a methods section and how to read and write one, let’s cover what is not included. What you wont find (and shouldn’t include) in a methods section is any comments on results, findings, or correlations of the data.
While you will see HOW results, correlation and findings were obtained, you should not see what any of this means. Think of this section as the operations of how conclusions were made, but not language on the actual conclusions themselves.
This is a tricky and nuanced but very important delineation to understand. The methods section is just the facts of how you gathered the data, how you organized it, and what types of process and tests you used to analyze it. Results of these tests and processes will go in, well, the Results section (which is not just a clever name).
What IS Included In The Methods Section
In academic writing, the methods section plays a pivotal role by outlining the processes involved in gathering and analyzing information, whether for synthesizing existing knowledge or presenting new findings. When you find yourself asking “but how did they come to that conclusion?” This section should answer that for you. In the same way, when you are writing a methods section, you will want to make sure readers are clear on how you came to the conclusions you highlight in your article.
For both literature reviews and research articles, this section sets the groundwork for credibility, rigor, and transparency, albeit in different ways. While both types of methods sections serve as blueprints for the work being discussed, their objectives are wildly different due to the difference in the main objective of the article and even the type of data and information each is presenting.
How to Read and Interoperate A Methods Section
Once you have done a few of your own research projects you will realize just now important working with data to tell a story is. You will likely see first hand how choosing one type of testing method over another can and often does wildly change the results and the outcomes of the entire project. This is why it is so important to know exactly what to look for and how to interoperate the methods section.
What to Look For In The Methods Section
Reading and interpreting a methods section is essential for evaluating the credibility and rigor of an academic work. Evaluating for credibility means looking for sound, ethical, and repeatable ways the author analyze the data.
To effectively understand this section, begin by examining its structure and content. Look for key elements such as the research design, participant or sample characteristics, materials used, procedures followed, and data analysis methods.
Each of these components provides insight into how the study was conducted and whether it aligns with best practices in the field. By carefully analyzing these details, you can assess the study’s validity, replicability, and relevance to your own research or interests. For literature reviews, focus on search criteria, databases used, and inclusion/exclusion criteria to judge the thoroughness and objectivity of the synthesis.
How to Interoperate The Methods Section
Interpreting a methods section also involves considering its alignment with the study’s objectives or research questions. Ask yourself if the chosen methods logically support the study’s goals and if they are appropriate for the questions being explored.
Pay attention to any limitations or potential biases noted by the authors, as these can impact the study’s findings or interpretations. For instance, a small sample size may limit the generalizability of results, while certain exclusion criteria in a literature review could introduce bias. Evaluating these factors allows you to determine how much confidence you should place in the findings and helps you better understand the study’s contribution to the broader field.
Methods for A Literature Review vs. A Research Article
While the methods sections in literature reviews and research articles have distinct goals, they both serve as essential indicators of credibility and rigor.
In a literature review, transparency in study selection and analysis assures readers of a balanced perspective. In a research article, detailed procedures and clear data analysis reinforce the validity of findings, setting a standard for replicability.
Both methods sections build a foundation of trust with the reader, ensuring that the subsequent conclusions or findings are reliable. Whether synthesizing existing studies or presenting new research, the methods section ensures that academic work stands on a clear, credible, and rigorously documented foundation.
This table highlights the unique focus and components of each methods section, helping readers understand the distinct goals and foundations of credibility in both literature reviews and research articles.
| Component | Literature Review | Research Article |
| Purpose | Summarize and synthesize existing research | Present and validate new findings |
| Focus | Selection and analysis of previous studies | Data collection and analysis |
| Transparency | Explains search strategies, inclusion/exclusion criteria | Describes participant selection, materials, and procedures |
| Key Elements | Search criteria, databases used, study selection, data synthesis | Sample details, experimental procedures, data analysis methods |
| Goal | Ensure balanced and comprehensive perspective | Enable study replicability and validate results |
Key Components of A Methods Section for Literature Reviews
In a literature review, the primary goal of the methods section is to detail the approach taken to identify, select, and analyze relevant studies. Since a literature review synthesizes findings from existing research rather than collecting new data, the methods section clarifies why certain studies were included and how they contribute to answering the review’s central question.
This transparency is crucial because it establishes the credibility of the review’s conclusions. Readers need to trust that the sources were selected systematically, without bias, and that they truly represent the existing landscape of knowledge on the topic.
A well-written methods section for a literature review includes the following elements: search strategy, databases accessed, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the approach to analyzing the selected studies.
For example, the author might describe specific keywords and Boolean operators used in search queries or list databases like PubMed or JSTOR where searches were conducted. These details demonstrate a systematic approach and help others replicate or verify the review if needed.
This methods section also sets the tone for objectivity. By clarifying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the author shows that the sources were not cherry-picked to support a particular viewpoint. Instead, they provide a balanced view, showcasing relevant studies from diverse perspectives. This transparency in selection not only strengthens the review’s reliability but also ensures that it is a valuable resource for others in the field.
Key Components of A Methods Section for Research Articles
For a research article, the methods section has a slightly different purpose, as it focuses on describing the procedures for collecting and analyzing new data. Here, the goal is to provide enough detail for another researcher to replicate the study under similar conditions, thereby validating its findings. A comprehensive and precise methods section is a hallmark of rigor in original research, as it ensures that the study’s results are credible and scientifically sound.
In a research article, the methods section typically covers information on participants or subjects, materials or tools, procedures, and data analysis methods. For instance, in a study on human subjects, details on the sample size, demographics, and selection criteria are essential for understanding the scope and applicability of the results. Similarly, explaining the tools or materials used, such as specialized equipment or software, allows readers to gauge the study’s reliability and precision.
The procedures section describes each step of the study, often in a chronological order. This transparency allows others to follow the same process, reinforcing the study’s validity. Additionally, data analysis methods, whether statistical tests or qualitative coding techniques, show how results were interpreted, helping readers assess the rigor of the analysis.
5 Tips for Writing A Methods Section That Passes The Test
Now that we have covered how to read a methods section and what purpose a method section plays for literature reviews vs research articles, let’s cover 5 tips for writing your own clear and engaging methods section to greatly enhance the readability and credibility of your research.
Again the key here is to make information clear and easy for readers to understand and potentially replicate your study. Here are the tips to guide you in creating a methods section that is both accessible and thorough.
Be Clear and Concise
Less is more and simple language goes a long way. Readers will appreciate it if you are as direct, to the point, and specific you can be. Avoid jargon and overly complex language when possible. The goal is to communicate your procedures clearly so that readers from different backgrounds can easily understand your methods.
Break down each step logically and use straightforward language to explain each part of the process, whether detailing participant selection, materials used, or the procedures followed.
Organize with Subheadings
Use subheadings for each major component, such as “Participants,” “Materials,” “Procedure,” and “Data Analysis.” Organizing like this improves readability and also allows readers to quickly find specific information.
If your study involves multiple steps or complex procedures, consider using bullet points or numbered lists to clarify the sequence.
Include Enough Detail for Replication
Being repeatable is the key to being credible. Make sure to include enough detail so that other researchers can follow your methods and get the same or very similar results.
Describe the conditions and variables precisely, specifying exact measurements or tools. For materials, name specific brands or models used, and for procedures, explain the exact order in which tasks were conducted.
For a methods section in a literature review, be specific about search terms, databases, and criteria for inclusion and exclusion.
Anticipate Reader Questions
This one is important. It is always a good idea to write with your audience in mind. Imagine yourself as a reader unfamiliar with your study.
Anticipate questions that may arise, such as why certain variables were controlled or why specific inclusion criteria were chosen. Addressing these potential questions within your methods section demonstrates transparency and helps build trust in your study.
Edit for Flow and Readability
While methods sections are inherently technical, that does not mean they have to be dry. After drafting, review the section to ensure that each sentence logically leads to the next. Avoid long, complex sentences that may be hard to follow; instead, opt for a clear, engaging style that holds readers’ attention while conveying all necessary details.
Whether you are writing a literature review or a research article, the methods section serves as the foundation upon which your findings rest, providing the detailed blueprint of your approach. By understanding the different goals and structures required for each type of methods section, you can better communicate your process and ensure your work is both replicable and rigorous.
Remember, a well-constructed methods section not only answers the “how” of your research but also strengthens the impact of your conclusions. And incase you missed it, check out our blog on how to write a complete research paper from start to finish.
