Method Section

Janine Overcash, PhD

Elements in a Method Section

• Study Design• Setting• Sample• Measurement• Data Collection Procedures• Procedures• Analysis

Replication

• The main purpose of the Method Section is replication. This section should provide enough detail so that other scientists could carry out a similar study.

• Often, this section provides data on which to judge validity and reliability of the study.

Study Design

• Quantitative or Qualitative • Descriptive• Retrospective• Randomized Clinical Trial• Experimental• Intervention Studies

– How were the groups determined

Setting

• Where the study was preformed• Agency• Country • Region

Sample

• What type of participants were sampled• Inclusion Criteria• Exclusion Criteria• Informed Consent• How were the participants invited to participate

– Convenient Sample– Breast cancer patients, aged 50 and over, English

Speaking and who have never undergone chemptherapy

Measurements or Instruments

• Illustrate each of the instruments used in the study.

• Describe scoring of each instrument• Describe the validity and reliability of each

instrument.

Data Collection Procedures

• How the participants were recruited.• Where did the data collection taken place

(exam room)• What period of time is required for the data

collection per participant• How often are the participants sampled• Support the data points. Why is data

collection required at the beginning of chemo, at middle and end.

Data Collection Procedures

• How the participant’s privacy will be protected.

• Who is the data collector• How will they be trained• On what will the data be recorded

(hardcopy or computer)• Any information that would facilitate

reconstruction.

Data Analysis

• Statistical Procedures. • Organized • Cogent with research questions stated in

the beginning of the paper.

Resources

• Fridlund, B. (2006). Writing a Scientific Manuscript: Some Formal and Informal Proposals. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 5, 185-187.