Writing up your methods section: A checklist to avoid common mistakes in your research paper

The methods section seems to be many academics’ favorite (and first) section to write, because it’s primarily info they’ve had to write up already in order to conduct the research. It’s also many editors’ least favorite section to edit, because its data-dense nature means there’s not always much for us to do in terms of high-impact changes. But after 15 years of editing hundreds of business research manuscripts, I've gotten more comfortable with methods—at least, comfortable enough to notice that certain mistakes appear again and again in this section. 

Here are the top 6 problems I see and how to fix them (and just like any good methods section, I’m sticking to only the most important details here!).

Problem #1: Unclear Sampling Strategy

So many authors jump straight into their sample size without explaining their sampling approach/reasoning. 

Instead, clearly state:

☐ Why you selected this sample

☐ How you selected this sample

☐ What potential biases might exist in your selection method

☐ How you addressed these potential biases

None of these points needs paragraphs devoted to it, per se, but even a sentence or two addressing each one demonstrates more robust research.

Problem #2: Mysterious Missing Data

When authors fail to mention how they handled missing data, it can raise red flags for reviewers. So you’ll want to specify:

☐ The amount of missing data

☐ Which variables had missing values

☐ How you handled missing responses

☐ Why you chose this approach to missing data

Problem #3: Vague Measurement Descriptions

Simply naming the scale(s) you used isn't enough. Always include:

☐ The complete citation for any established scale

☐ Why you chose your specific measures

☐ Sample items for key measures

☐ Any modifications that you made to an existing scale (and why)

☐ Reliability statistics from your data

Problem #4: Insufficient Control Variables

A lot of the reviewer feedback that I’ve seen includes this point—namely, that the authors haven't sufficiently justified their choice of control variables. 

To avoid this pitfall, make sure to mention:

☐ Why each control variable matters

☐ How each control relates to your theoretical framework

☐ How each control was measured 

☐ The descriptive statistics for all controls

Problem #5: Unjustified Analytical Choices

Don't assume readers will just intuit why you chose a certain analytical approach.

Explain:

☐ Why this form of analysis fits your research question (e.g., Is it the norm in this field or something many papers in this vein have adopted? Or, conversely, is it a deviation from the norm? Why deviate/what unique benefits justify your deviation?)

☐ What assumptions you tested

☐ How you addressed any violations

☐ What alternative approaches you considered, if any

Problem #6: Too Much Detail

In contrast to the above points, some manuscripts may include too much information on methods, at the expense of the paper’s other sections and overall likelihood of acceptance. Top-tier journals are so swamped with submissions now that tight and streamlined ones stand out. For this reason:

☐ Provide enough detail so that a reader could replicate your study—and no more than that

☐ Do a final read-through of the methods section looking for anything (even a single sentence) that can be (1) cut, (2) turned into a footnote, or (3) moved to an appendix. If it’s interesting or relevant but not strictly essential, one of those three actions is the way to go.

Final Thoughts

Not every paper even needs a methods section, of course. But for those that do have them, this critical section is there to help readers replicate (and trust) your findings. What makes it really shine is therefore how well it answers the questions of not just how you conducted your research but also why you opted to conduct it that way. 

If you can orient your methods section around clearly and concisely answering those two questions, you’ll have laid a crucial foundation for your paper’s success.

Need help strengthening your methods section—or the whole paper? Contact us. Our exclusive focus on business research means we know exactly what changes will enhance your manuscript’s likelihood of acceptance at the top journals in your field.