How to Write the Methods Section of a Research Paper

The methods section is the backbone of any research paper, it’s the recipe to reproduce and validate your work. It describes the procedures, materials and techniques used to collect and analyse data. A good methods section not only adds to the credibility of your research but also helps the reader to understand the reliability and validity of your results. Below we break it down into key areas.

Methods Section

What is the Methods Section

The methods section is the core of any research paper, it’s a detailed description of the research design, procedures and methods used to collect and analyse data. Its purpose is to give the reader a clear understanding of the research process so they can evaluate the study’s validity and reliability. By documenting each step meticulously the methods section is a roadmap, it guides the reader through the research and allows for replication if needed. This is important for the scientific community as it builds trust and allows verification of results.

Methods Section in a Scientific Paper

In a scientific paper the methods section is essential. It allows the reader to evaluate the quality of the research, scrutinise the results and judge the conclusions drawn. A good methods section adds transparency, accountability and credibility to the research so others can trust and build upon the findings. Moreover it’s key to replication of studies which is a fundamental part of scientific research. By providing a detailed and clear description of the research methodology the methods section allows other researchers to reproduce the study, verify the results and contribute to the knowledge.

Key Method Details

The methods section must have all the details to allow reproduction of the study. Researchers often miss some out and it leads to ambiguity or challenges in validation. Here are the important ones to include:

Manufacturer Information

If specific equipment, software or reagents were used include the manufacturer’s name, model number and location. For example, “We used the XYZ centrifuge (Model ABC, XYZ Corp., New York, USA) for sample preparation.” This will add transparency and help with reproducibility.

Sample Size and Power

Explain the sample size estimation and the reasoning behind it. Explain how you calculated the size and if you did a power analysis to ensure statistical significance. For example: “The sample size (n = 200) was calculated using GPower 3.1 to achieve 80% power at a 5% significance level for detecting a medium effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.5).”*

Ethical Guidelines

Mention any ethical considerations and approvals obtained. For human participants, animal models or sensitive data, describe the review process and include approval numbers. For example: “The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of XYZ University (Approval Number: IRB2024-12345).” Make sure to include statements about informed consent or compliance with ethical guidelines like the Declaration of Helsinki.

Journal Guidelines

Different journals have different requirements for methods section formatting and structure. Make sure to read the instructions of your target journal carefully to comply with their guidelines. Not following their guidelines can delay or reject your paper. Here are some to consider:

Structure and Formatting

Some journals prefer a structured format with subheadings like “Participants”, “Materials” and “Procedures” while others allow a narrative style. Check the journal’s “Instructions for Authors” to match your submission.

Word Count

Many journals have word limits so you have to condense your methods without losing the important details. Use concise language and remove duplicates. Supplementary materials can be a good way to include extra information.

Standardised Checklists

For certain types of studies journals often require adherence to preferred reporting items and standardised reporting checklists like CONSORT (for randomised controlled trials), PRISMA (for systematic reviews) or STROBE (for observational studies). Include these checklists with your submission to comply.

Language and Clarity

The language used in the methods section must be precise, clear and free of jargon. Ambiguity can lead to misinterpretation and compromise the reproducibility of your study. The methods section should not just be a list of technical details but a narrative that links to the introduction and results.

Technical Terms

Use standard and universally accepted terminology. Avoid colloquial expressions or vague descriptions like “a small amount of reagent”. Instead use quantities like “10 µL of reagent A”.

Passive vs Active Voice

While traditional scientific writing used passive voice (e.g. “Samples were analysed using…”), modern guidelines recommend active voice for clarity (e.g. “We analysed the samples using…”). Follow your target journal’s preference but be consistent.

Don’t Overload

Keep sentences short and don’t overload them with multiple processes or details. Break complex procedures into manageable steps and use bullet points or numbered lists where possible.

Methods Section Structure

A well structured methods section is a logical roadmap for the reader. It should follow the research process.

Introduction

State the study design and overall methodology. For example:

“This is a cross-sectional study to investigate the relationship between dietary habits and metabolic health indicators in adults.”

Participants

Describe the population or sample in detail, including demographics, recruitment methods and inclusion/exclusion criteria.

“Participants (n = 150) were recruited from XYZ Clinic. Inclusion criteria were individuals 18-65 years old with no history of chronic disease.”

Materials and Equipment

List all materials, equipment and software used, with versions and settings. Justify the use of each if necessary.

Procedures

Describe your methodology step by step, including data collection, experimental setup and data analysis. Make sure the flow is logical and not repetitive.

Data Analysis

Clearly state the statistical analysis or analytical methods used. Mention specific statistical methods and software versions used. Justify the statistical method used to support your results. For example: “Data were analysed using SPSS (Version 27.0, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) with an alpha level of 0.05 for significance testing.”

Subheadings

Use subheadings to break up the section. This will make it easy for the reader to find what they are looking for.

Study Design and Data Collection Methods

Types of Study Design and Data Collection Methods

Choosing the right study design and data collection method is key to answering your research question. Here are some common types of study design and data collection methods:

• Experimental Design: This involves manipulating one or more independent variables to see the effect on a dependent variable. Used to establish cause and effect.
• Quasi-Experimental Design: Like experimental design but without randomisation of participants to groups. Useful when randomisation is not possible.
• Survey Research: Collecting data through self-report measures such as questionnaires or interviews. Good for collecting large amounts of data from a wide population.
• Observational Study: Data is collected by observing participants in their natural environment without manipulation. Used to study behaviour and phenomena as they occur.
• Systematic Reviews: Collecting and analysing data from multiple studies to draw overall conclusions about a specific research question.
• Meta-Analysis: Combines the results of multiple studies statistically to give a more precise estimate of the effect size or relationship being measured.

The methods section is the heart of your research paper, it requires transparency and rigour for scientific validation. By paying attention to the details, following journal guidelines, being clear in language and organising the content well you can write a methods section that supports your research.