The best way to write a lab Method

You may have followed lots of methods—which are just lists of instructions—in the lab and out in the real world. You might have performed experiments at school or at home, or you might have followed a recipe, constructed some flat-pack furniture, or installed some software on your computer. A clear Method can make life easier, but if you’ve ever tried to make a cake, chair, or computer run a program following poorly-written instructions, then you know how frustrating this can be!

Why do we have to write a Method in a lab report?

If you know why we do each part of a lab report, it will help you look at your own work with a clearer vision of what is required. You will then be able to spot bits that are missing, parts that need extra detail, or even unnecessary details that need to be taken out. 

A Method section is included in all lab reports (and other types of academic writing) so that whoever is reading your work can follow exactly what you did, and repeat the experiment and get similar results. They will need to know what you used to perform the experiment (as detailed in your Materials section) and the Method section will guide them precisely with how to do the experiment. Imagine someone on the other side of the world, who you’ve never met, who can’t ask you any questions, wanting to confirm your results and do exactly the same experiment. 

What you write must be clear enough so they can do each step without trying to guess what you did. This is a good reason why only relevant  information is included, you don’t want to confuse the imaginary scientist on the other side of the world, do you? Follow the Goldilocks principle: Is the amount of detail too little, too much, or just right?

That means you don’t need to explain why you chose a technique or piece of equipment, what your lab partner was doing at the time, or how hungry you were. The KISS rule is a good guide here: Keep It Short & Simple.

In general, most Method sections follow these rules:

1. Write the Method as a numbered list.

2. Each step (number 1, 2, 3 etc.) should have one action: 1 step=1 action.

3. Each step begins with a command: a bossy verb (see below).

4. Write down what you did. 

5. Read each line again when you have finished.

6. Check each step has one clear action to perform.

7. Think if the amount of detail regarding equipment and techniques fits the Goldilocks rule.

8. Edit the list as you see fit, pretending the imaginary scientist on the other side of the world is following your instructions.

Revise the steps so that each step follows the KISS rule.

Other important tips that will save you time and help you to write a clear Methods section include: 

1. You do not need to write an introduction to the list—just start straight away at number 1.

2. You do not need to include references in the list, these have probably been included in the Introduction.

3. The bossy verbs are in the Imperative. You are giving instructions but you don’t need to use ‘You’ (see the example Method below).

4. If you repeated part of the procedure, just tell the reader to “Repeat steps 5 to 9 with the different concentrations as listed in the Variables section” or similar—do not write each step out again. 

Assume that the reader has some lab experience so you don't write too much/patronise them. You don’t have to write “1. Go to the Lab. 2. Put on your lab coat. 3. Pick up your pencil…... “ and other basic things. 

Self-check your Method

New blog pages that offer unrivalled free-to-use content are being added each week, so make sure you join our mailing list or follow us on social media (facebook and instagram) to keep up-to-date with new developments on the ABEL site.

If you are interested in personalised, individual attention — and you want specialised help related to your work or studies — click here to find your perfect consultant. 

Alternatively, if you have specific questions about the company or you have a specific request, please contact us here, or at: info@abel-consultants.com or on 0034 673395438.