What is the purpose of the methods?

The methods section is used to clearly explain how you executed your study with as much detail as possible. Performing great science means that you provide enough detail to a reader so that he or she can then replicate your study, which is one of the hallmarks of the scientific method. The general subsections of the methods section include: (1) the subjects used (i.e., cells, tissues, animals, or humans), how they were assessed or studied, and when and where the study was performed; (2) the description of the study site and equipment and supplies used to perform the study; (3) the design of the study, e.g., controls, treatments, and the variables measured; (4) how the variables (data) were collected; and (5) how were the data analyzed with which statistical tests. This is the second most important section of your article.