In which section of a study should sampling procedures be included?

The methodology section of a study is the appropriate place to include sampling procedures. This section provides a detailed account of how the research is conducted, including the methods used to select participants. By explaining the sampling procedure, researchers can ensure transparency regarding how subjects were chosen, which impacts the validity and generalizability of the study results. It typically includes information on the population of interest, the sampling technique (e.g., random sampling, stratified sampling), sample size, and any inclusion or exclusion criteria. This level of detail is crucial for readers to assess the rigor and reliability of the study's findings.

The other sections do not serve this purpose as effectively. For example, the discussion section primarily focuses on interpreting the results, while the introduction sets the stage for the study's significance and aims. The abstract briefly summarizes the entire study, but it does not provide the in-depth methodology details needed to understand the sampling process. Hence, the methodology section is the correct choice for detailing sampling procedures.