Writing Strategies for Delineate Procedures

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The next Strategy is Delineate Procedures. This Strategy is used to outline and describe what was done or used for the actual study/experiment in step-by-step actions. Delineate Procedures contains several sub-strategies:

• outline step-by-step actions 
• describe variables used or manipulated,
• introduce physical or abstract tools (e.g., instruments, materials, equipment) used during experimentation, and
• report incremental outcomes of preliminary measurements or of qualitative observations.

Outlining step-by-step actions is likely the most extensive sub-strategy utilized to achieve the Goal – Describe the Study. This sub-strategy is integral to replication. By providing sufficient description for future replication of the study, future research should be able to repeat your design, get similar findings, and then build upon your work. If you have lengthy details that are important for replication, you may want to consider placing these details in an appendix. These may include detailed calculations, algorithms, proofs, tables, plots, and images or large data sets for meta-analyses and comparisons.

Not all studies include variables, but those that do should describe variables fully in relation to previous research. If multiple variables are involved in your design, you can organize your Methods by separating each variable into one or more paragraphs or subsections, usually sequenced in chronological order, or from most to least important. You may decide to transfer the same organization of your variables into the Results chapter. This is especially common in social science disciplines, so examine model articles in your target journal to learn more.

Introducing physical or abstract tools is important for discussing details throughout the research process. For lab or field equipment, you may include the origins of the product. If you are working with data collection instruments like questionnaires and interview protocols, you may consider adding an appendix or supplemental information, if your journal allows for such additions. When in doubt, communicate with the journal editor for advice.

For questionnaires and interviews (and similar data collection materials), a general tip is to provide as much description as possible to add to the reliability of the design. You can always cut details later, but do not dismiss these details in the meantime. 

On occasion, you will need to report incremental outcomes, not main findings, that are needed to progress in the experimental design. You may (1) report on gradual change in the observed phenomenon or (2) provide justifiable sequence of experimental steps. If another researcher is trying to replicate your study design, they may need to reach a certain temperature or obtain a specific percentage or other calculation before proceeding.

Here are some Language Use patterns that might help you Delineate Procedures: