Methods versus Methodology
In groups, talk about your experiences with writing methods sections. What problems did you encounter? Describe the methods section that you are currently working on and try to define the things you include. Make a list. (EXAMPLE: Materials used)
Outline: Where does a methods section go? What type of headings might you find?
Writing up research: This combined title indicates that researchers generally describe these two aspects together when they write up their research. That is, you may want to simultaneously describe any equipment or other materials you used within each step of the procedure. This section may include the following information elements:
- overview of the experiment
- population/sample
- location
- restrictions/limiting conditions
- sampling technique
- **procedures
- **materials
- variables
- statistical treatment
A. Overview: write one or two sentences that give a general idea of the material and purpose
B. Description of principal parts: describe each major part or characteristic
- Spatial arrangement: Describe the features from top to bottom, front to back, left to right, center to outside...spatially (especially for equipment with various connected parts).
- Functional arrangement: Describe the principal features in the order in which they function, from beginning to end (for parts in a fixed sequence).
HOMEWORK: Remember that there is no class on Thursday since it's considered a "conference" day. Feel free to schedule your conference at that time. See the final conference post for your reflection assignment and final paper.
ESL 503 starts Tuesday--same time, same place!
Supplemental: May versus Might
A quick google search will return a lot of pages on this distinction. In essence, "might" is more common than "may" when suggesting possibility. However, "might" suggests a somewhat smaller possibility than "may". Remember that "might" is also the past tense of "may," so If you use past, you have to use "might". Also, when you talk about something *not* happening, use might. Otherwise we may think you are talking about permission and not possibility.
Sample: You might clean your room, but you may call your friend later. You might climb Mt. Everest someday, but you may go hiking in the foothills next weekend.
