Page 31 - Modul Academic Writing

3 METHODS

 to describe methods from completed experiment

 to report data from completed experiment

… Quiz …
Below are several statements about Methods section in a research paper. Mark [√] for
correct statements about Methods section, and mark [X] for incorrect statements.
1. The Methods section does not require an Introduction to remind the
reader of the purpose of the research.

2. The Methods section should provide a clear description of the
experimental procedure.

3. The Methods section does not need to explain why particular methods
have been selected.

4. The methods section should be elaborate enough so that the readers can
repeat the experimental procedure and reproduce the results.

5. The methods section should also report on how the data was analyzed
noting what tools (e.g. software programs) were used.
Compiled from student.unsw.edu.au and ref-n-write.com

Having identified the focuses of Methods section, can you explain what tenses
used in Methods section?

… Tip …
 To describe what we did to obtain certain results, we should use Past tense*.
 Be sure to answer these key questions in your methods section: what, when, where,
how and why you did what you did to get your results.
 Explain the procedures in chronological order, step-by-step.

*Even though simple past tense is mostly used to describe methods, it is also possible
to use past perfect tense when it is needed.
*Past perfect is used to describe some earlier stages of experiments or procedures.
*If you use diagrams or figures to explain what you did, refer to them using present
tense.

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