Writing in Humanities & Social Sciences | Episode 3: Writing a methods section

Summary

In this episode, the focus is on writing the 'Methods' section of an academic text. The video outlines the key components of this section, such as describing data sources, collection, and analysis methods. It emphasizes the use of past tense and passive voice, with some instances of first-person usage depending on the research style. The importance of precision in language, justifying the methods, and clarifying terms is also highlighted. By following these conventions, the 'Methods' section helps ensure that the research can be understood, evaluated, and replicated by others.

Takeaways

• 😀 The methods section of an academic paper describes how research was conducted, helping readers evaluate the validity of results.
• 😀 Receptive academic vocabulary refers to words students can understand when reading or listening, while productive vocabulary refers to words they can use in speaking or writing.
• 😀 The methods section commonly addresses three key questions: What kind of data were used? How were they collected? How were they analyzed?
• 😀 Descriptions of research actions are typically written in the past tense, while descriptions of existing resources are written in the present tense.
• 😀 Passive voice is often used in the methods section to focus on the process rather than the researcher performing the action.
• 😀 Some research traditions or personal preferences may lead to the use of the first person, where researchers include themselves in the narrative.
• 😀 Phrases like 'using' or 'based on' are used to describe how things were done or to explain the methodology.
• 😀 The methods section should explain why certain procedures were used, often referencing previous research to justify the choices.
• 😀 Precision in language is essential in the methods section, with clear definitions and explanations of terminology.
• 😀 When describing steps in the research process, phrases that indicate order or sequence, such as 'a final step was to,' are used.
• 😀 The methods section should focus on explaining the procedures carried out in the past, rather than who performed them, ensuring clarity and precision in the description.

Q & A

What is the focus of the article discussed in the video?

The article focuses on contrasting university students' receptive and productive academic vocabulary needs.

What is the difference between receptive and productive vocabulary?

Receptive vocabulary refers to words students can understand when reading or listening, while productive vocabulary refers to words students can use when speaking or writing.

What are some common titles for the methods section of a research article?

Common titles for the methods section include 'Methods', 'Methodology', and 'Procedures'.

What is the purpose of the methods section in a research article?

The methods section describes how the research was carried out, allowing readers to judge the validity of the results and helping other researchers replicate the study.

What are the three main questions addressed in the methods section of a research article?

The methods section typically addresses three questions: 'What kind of data were used?', 'How were they collected?', and 'How were they analyzed?'

What are the two major subsections of the data used in the article mentioned in the video?

The two major subsections of the data in the article describe an existing data set and one that the researchers created.

What tense is commonly used in the methods section when describing what researchers did?

The past tense is typically used in the methods section to describe what researchers did.

Why are descriptions of existing resources often written in the present tense?

Descriptions of existing resources are written in the present tense because they are considered current and ongoing at the time of writing.

What voice is commonly used in the methods section, and why?

The passive voice is commonly used in the methods section to focus on the actions taken rather than the people performing them.

What is the importance of being precise in the methods section?

Being precise in the methods section is important for clarity, replicability, and for ensuring that others can understand and potentially reproduce the research.