Deciphering Introduction and Method Sections of Research Papers

Flashcards summarizing the key concepts and sections of research paper introductions and methods, useful for studying how to write effective research papers.

Introduction

The first major section of a research paper which includes background information, the question or problem of interest, and an outline of what the author did.

Five Parts of an Introduction

1. Introduction to the topic 2. Review of the literature 3. Specific question/problem 4. Brief outline of what the author did 5. Explanation of the hypothesis

Review of Previous Research

An evaluation of how closely the literature cited in the study relates to previous works, including whether it is recent and if significant references are missing.

Hypothesis

A clear statement that presents a proposed explanation for a phenomenon, outlining the expected relationship between variables.

Participants/Subjects Subsection

A part of the Method section outlining details about the participants, such as number, selection criteria, demographics, and any compensation received.

Materials Subsection

A section where operational definitions and measures are described, including questionnaires, tests, and any specific materials used in the study.

Procedure Subsection

A detailed step-by-step account of how the research was conducted, including the order of tasks and participant selection.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment to observe its effects on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment to assess the impact of changes in the independent variable.

Formatting the Method

The organizational structure of the Method section in a research paper, typically categorized into participants, materials, design, and procedure.