Translation studies has established a complete talent training system in China, and its disciplinary status and social functions are gradually being recognized. However, obtaining an independent disciplinary identity does not guarantee the improvement of talent cultivation quality. Strengthening the construction of disciplinary connotations and improving the quality of graduate education are key. Academic papers are an important indicator of the quality of academic graduate education, but weak methodological awareness is a common problem. Various training units have taken various measures to strengthen students' training in research methodology, such as offering methodology courses, but students still feel confused about the selection and application of practical research methods. This article explores the principles and considerations for selecting research methodology based on the problems discovered in graduate thesis writing in translation studies, with the aim of providing reference and suggestions for students.

1. Clarify the ontological viewpoint of translation

Discussed the importance of ontological perspectives in the writing of translation studies papers. Ontology is a theory about the essence of things, which is crucial for translation research. Different ontological perspectives, such as language conversion, symbol conversion, and thinking mode conversion, influence researchers in choosing theoretical perspectives and research methods. The ontology of translation studies changes with the development of disciplines, including cultural ontology, linguistic ontology, and symbolic ontology. The choice of theoretical perspective affects research methods and results. Theory determines the purpose, object, and content of observation, affecting the objectivity of observation and the accuracy of statements. Graduate students should clarify their ontological stance and understand the essential understanding of the research object behind the new method when writing their thesis, in order to choose an appropriate research paradigm.

2. Clear research objective setting

Emphasis was placed on the importance of setting research objectives in the writing of translation studies papers, and it was pointed out that research objectives determine the choice of research methods. Translation studies research is divided into general research and applied research, targeting both general and practical issues. The research aims to understand the process and phenomena of translation, grasp the laws of translation, and analyze the behavior and social relationships of the translation subject. The research methods include descriptive methods such as text analysis and survey questionnaires, as well as exploratory methods such as experiments and field research. Explanatory research aims to construct systematic knowledge, form theoretical concepts and propositions, and explore the relationship between theoretical hypotheses and conditional factors. One of the research objectives is to predict and control translation behavior, and to improve translation ability through experimental methods. Controlled research requires higher levels of systematicity, rigor, and specificity.

3. Clarify one's own epistemological stance

Explored the importance of epistemology in the writing of translation studies papers, involving different schools of epistemology such as essentialism, empiricism, relativism, etc., and analyzed their impact on the scientificity, objectivity, and sources of translation studies knowledge. The chapter emphasizes the interrelationship between the historical perspective and the methodology of translation history research, pointing out that the historical perspective determines the research process, identification and selection of historical materials, as well as the mode of ideological expression and advocacy clarification. Researchers adopt different research methods and styles based on their historical perspectives, such as objective ontology, postcolonialism, feminism, etc., to enhance the objectivity of research or emphasize the uniqueness of social, cultural, and historical backgrounds.

4. Maintain the coherence of theoretical tools

The importance of theoretical tool coherence in the writing of translation studies papers was discussed. Emphasize the consistency of theoretical tools before and after, and avoid mixing multiple theories in a paper that may lead to theoretical "fights". It is pointed out that the theoretical framework must be adapted to the research objectives, and the theoretical framework is the thinking structure of researchers to analyze materials and integrate information. Researchers should choose an appropriate theoretical framework based on their research objectives and avoid the phenomenon of utilitarianism. At the same time, the coherence of translation studies does not exclude the inclusiveness of different schools of theory, and requires critical thinking to reflect on and falsify one's own theoretical stance. Researchers should have a deep understanding and digestion of various theories, persist in conducting long-term in-depth research in a certain field, and constantly explore frontiers for the achievement of disciplinary goals.

5. Maintain homogeneity of research materials

Emphasis was placed on the importance of maintaining homogeneity of research materials in the writing of translation studies papers. Homogeneity requires the uniformity of material properties and is closely related to research conclusions. Whether it is synchronic or diachronic research, translation activities or texts must have homogeneity. For example, when comparing the professional performance of new and old translators, one should choose translators from the same region and working environment. When translating based on text analysis standards, the selected text must be consistent in translation direction and source language text style. Homogeneity is essentially the control of research variables to ensure that the selected materials can bring meaningful data to the study. Case studies can be used to confirm or falsify theories, but case samples cannot represent heterogeneous populations, and extrapolation of conclusions should be cautious. Only by finding a homogeneous population can individual case samples be representative.

6. Maintain inclusivity in the research field

The diversity and inclusiveness of the field of translation studies were discussed, emphasizing the interrelationships and intersections between different research areas and levels. It is pointed out that researchers should clarify their position and value in the disciplinary system when choosing research fields, and promote mutual tolerance and promotion between different fields. At the same time, the article explores the methodological principles in the writing of translation studies papers, including ontological cognition, research goal positioning, epistemological stance, etc., and emphasizes the importance of these principles in ensuring the directionality of academic exploration, the scientificity of the argumentation process, and the possibility of academic innovation. Finally, the article proposes that future research should verify the effectiveness of the principles through empirical analysis and explore the path of cultivating methodological awareness through cognitive science methods, in order to adapt to the new paradigm of translation research in the era of artificial intelligence.