Elements of a Research Paper
Title Page
- Craft a concise, explanatory title that stands alone.
- Avoid the use of abbreviations.
Abstract
- Provide a comprehensive and objective summary.
- Ensure accuracy and make every word count.
- Create a standalone summary for clarity.
Introduction
- Explain the importance of the topic and introduce the problem.
- Provide background information and significance.
- Include hypotheses and research questions.
Literature Review
- Discuss relevant and seminal literature.
- Use primary sources and logically connect studies.
- Relate previous studies to the current research.
Method
- Outline research design and participant demographics.
- Detail instrumentation and procedural methods.
- Explain data analysis techniques clearly.
Results
- Describe results using both narrative and graphical formats.
- Avoid interpreting data in this section.
Discussion
- Evaluate and interpret findings critically.
- Connect results to the literature discussed.
- Acknowledge limitations and suggest future research directions.
References
- Credit all sources accurately within the manuscript.
- Ensure sources are traceable by the reader.
- Adhere to appropriate citation formatting guidelines.
Appendices
- Include supplementary materials like descriptions, transcripts, or templates.
- Ensure additional details do not distract from the main text.