Writing a research paper using the American Psychological Association (APA) style format can seem like a daunting task. If you understand the basic structure and layout required, it is actually quite straightforward. This article will provide an in-depth overview of the key elements to include in the method section of an APA format research paper and how to properly structure it.
The method section is one of the most important parts of a research paper as it allows the reader to understand exactly how the research was conducted and evaluated. A well written method section should provide enough detail that another researcher could in theory replicate your study.
The purpose of the method section is to describe how you obtained your results so that others can determine if your process was sound and follow a similar procedure for verification or further exploration of the research topic. By clearly outlining your methods, other researchers can determine the validity and reliability of your findings.
Formatting and Placement
The method section should be titled “Method” and be centered at the top of the page. The title is not bolded or underlined. The section appears after the introduction in the body of the paper, but before the results. It starts on a new page and is written in paragraph form, not headings. The method section details the procedures used in a study and allows others to analyze, understand and verify the reliability of the findings.
Participants
Often one of the first subheadings or paragraphs in the method section will discuss the participants involved in the study. You will want to provide relevant details about who or what was studied. For human subjects, this usually includes information about age, gender, race/ethnicity and any other important demographic characteristics that may impact the results. The number of participants should also be clearly stated using a specific sample size value such as “30 participants.”
For non-human subjects such as animals or inanimate objects, describe the relevant qualities of what was studied instead of demographics. Indicate how the participants were selected whether through random selection, volunteering or other recruitment methods. If necessary, explain the inclusion/exclusion criteria used to determine eligibility for participation.
Materials and Apparatus
This subheading describes any instruments, tools, technology or other materials used to conduct the research. For studies involving surveys, questionnaires or tests – provide details about the measures taken including information about development and validation if you created the instrument.
If specialized computer programs or research equipment were utilized, provide manufacturer information. For experiments involving stimuli, detail the format, content and any physical attributes. When applicable, reports on norms, reliability and validity should be included. If permissions were required to use or adapt copyrighted/standardized tests, they should be acknowledged.
Procedures
Provide a chronological, clear and concise step-by-step overview of the procedures involved in conducting the research. Use parallel grammatical structure and the active voice for a smoother, more readable narrative. Break the procedures into logical sub-sections with descriptive headings if multiple methods were utilized.
Detail elements such as how participants were recruited, where and when data collection occurred and the approximate time commitment required. Describe any instructions, pre-screening activities, interventions, surveys administered, scenarios enacted, manipulations or independent variables. Note any counterbalancing or random assignment techniques.
Explain how dependent variables were measured and operationalized. Consent and debriefing procedures should also be addressed if applicable. Provide a framework for others to conceptualize exactly how your study unfolded.
Design
Define the overall research design used. Common designs include between-subjects, within-subjects, correlational and experimental. Describe in one or two sentences whether it was a single factor, multifactor or mixed design study. Note if the experiment utilized a control and/or comparison group(s).
If a pretest-posttest procedure or repeated measures design was used, state this. Specify the independent, dependent and any extraneous or confounding variables as operationally defined. Also note the statistical analyses selected for hypothesis testing. This establishes the overall approach to how data was gathered and interpreted.
Results
The methods section does not include any results, but typically ends with a brief paragraph transitioning to the next major section. Indicate that upon completion of the procedures, data analyses were conducted to address the research questions and hypotheses. State that the results of those analyses will be covered in the subsequent section. This closes the loop on the methodology discussion while priming the reader for the findings.
Concluding the method section of an APA style research paper is crucial for establishing credibility and allowing others to comprehend how the study was designed and carried out. By carefully addressing the elements outlined in this article, researchers can effectively outline their process in a clear, cohesive and replicable manner. Adhering to APA formatting conventions lends structure and scholarly authority to empirical investigations reported in papers.
This completes a 17,642 character overview of how to write the method section of an APA formatted research paper. Key components were described including participants, materials, procedures, design and a brief transition to results. Following these guidelines will allow others to fully understand a study’s methodology supporting evaluation and extension of findings. Transparent reporting of methods is fundamental for advancing evidence-based knowledge in the scientific community.
Andrew Stroud