How to Write a Research Journal Article
A research journal article usually begins with the abstract, which sets the background for the rest of the paper. From there, it moves through the various sections of a research paper.
The Methods section presents the methods used in conducting the study. This allows other researchers to replicate the experiment and see if the results were similar.
Introduction
Research journals are periodical publications that publish scholarly content on a particular field of study. They feature original research contributions with empirical data as well as review articles that summarize and analyze the existing literature on a subject. These academic and scientific publications are typically published by professional associations or university presses, and they cater to experts and scholars in a specific field of study. Articles are often lengthy, may include graphs or charts, and use technical language.
There are many different types of research journal articles, and each has its own purpose and structure. For example, a clinical case report is a short report that details the symptoms and treatment of an individual patient. A meta-analysis is a type of research article that analyzes and compares multiple studies to address some common questions. An introduction to a research paper establishes the research problem and the stance of the author on that issue. These articles also have information sections on funding, acknowledgments, and conflict of interest.
Methods
In a research journal article, the Methods section is where you describe, in compelling detail, how you conducted your study. If other scientists want to replicate your results, they need this information. This is also where you report any ethical considerations related to your work with human participants or animals, as well as any other important details that might affect the interpretation of your results.
It is important to tailor the writing style of your Methods section to the readership of the journal in which you wish to publish. You need to avoid ambiguous expressions and colloquial language, and all references should be properly cited. This is particularly crucial for any work that involves the use of human participants – medical research, for example, or palaeographical studies on ancient books.
If you are working with a multidisciplinary team, you may have to make allowances for different levels of expertise in the various fields. If this is the case, you may want to consider organising your section into subheadings that allow you to catalogue your methods by topic.
Results
The research paper’s Results section is where the findings of the study are presented. This is an objective and clear section of the paper that focuses on presenting data without interpretation or conclusions. According to the famous physicist Albert Einstein, “If you are out to describe the truth, leave elegance to the tailor.”
The focus of the Results section should be on providing data that support your hypothesis and answer your research questions. Avoid describing tangential findings, which can be discussed in the Discussion section of your paper.
Present your information clearly and concisely in tables and figures to help readers understand the findings of your study. If necessary, use captions to clarify information presented in a figure or table. Also, limit the use of technical jargon, as it may confuse your readership. Ask a peer or colleague to read your Results section, and they can identify any unclear explanations or areas of confusion. This will be a great help in improving your research article.
Conclusions
Your conclusion section is your readers’ bridge back to the real world after welcoming them into your study through the introduction and immersing them in your methodologies, analyses, and results. The conclusion is where you show them how your research study impacts the broader topic area and whether it should change current practices or inspire further research.
Aim for a brief, 3-5 paragraph conclusion that synthesizes your findings and reiterates their significance. Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion, which should be a restatement of the material in your discussion section.
It is fine to make the conclusions part of the discussion section instead of giving it a separate heading, but you must ensure that it appears at the end of your paper. Its content and placement signal to readers that they have reached the end of your article.
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