Research Article Writing Principles
1. Core Structural Principles (IMRAD Format):
Introduction:
- Context: Provide background on the topic.
- Gap: Highlight what is unknown or unresolved in existing research.
- Purpose/Hypothesis: Clearly state your research question, objectives, or hypotheses.
- Significance: Explain why your research is important.
Methods:
- Reproducibility: Describe exactly how the study was conducted so others can replicate it.
- Details: Include study design, participants/materials, data collection procedures, and statistical analysis.
- Ethical Approval: Mention ethical considerations and institutional review board (IRB) approval if applicable.
Results:
- Objective Presentation: Present findings clearly and objectively, without interpretation or discussion.
- Data Focus: Use tables, figures, and text to report key findings.
- Statistical Significance: Report relevant statistical outcomes.
Discussion:
- Interpretation: Explain the meaning and implications of your findings.
- Contextualization: Relate your results to previous research and your hypothesis.
- Limitations: Acknowledge the weaknesses or constraints of your study.
- Future Directions: Suggest areas for future research.
Conclusion (Often part of Discussion):
- Summary of Key Findings: Briefly reiterate the main takeaways.
- Broader Implications: Discuss the overall significance of your work.
- No New Information: Avoid introducing new data or arguments.
References:
- Comprehensive: List all cited sources accurately and consistently.
- Proper Formatting: Adhere to the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, Vancouver).
Abstract:
- Concise Summary: A standalone overview of the entire article (purpose, methods, key results, conclusions).
- Written Last: Typically drafted after the main paper is complete.
Title & Keywords:
- Informative Title: Accurate, concise, and reflective of the article's content.
- Relevant Keywords: For indexing and discoverability.
2. Key Writing & Ethical Principles:
Clarity & Conciseness:
- Direct Language: Use precise, unambiguous terms.
- Avoid Jargon: Explain technical terms or use simpler language when possible for a broader audience.
- Shorter Sentences: Promote readability.
- Active Voice (Preferred): Generally makes writing more direct and engaging.
Accuracy & Verifiability:
- Truthful Reporting: Do not fabricate, falsify, or misrepresent data.
- Evidence-Based: All claims must be supported by data or cited literature.
Objectivity & Unbiased Language:
- Neutral Tone: Avoid emotional or subjective language.
- Acknowledge Limitations: Be honest about what your study can't conclude.
Originality & Plagiarism Avoidance:
- Cite All Sources: Give credit for all ideas, data, or words that are not your own.
- Avoid Self-Plagiarism: Properly cite your own previously published work if reusing content.
Ethical Conduct (Human/Animal Subjects):
- Informed Consent: Ensure participants willingly agree to participate after understanding risks/benefits.
- Confidentiality/Anonymity: Protect participant privacy.
- Minimizing Harm: Design research to ensure the well-being of subjects.
- Ethical Approvals: Obtain necessary institutional approvals (e.g., IRB, IACUC).
Authorship:
- Significant Contribution: All listed authors must have made substantial intellectual contributions.
- No Ghost/Gift Authorship: Avoid adding those who didn't contribute or omitting those who did.
Transparency & Conflict of Interest
- Disclose Funding: Clearly state sources of financial support.
- Declare Conflicts: Reveal any personal or financial interests that could influence the research.
Consistency:
- Terminology: Use consistent terms throughout the article.
- Formatting: Maintain consistent formatting for headings, citations, tables, and figures.
- Tense: Generally use past tense for what was done/found, present tense for interpretations/general truths.
- Target Audience: Write with the intended journal's audience in mind.
- Proofreading: Meticulously check for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and typographical errors before submission.