Method Menu Comments
Organization - The method section should be split into several different subcategories with two different emphases: one emphasis describing participants and the other describing the procedure (Chapter 2, 2.06, p. 28) (Figure 2.1 pp. 44-45). It is common for it to be in in three main subsections including a) Participants, b) Instruments, and c) Procedure.
Method Includes - Subsections should cover a) experimental manipulations or interventions, b) sampling procedures/size, c) measurement approaches, and d) research design/procedure. The methodology should be stated with clarity so the study is understandable and repeatable (Chapter 2, 2.06, p. 28) (Figure 2.1 pp. 44-45).
Participants - Important characteristics of the participants or subjects are discussed thoroughly in the method section of the paper. Any important demographic characteristics of the participant population are thoroughly described because it is important to illustrate the representativeness of the sample (Chapter 2, Section 2.06, p. 29) (Figure 2.1 pp. 44-45 and Figure 2.2 pp. 54-56).
Recruiting - The process, requirements, and regulations used in recruiting participants should be clarified in this section.
Measurements and Instruments - Measurement approaches should be described in several ways. Thoroughly discuss any instruments used; if any particular instrument is used then also discuss the validity of the instrument. Discuss any other measurement approaches that might be used (Chapter 2, 2.06, p. 31) (Figure 2.1, pp. 44-45).
Reliability - Historical reliability statistics should be included in your description of this instrument.
Validity - A brief rationale for the validity of this instrument should be included in this section.
Example Item - Include an example item for clarity.
Appendix - Include the complete instrument in an appendix.
Procedure and Research Design - The method section should contain a description of the research design and give specific detail as to whether: a) the design was with or without intervention, b) multiple methods were used, and c) other descriptive details that allow the reader to clearly understand the specific methodology. (Chapter 2, 2.06, p. 31) (Figure 2.1, pp. 44-45).
Sample Size and Procedure - Sampling procedures must be systematic and size must be appropriate to represent the intended population. Fully describe the locations and times that data were gathered, the percentages of the population that are represented in the sample, and how the sampling procedure was determined (Chapter 2, 2.06, p. 29) (Figure 2.1, pp. 44-45).
Well Written Method - Well written Method section.
Good Work Participants - Good work on the participants section.
Thorough Instrument - Thorough instrument description. Nice work!
Good Procedure - Your procedure did an excellent job or telling the reader exactly what you plan to do. Good work!