The research paper materials and methods section is the backbone of your research paper. It forms the bridge between your research questions and results and is part of the foundation on which your Discussion will stand or fall. Written well, it will provide fellow researchers with a clear roadmap to replicate your research. But if you’re unintentionally sloppy, you’ll confuse your readers and raise doubts about the reliability of your study. So, how can you ensure your research paper materials methods section serves as a rigorous blueprint for future research?
Don’t overcomplicate things
Keep your readers on track. Don’t bury key details under layers of jargon so it is hard for others to replicate your work. Ask yourself: Would a competent peer in your field be able to follow your steps without any guesswork? If not, rewrite your materials and methods section for clarity.
Cut excessive details
Think carefully about how many details you include. Ensure you provide enough information to make your research reproducible but ruthlessly cut out excessive details. The golden rule: Tell the reader enough to replicate your study accurately, but only state minor procedural steps if these are critical to your results.
Write a logical story
Think of your research paper materials and methods as a succinct news article on how you did your research. Give a step-by-step and logical account of what you did that is easy for reviewers and readers to follow.
Motivate your approach
Tell the reader why you chose certain techniques, sample sizes and analyses. How did you minimise bias or the chances of false positive or false negative results? Do any aspects of your method depend on certain assumptions? Remember that giving these details validates the transparency and credibility of your research.
Reinforce the credibility of your research
A well-structured and unambiguous research paper materials and methods section will enhance the readers’ perception of how thoroughly you conducted your research. This, in turn, will reinforce the credibility of your results. Therefore, carefully check what you write to ensure there are no ambiguities or glaring gaps in the information you provide.
Key takeaways
- Be transparent but concise: Keep your readers on track. Provide enough detail for replication but avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Structure matters: Write logically and sequentially so the information you provide is easy for readers to follow and assess.
- Justify your choices: Explain why specific approaches, techniques and analyses were used. This improves the transparency and credibility of your research.
Reach out
The research paper materials and methods section is the backbone of your research paper. It needs to be detailed enough for fellow researchers to replicate your research but concise enough to keep your readers on track.
Need help refining your materials and methods section?
Then contact The Golden Thread. We’ll be happy to help you tighten up your materials and methods section and give your research paper the final human editing touch.
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