FAQ for protocol/methods

[Tim Bergsma]

James,

I'm happy to write the FAQ for you.  But I'm highly biased, and it would
be a good idea for others to review.  Still seems like this FAQ would be
a 'loner' on the current list: no other FAQ, as far as I remember,
targets the usage of particular elements.

Tim.

Q.  What is the difference, if any, between eml-methods and
eml-protocol?
A.  For clarity, EML makes a formal distinction between methods and
protocol.  Both contain procedural information.  However, methods is a
descriptive procedure, while protocol is a prescriptive procedure. 
Methods contains a report of research activity, as in the methods
section of a journal article.  Protocol contains instructions for how
some activity should be executed, without necessarily referring to a
particular instance of that activity.  "Standard methods" and "routine
procedures" are examples of protocol.  If you're not sure where to put
your procedure, consider the version test:  a procedure that could have
versions or revisions is protocol.  Since methods describes specific
events, hopefully there will be just one official version!



James W Brunt wrote:
> 
> Thanks, Tim - I'll make the corrections and see if I can drum up another
> question to address protocol and method. I'll probably use the email
> thread that you guys generated as the basis for the answer and will need
> a couple of reviewers to make sure it's right.
> 
> James
> 
> Tim Bergsma wrote:
> 
> >James,
> >
> >I looked over the FAQ's.  Very helpful!
> >
> >I think in 15, 'lesses' should be 'lessen'.  In 18, I think
> >'heirarchical' should be 'hierarchical'.
> >
> >The difference between protocol and method is subtle but important.  I
> >was wondering if there should be a FAQ about it, but it looks like the
> >FAQ's have a much greater level of generality.
> >
> >regards,
> >
> >Tim.
> >
> >

-- 
Tim Bergsma
LTER Information Manager
W.K. Kellogg Biological Station
Michigan State University
Hickory Corners, MI   49060
616/671-2337
tbergsma at kbs.msu.edu
http://lter.kbs.msu.edu