Question

a) what information should be included in the methods section of a research report?

b) Why is an accurate detailed methods section important?

Answer 1

Ans (a) The method section in a report is written under the head methodology. The section requires a clear and precise description of how the study was undertaken. One must provide the rationale for undertaking the study and why these very procedures were employed for the study. Further, one must write about how the information gathered, the rationale for the sample size and how it was collected, the types of instruments used in data collection. This section should include detailed information on the research design, participants, equipment, materials and variables. The information on the limitations of the study along with precautions undertaken should also be included in the methods section.

Ans (b).The methods section of a research report is important because it tells about how the study was undertaken and provides information by which validity of the study is judged. It also means that if someone else undertakes the study using the same method should be able to get the same result. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to provide a clear and precise description of how the study was performed with the rationale for using that specific experimental design.