How to Write a Method Section for an APA Style Paper

An APA-style paper is typically written to describe a study or experiment in the sciences or social sciences and consists of several sections, one of which is the "method" section. The method section describes the methodology used for the study and makes it possible for future readers to conduct their own studies using the same methods and to possibly conclude with the same results. This allows other researchers to validate the study and offer criticism.
The method section is most often divided into three subsections: participants or subjects, apparatus or measures, and procedures.

Instructions

Getting Ready to Write

1. Compile all the data from your study or experiment.

2. Identify the participants or subjects, the apparatus or measurements used and the procedures of your study and jot down short notes.

3. Outline each subsection, including all vital information.

Participants or Subjects Subsection

1. Describe in detail the people or subjects used in your study, using APA writing format.

2. Report the number of participants or subjects. Describe in detail the importance of the specific size of data in your study.

3. Report basic information about the participants or subjects, including age, sex, economic factors, location and race. Do not give personal information that could be used to identify specific participants.

Apparatus or Measurements Subsection

1. Describe the equipment you used to perform your study, using APA writing format.

2. Provide plenty of detail about the equipment used. This is important in case another researcher wants to duplicate your study. She will need to use the same equipment.

3. Include some sample questions and a basic description of the questionnaire and its setup if your study used questionnaires. In this case, you will want to title this subsection "Measures."

Procedures Subsection

1. Describe the steps taken during the study. Use APA writing format.

2. Outline specifics about the way in which the participants or subjects were divided and why.

3. Explain what each group experienced during the course of the study. Include all vital details to support your study or experiment.

Tips & Warnings

• Refer to the latest edition of the "Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association" to conform to specific APA writing standards.

• Do not give any information that may identify participants or subjects.