Reading method sections*

Last time we took a look at reading an article's literature review, this time let's examine reading an article's methods section. 

Determine what overall methods were used to answer the research question/s (e.g. quantitative, mixed methods, interviews; observations). Look at whether any qualitative data were quantified to answer the research questions (i.e., they analyzed it quantitatively). Then determine what specific design/type of quantitative method was used (e.g. experimental, quasi-experimental, survey, etc…) or what qualitative method was used (e.g., narrative; case study; phenomenology; grounded theory; straight qualitative)? 

Next, examine who is the population? Be specific (e.g., adults between 65-85 years, who live in the Midwest, and attend senior centers). Who is in the sample and how were they recruited? Is the sample appropriate to the identified population, or did the recruiting methods, reduce the study's population? For example, did the individuals have to use a computer? Then the study is limited to those who are willing/ able to use one. What is the sample size? How was the sample size determined? 

What measures are used and are they valid? If interviews were conducted, are the questions appropriate to answer the research questions? 

Next time I will talk about reading articles' results and discussion sections. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu 

*My thanks to Dr. Tom Diebold for providing this list.