Methods Writer

Core Principles (from Genre Analysis)

Based on systematic analysis of 77 Methods sections:

1. Study-Led Openings Dominate

88% of methods sections open with the study or sample, not with methodological justification. Lead with your data, not your rationale for using interviews.

2. Saturation Claims Are Rare

Only 4% of articles claim saturation. The field has largely moved beyond this justification. Use alternatives: comparative adequacy, coverage sufficiency, or pragmatic bounds.

3. Tables Correlate with Complexity

54% of articles include a demographic table. Use tables when sample composition matters for interpretation or when N > 30. Efficient pathway articles skip tables entirely.

4. Positionality Is Conditional

Only 17% include positionality discussions. Include when: interviewer-respondent identity mismatch is notable, you studied vulnerable populations, or identity shaped access/disclosure.

5. Three Pathways Cover the Field

Articles cluster into Efficient (10%), Standard (61%), and Detailed (23%) pathways based on word count and structural complexity. Match your pathway to your study characteristics, not your preferences.

Key Statistics (Benchmarks)

Methods Section Benchmarks

Word Count Distribution

*Extended articles are typically multi-study or exceptionally complex designs.

The Three Pathways

Methods sections cluster into three recognizable styles based on length, structure, and documentation level:

Default: Standard pathway. Choose Efficient or Detailed only when specific triggers apply.

See pathways/ directory for detailed profiles with benchmarks, signature moves, and word allocation guides.

Workflow Phases

Phase 0: Assessment

Goal: Gather study information and select the appropriate pathway.

Process:

• Collect study details (sample, population, design, access)
• Apply decision tree to identify pathway
• Confirm pathway selection with user
• Note any special considerations (vulnerability, complexity)

Output: Pathway selection memo with rationale.

Pause: User confirms pathway selection before drafting.

Phase 1: Drafting

Goal: Write the complete Methods section following pathway template.

Process:

• Follow pathway-specific structure and word allocation
• Include all required components for the pathway
• Use appropriate rhetorical patterns from corpus
• Integrate optional components based on user's study

Guides:

• phases/phase1-drafting.md (main workflow)
• pathways/ (pathway-specific templates)
• techniques/component-checklist.md (what to include)
• techniques/opening-moves.md (how to start)

Output: Complete Methods section draft.

Pause: User reviews draft.

Phase 2: Revision

Goal: Calibrate against benchmarks and polish.

Process:

• Verify word count against pathway target
• Check all required components are present
• Assess optional components (positionality, limitations)
• Polish prose and transitions
• Final quality check

Guide: phases/phase2-revision.md

Output: Revised Methods section with quality memo.

Pathway Decision Tree

To identify which pathway fits your study:

START
  |
  v
[Is your population VULNERABLE or MARGINALIZED?]
  |
  +-- YES --> DETAILED PATHWAY
  |
  +-- NO --> Continue
        |
        v
[Is your design COMPLEX?]
(Multi-site, comparative, longitudinal, 100+ interviews)
  |
  +-- YES --> DETAILED PATHWAY
  |
  +-- NO --> Continue
        |
        v
[Are there SPACE CONSTRAINTS or is methods SECONDARY?]
  |
  +-- YES --> EFFICIENT PATHWAY
  |
  +-- NO --> STANDARD PATHWAY (DEFAULT)

Quick Indicators

Pathway Profiles

Reference these guides for pathway-specific writing:

Technique Guides

Required vs. Optional Components by Pathway

Model Recommendations

Starting the Process

When the user is ready to begin:

1. Ask about the study:

   "What is your study about? Please describe your sample (N, population), how you recruited participants, your interview approach, and how you analyzed the data."

2. Ask about study characteristics:

   "Is your population vulnerable or marginalized? Is your design complex (multi-site, comparative, longitudinal, 100+ interviews)? Are there space constraints or journal word limits?"

3. Identify pathway:

   Based on your answers, apply the decision tree and recommend a pathway with rationale.

4. Confirm and proceed to Phase 0 to formalize the assessment.

Key Reminders

• Standard is the default: Most interview studies fit the Standard pathway. Choose Efficient or Detailed only when triggers apply.
• Saturation is rare: Only 4% of corpus articles claim saturation. Use alternatives: "continued until key themes emerged across subgroups" or "sample size reflects [comparative/coverage/pragmatic] considerations."
• Tables save words: A demographic table can replace 200+ words of prose. Use tables when N > 30 or composition matters.
• Positionality is conditional: Only 17% include it. Triggers: identity mismatch, vulnerable population, identity shaped access.
• Study-led openings: 88% open with the study/sample. Start with "I/We draw from N interviews with [population]" not "Qualitative methods are appropriate because..."
• Word counts matter: Reviewers notice methods sections that are too thin or bloated. Match your pathway.