The overall shape of research papers

While there are different types of research papers, the overall shape of a research paper in English has a specific pattern as shown in Fig. 1.1 On the right-hand side, the arrows between the Introduction and Conclusion suggest a strong connection between these parts.

Figure 1.1 Overall shape of a research paper in English

Compare the left-hand side (showing the shape of a section of a research paper) with the right-hand side (showing the shape of a research paper). Note the similarity between the two shapes: an hour-glass shape. As this shape reveals, the Introduction moves from general to specific and the Conclusion from specific to general (in each case). The body gives the particulars and will consist of different parts. It is essential to target this classic shape in your writing. You will be able to achieve it by applying what you learn in this course.

Four common types of research papers

An empirical research paper

In an empirical research paper, the body may consist of the Methods and Results sections. Note that there is also a close connection between these: each method described is related to some result and all results are related to a method described. You will find out more about this relationship in the learning activities related to writing up methods. In some empirical research papers, the pattern will be a bit different, combining the Results and Discussion in one section. This combination eliminates possible duplication of information. In other papers, the pattern may recycle the Methods-Results-Discussion sections, especially in cases where several studies are being discussed. Depending on the combination, the parts of an empirical research paper may result in

  • Introduction-Methods-Results-Discussion (IMRAD)
  • Introduction-Methods-Results&Discussion-Conclusion
  • Introduction-Methods&Results&Disussion (cyclical > one per case)-Conclusion

Regardless of the combination, the basic shape remains relevant.

Table 1.1 Empirical research paper: Four main parts

Introduction The Introduction provides the rationale for the paper. It moves from the general discussion to the particular issue or question under investigation. A secondary purpose is to attract the interest of readers.
Methods The Methods section describes the experimental design, including the methodology, materials, and procedures.
Results The Results section presents the findings. This presentation is a description that includes necessary commentary.
Discussion The Discussion section interprets the results, bringing meaning to the study. Authors state their main points, some of which will refer to statements in the Introduction.



A theoretical research paper

Not all research papers are empirical. In Astrophysics, for example, empirical studies are not possible. How can you experiment on a star? Thus, in this field, logical argumentation is typical. It follows a general to specific pattern: moving from known principles to observations to equations (that account for the observed phenomena). Such scientific papers can be found in theoretical physics, mathematics, and fields requiring computer modeling (e.g. engineering and biostatistics). In short, theoretically oriented papers tend not to follow the IMRAD pattern. Nevertheless, they do adhere to the basic shape shown in the image above.

Papers not following the IMRAD pattern generally contain more academic phraseology to guide the reader (discussed in 5.3 Transitions). In other words, this phraseology provides a roadmap of the organization. Such theoretical papers also tend to use the first-person pronouns more widely than empirical papers. We do not go into detail on this. Rather, we ask you to examine papers and the guidelines for authors in the target journal(s) where you aim to publish.


Task: Find model papers
If you have not already done so, find 3-4 well-written published research articles that are typical for your field of study. These papers will serve as models that you can analyze to gain some insights into the important characteristics of published papers in your discipline.



A review paper

Many doctoral students need to write a review paper as one of the articles in a compilation dissertation. The two most common types of review papers are systematic reviews and review articles. A systematic review generally follows the IMRAD structure (discussed above), which adheres to the same kind of rigor as in any other scientific research. It includes a transparent methodology, which others should be able to replicate and obtain similar results. A review article, on the other hand, follows a logical structure. Whether writing a systematic review or a review article, such papers are invaluable as they provide an in-depth overview of important literature within the field of study and a snapshot view of where the field currently is. To be publishable, such an article cannot be just a summary or synthesis of relevant articles and books. It must also provide a critical perspective, pointing out contradictions, gaps, and enigmas in the literature, and provide a direction for future research. For a review article, the typical dissertation literature review is insufficient. Although review articles require extensive work, they do not carry as much weight as a research article since most journals are interested in original research.

One way to approach this task is

  1. Decide the topic and know why you are writing the review
  2. Choose the type of review – see the links below
  3. Outline the organization of the review
  4. Get the submission guidelines for review articles from the target journal
  5. Know the literature well > Select a range of articles that will not result in a biased review
  6. Gather data while reading > Lists and images are especially useful
  7. Utilize the data > Form figures or tables
  8. Offer your perspective > Include a few comments on where you think the field is going or what needs exploring
  9. Keep your review focused, but make it of broad interest
  10. Get feedback
  11. Edit, rewrite, and repeat this process

For more details on writing a review paper, we recommend these links

Guidelines for writing a review article


Task: Find model review articles
Read a review article of relevance to you. Does it include one of the aspects proposed by Noguchi (status quo, history, theory/model, issue) on page 2 of Guidelines for writing a review article (above)? Or is the approach different? What kind of section headings does it have? How long is it? How many references?


A case study article

Case studies are another important type of article as they can show the path for future research. For example, a case study may point out weaknesses in a standard operating procedure or it may pinpoint changed needed in a protocol, procedure, or policy. Such cases may discover a bigger problem that needs to be solved by future studies. Some case studies also produce new hypotheses and trigger a new avenue of research. A typical structure of a case study is outlined in Table 2.5.

Table 1.2 Case study article: Four main parts

Introduction  The Introduction is generally a short paragraph, which covers the background and importance of the topic under investigation.
Case Presentation  The Case Presentation provides the applicable case information that is relevant and worthy of discussion.
Discussion The Discussion section signals how unique or important the case is and why.
Conclusion The Conclusion section specifies what was learned from the case and the basis upon which it was learned.

Task: Find model case studies
If you have not already done so, find 3-4 well-written published case studies that are typical for your field of study. These papers will serve as models that you can analyze to gain some insights into the important characteristics of published papers in your discipline.



Assignment 
Go to Assignments 1.2A (Forum), 1.2B (Assignment box), and 1.5 (Forum), read the instructions and complete the assignments.


Last modified: Tuesday, 30 March 2021, 2:49 PM