Genre Memo: Methodologies

    This next genre memo discussed the importance and format of methodologies.  A methodology is used in a research report to discuss how a researcher goes about conducting research for his/her topic.  This includes any experiments, surveys, or interviews that have been done about the topic.  Moreover, the methodology informs the reader about who is being tested or examined and why.  The steps taken in coming up the researcher's method of examination are also included.  Here is my genre memo of methodologies on the purpose, format, and application to the class.

To: Professor Vives

From: Gina Richardella

Subject: Genre Memo: Methodology

Date: 22 October 2012

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Purpose

A methodology is an important part of a research paper, as it essentially gives an overview of the research topic and how the researcher is going about conducting their study.  The methodology discusses the process in which one has collected their own primary data, as well as their gathered additional articles.  Moreover, the methodology also reveals how the researcher is making their claim in attempt to bridge a gap in the existing research.  Some examples of methodologies come from the articles, “Online College Education For Computer-Savvy Students: A Study of Perceptions and Needs” from the Journal of College Teaching and Learning, and “Use of Multi-Media and Tools in an Online Information Literacy Course: College Students’ Attitudes and Perceptions” from the Journal of Academic Librarianship.  A methodology also exists in the article, “Perceived Self-efficacy and Technology Proficiency in Undergraduate College Students” from Elsevier Journal.  Each of these methodologies explains the methods that were used to conduct their research.

Layout/Organization

Methodologies often include:

·      Sub heading informing readers it’s the Methodology

·      Double spaced, 12pt. font, depending on circumstance

·      Precise and to the point

·      Often bullets or number lists

·      Often a chart or table

·      Well-organized

·      Research question stated

·      Paragraph break (not on separate document)

Methodologies do not usually include:

·      Color

·      Pronouns: “I,” “you,” “me,”

·      Title Pages

·      References to sources

·      Results of the study

Application to the Course

The methodology is important in the ENC1102 class because it is a major part of a research paper.  Since the entire class is driven around compiling a scholarly research paper, the methodology cannot be left out.  The methodology completely lays out the steps students have taken to collecting articles and data, including any surveys or interviews. Without the methodology the reader of the research paper does not know the details and processes a student has taken in collecting information.  Thus, the methodology is extremely pertinent to this course.