Methodology

The methods describes in detail how the study was conducted.  The methods usually contains the following sections.

• Subjects - describes the relevant characteristics of the subjects.  If the study involves animal or human subjects, statements regarding institutional review board approval and ethical treatment should be included. 
• Procedures - the procedures used to conduct the investigation should be explained in sufficient detail to allow replication of the experiment.  In biomechanics, the procedures usually include the following.
  • Subject preparation - marker application, warm-up, instructions, etc.
  • Data collection procedures - describe the data collection area and equipment, the number of trials collect, 3D algorithm used, 3D precision, force plate procedures, EMG procedures (see the ISEK guidelines), etc. 
  • Data smoothing
  • Experimental model
  • Data calculations
  • Data analysis - normalization procedures, ensemble average procedures, statistical design, statistical procedures

The most common mistake that I repeatedly see in this section of undergraduate papers is a lack of explanation of the data that you are presenting in the results and discussion sections. A sketch will often times aid the reader (me) in understanding your data values. Be certain that after reading this section, a reader can clearly understand what you are doing and how you are doing it.