英文论文中的 “Methods” 部分至关重要,它详细描述了研究的实施过程。具体如下:
一、引言
Begin by briefly introducing the purpose of this section. Explain that it will outline the procedures and techniques used to answer the research questions.(首先简要介绍该部分的目的。解释这一部分将概述用于回答研究问题的程序和技术。)
例如:“In this section, we describe the methods employed in our study to investigate [research question]. These methods were carefully designed to ensure the reliability and validity of our results.”(在这一部分,我们描述了在我们的研究中所采用的方法,以调查 [研究问题]。这些方法经过精心设计,以确保我们结果的可靠性和有效性。)
二、实验设计或研究方法
Describe the overall design of your study. If it's an experiment, mention the independent and dependent variables, the experimental groups, and the control groups. If it's a survey or observational study, explain the sampling method and the criteria for participant selection.(描述研究的总体设计。如果是实验,提及自变量和因变量、实验组和对照组。如果是调查或观察性研究,解释抽样方法和参与者选择的标准。)
For an experiment: “Our experiment was designed to test the effect of [independent variable] on [dependent variable]. We had three experimental groups that received different levels of [independent variable], and a control group that received no treatment.”(对于实验:“我们的实验旨在测试 [自变量] 对 [因变量] 的影响。我们有三个实验组,分别接受不同水平的 [自变量],以及一个对照组,不接受任何处理。”)
For a survey: “We conducted a cross-sectional survey to collect data on [research topic]. The survey was administered online to a random sample of [population]. Participants were selected based on [selection criteria].”(对于调查:“我们进行了一项横断面调查,以收集关于 [研究主题] 的数据。该调查通过在线方式对 [人群] 的随机样本进行。参与者是根据 [选择标准] 被选中的。”)
三、材料和设备
List all the materials and equipment used in the study. Include details such as the brand, model, and specifications if relevant. This helps other researchers replicate your study.(列出研究中使用的所有材料和设备。如果相关,包括品牌、型号和规格等细节。这有助于其他研究人员复制你的研究。)
For example: “We used [instrument name] (Model [model number], Manufacturer [company name]) to measure [variable]. The reagents used were [reagent names] from [supplier name].”(例如:“我们使用 [仪器名称](型号 [型号编号],制造商 [公司名称])来测量 [变量]。所使用的试剂是来自 [供应商名称] 的 [试剂名称]。”)
四、程序
Describe the step-by-step procedures followed in the study. Be as detailed as possible so that others can reproduce your work. Include information on data collection methods, experimental protocols, and any ethical considerations.(描述研究中遵循的逐步程序。尽可能详细,以便其他人可以重现你的工作。包括数据收集方法、实验方案以及任何伦理考虑的信息。)
For an experiment: “The experiment was conducted as follows. First, [preparation step]. Then, [experimental procedure]. Data were collected at [time intervals] using [data collection method].”(对于实验:“实验按如下步骤进行。首先,[准备步骤]。然后,[实验程序]。数据在 [时间间隔] 使用 [数据收集方法] 进行收集。”)
For a survey: “The survey was administered through an online platform. Participants were first presented with an informed consent form. After consenting, they completed a series of questions on [survey topics]. The data were collected and stored in a secure database.”(对于调查:“该调查通过在线平台进行。参与者首先看到一份知情同意书。在同意后,他们完成了一系列关于 [调查主题] 的问题。数据被收集并存储在一个安全的数据库中。”)
五、数据分析
Explain how the data were analyzed. Mention the statistical tests or analysis methods used, and any software or tools employed.(解释如何分析数据。提及所使用的统计检验或分析方法,以及任何使用的软件或工具。)
For example: “The data were analyzed using [statistical software name]. We performed [statistical test name] to test for significant differences between groups. The results were considered significant at p < 0.05.”(例如:“数据使用 [统计软件名称] 进行分析。我们进行了 [统计检验名称],以测试组间的显著差异。结果在 p < 0.05 时被认为是显著的。”)
六、质量控制和验证
Describe any measures taken to ensure the quality and validity of the data. This could include methods for checking data accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility.(描述为确保数据质量和有效性所采取的任何措施。这可以包括检查数据准确性、可靠性和可重复性的方法。)
For example: “To ensure the quality of the data, we conducted double-entry of data and checked for inconsistencies. We also performed a pilot study to validate the survey instrument and make necessary adjustments.”(例如:“为确保数据质量,我们进行了数据的双重输入并检查不一致性。我们还进行了一项试点研究,以验证调查工具并进行必要的调整。”)
七、局限性和假设
Acknowledge any limitations or assumptions of your methods. This shows that you are aware of the potential weaknesses of your study and helps readers interpret the results in context.(承认你的方法的任何局限性或假设。这表明你意识到研究的潜在弱点,并帮助读者在上下文中解释结果。)
For example: “One limitation of our study is the small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of our results. We also assumed that [assumption], which may not hold true in all cases.”(例如:“我们研究的一个局限性是样本量小,这可能限制我们结果的普遍性。我们还假设了 [假设],这在所有情况下可能并不成立。”)
总之,英文研究论文的 “方法” 部分应该清晰、详细和全面。它应该提供足够的信息,以便其他研究人员复制你的研究,并理解所使用的程序和技术。In conclusion, the “Methods” section of an English research paper should be clear, detailed, and comprehensive. It should provide enough information for other researchers to replicate your study and understand the procedures and techniques used.