Results Genre Analysis Wkst
Objectives:
- general outline of the methods section
- tense and voice (active vs. passive) in the methods section
- differences across disciplines, condensed vs. extended methods and the language used
- What problems have you encountered in writing the methods section?
- What headings might you find to signal the methods section?
- What is the difference between Methods and Methodology?
- Make a list of the topics tha tyou include in the methods section.
According to Weissberg and Buker (1990), the methods section may include the
following information elements:
· overview of the experiment
·
population/sample
·
location
·
restrictions/limiting conditions
·
sampling technique
·
**procedures (always included)
·
**materials (always included)
·
variables
·
statistical treatment
However,
the Methods section varies GREATLY across disciplines, possibly being
the section that differs the most of IMRD sections.
[40 minutes] Tense and Voice in Methods
TENSE AND VOICE EXERCISES. Complete page 1
At
the top of page 2, we will take a pre-test to check your knowledge
concerning tense and voice. Then, complete the paragraph at the bottom of page 2 on your own.
Read through pages 3-4 to raise further grammar awareness.
Read the 2 sample
methods sections on the first page and answer the questions on the 2nd
page first.
Then, read the beginning of p. 3 on Variation in Methods Sections --the remaining pages on condensed vs. extended methods is for homework.
Then, read the beginning of p. 3 on Variation in Methods Sections --the remaining pages on condensed vs. extended methods is for homework.
Recommended Homework:
Analyze a Methods Section Hmwk
Analyze 1-2 methods sections in
your field to see how your field is similar and different from what we've
talked about in class. Name the file(s) NetID_methods1 and complete it
before class on Thursday if you would like feedback or have any questions.
Additional tips or modifications:
There are additional materials on “Materials” specifically in Writing up research, by Weissberg &
Buker, if
you are interested.
There is a practice activity for writing a methods section in Academic Writing for Graduate Students,
by Swales & Feak, on p. 231-32, but it wouldn’t be a very authentic
activity for a hard sciences student. If you want more actual
practice time, I strongly recommend additional genre analysis.
Supplementary materials:
Sources:
