MATERIALS AND METHODS

Remember, at this stage, you are only constructing an outline. We will look at how to write this section in more detail and with greater care at a later stage. For the moment, you need to put down some notes to guide your thinking.

Make brief notes under the following headings:

Population: Who (or what 'universe of individuals') did you study?

For example, your population may have been: 'All households of farmers with less than two hectares of land in district xxx'; or 'Seven species of Streptomyces'.

Sampling: How was the sample obtained? Were there any special methods that need to be mentioned which may have a bearing on the interpretation of the findings?