Methods
1. What is Methods
2. Moves and steps

What is Methods

The Methods (Methodology) section is often referred to as the most important section or the ‘heart’ of a scientific work. It introduces and justifies the author’s individual approach to addressing the research problem at hand based on his or her knowledge of existing approaches to handling the issue (as gleaned from the review of previous literature). This approach implies identifying the most suitable research design, appropriate methods and procedures for collecting and analyzing relevant data (evidence), and the results to be expected from the application of the approach. When planned carefully and presented in a compelling way, the approach outlined in the Methods section makes it easier for the reader to believe that the author has a clear vision of how to achieve the study’s aims effectively and structure the research process at subsequent stages.    

Methods sections in research articles and proposals tend to vary in length and level of detail, which depends on the type of study,  the discipline, institutional or journal requirements. How much detail is provided can be determined by the extent to which the reader should be informed about the overall approach to carrying out the study in order to understand what the researcher plans to do, why it is reasonable to do it in this way, and whether it will be possible to implement the study’s approach in similar projects (or “to replicate” it). For example, some subsections within the Methods sections can detail the following:

  • the research setting
  • equipment
  • sampling techniques (e.g., criteria for selecting human subjects)
  • the rationale behind the design or selection of materials
  • data collection and analysis methods and procedures
  • a study’s variables.

Although the requirements for preparing the Methods section may differ, a lot of justification is involved to explain the author’s decisions and rationale for choosing any specific methods and procedures. While one should generally avoid giving unnecessary information (especially with well-known methods that are well addressed in the literature), specific details may have to be provided on data collection and analysis (e.g., an accurate description of the setting, the equipment, criteria for selecting subjects, materials to be used in an experiment, statistical tools, etc.) to ensure that the reader can follow the procedures, replicate the study, and confirm the quality and validity of the results.  

Moves and steps framework in the Methods section

The recommended structure for the Methods section in research proposals is as follows:

Move 4

Presenting an overview of the study's methodology

Step 1

Step 2

Restating the study's purpose, research questions or hypothesis (optional)

Presenting research design (optional)

Move 5

Presenting data collection methods and procedures

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Describing the setting (optional)

Introducing the sample and selection criteria

Describing materials and special equipment (optional)

Discussing/ justifying data collection methods

Discussing/ justifying data collection procedures

Move 6

Presenting data analysis methods and procedures

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Introducing key variables

Discussing/ justifying data analysis methods

Discussing/ justifying data analysis procedures  

Move 7 Outlining scope and limitations

Step 1

Step 2

Discussing the study's scope

Discussing the study's limitations

While most of these moves appear in a wide range of research studies, steps such as “Restating purpose, research questions, or hypotheses” may be less frequently found in some disciplines and are thus presented here as optional. Moreover, the order of moves can vary across disciplines. Some Methods sections may include detailed information on the procedures for collecting and analyzing data, yet others may be less elaborate. 

It is advisable to consult with your scientific advisor to discuss the suggestions about how to plan and conduct your study and craft the Methods section.