Methods sections in academic texts, including masters theses, vary according to the discipline in which the text is written. In the sciences, methods sections often include detailed descriptions of experimental design, while in the humanities and social sciences methods sections tend to be more discursive. However, all methods sections should provide enough information for readers to understand how the research was conducted, and should be written in clear, concise prose.
When writing a methods section for a masters thesis, it is important to remember that your goal is to provide enough detail for readers to understand your research, but not so much detail that your thesis becomes bogged down. Depending on your discipline, you may need to include a description of your research design, the participants in your study, the data collection methods you used, and the data analysis techniques you employed. However, regardless of discipline, there are a few general tips to keep in mind when writing your methods section:
- Be clear and concise: methods sections should be written in clear, concise prose. Avoid jargon and technical language, and explain any concepts that might be unfamiliar to readers.
- Be specific: provide enough detail for readers to understand your research, but avoid including unnecessary information.
- Organize your information logically: methods sections should be organized according to the steps you took in conducting your research. Typically, this will involve providing a brief overview of your research design, followed by a description of your participants, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques.
- Use headings and subheadings: use headings and subheadings to help readers navigate your methods section.
- Cite your sources: if you are using any information from other sources in your methods section, be sure to cite those sources accurately and properly.
