how to write an original research article
TRANSCRIPT
4 Steps to follow when writing an original
research article
Original research articles
Types of articles journals publishAcademic journals publish several types of articles:
Review articles
Clinical case studies
Clinical trials
Opinion articles
Book reviews
Letters/communication
Technical reports
Conference proceedings
Data papers
What are we talking about today?
Original research articles
Review articles
Clinical case studies
Clinical trials
Opinion articles
Book reviews
Letters/communicationTechnical reports
Conference proceedings
Data papers
What is an original research article?
An original article is the product of original research.
“Original research articles are primary sources of scientific literature and present an original study. Authors have to conduct research on a particular topic through experiments, surveys, observation, etc. and report the findings of their study through original research articles.”
A young researcher's guide to writing an original research article – By Kakoli Majumder*
http://www.editage.com/insights/a-young-researchers-guide-to-writing-an-original-research-article *
What do original research articles do?
Original research articles:
• Introduce an original research idea• Report a new discovery• Share new findings• Establish older findings• Propose a new theory• Shed new light on an already explored topic
Characteristics of an original research article
It includes a hypothesis, research question, background study, methods,
results and their interpretation, discussion, and conclusion.
It has a definite structure.
It interprets the research findings and discusses possible implications.
It reports research findings.
It is written by the researchers who actually conducted the study.
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Can original articles report negative results?
YES!
• The results of a study can be positive (supporting the existing hypothesis about a topic) or negative (proving that the existing hypothesis about a topic is wrong).
• Negative results are as important as positive results and MUST be published.
• If your study has produced negative results, do not be afraid to publish them.
• Check whether your target journal is open to publishing negative results.
How to write an original research article (1/2)Most researchers are nervous or confused about writing an original research article.
The best approach is to go step-by-step and set smaller goals.
Before starting your research
1. Choose the right research question
2. Do a literature search
After completing your research
3. Structure your research article
4. Format your paper
IMPORTANT STEPS IN THE RESEARCH WRITING PROCESS
Before starting your research
Follow these steps before starting your research.
Choose the right research question
Do a literature search
Choose the right research question
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You cannot begin your research until you have decided what you will work on.
Read existing literature in your field
Identify current problems in your area of interest
Identify research gaps (i.e., is there an aspect no one has looked at?)
Think about these problems/gaps (do you want to do anything about them?)
Consult your advisor/supervisor before choosing a research question
Check the feasibility of your idea (e.g., how practical/do-able it is, if you have enough time)
Step 1
TIPS to help you find the right research question
Do a literature searchAfter choosing your research question, you need to start reading up. This
will also help you understand how papers in your field are written
Read previously conducted research on same/similar topics
Check citations in previous research papers, find more related studies and refer to them
Don’t restrict yourself to journal articles: you can refer to books, conference proceedings, online databases, government reports, etc.
Start listing citations you may include in your paper
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Step 2
TIPS for doing a literature search
After completing your research
Follow these steps after completing your research
Structure your research article
Format your paper
Structure your research articleMost original research articles include an Introduction, Methods, Results, and
Discussion – also known as IMRAD.
Step 3
Title: Should be attractive & indicative
Keywords: Should be relevant
Abstract: Should describe your entire study at a glance
Introduction: Should provide sufficient background about your work
Methods: Should include details of all experiments conducted
Results & discussion: Should answer the question you raised in the introduction
Conclusion: Should include your findings
Reference section: Should list every source
Appendix: Should include additional data
Acknowledgements: Should include all sources of support
Footnotes: Should mention necessary additional information
Tables, figures, graphs: Should be complete, clear, and attractive
TIPS for structuring your paper
Format your paper Step 4
Check the author guidelines of your target journal.
Stick to the stipulated word count
Check your references
Follow the journal’s basic instructionsGet these things right: File type (Word/LaTeX/PDF), Font type/size, layout, spacing, page margins, numbering, heading style, language style, word count, etc.
Check journal guidelines for specific sections, e.g., Title/Abstract
Make sure that:• All the in-text citations are included in the reference list• Your reference list has been formatted as per the journal’s style• In-text citations and references are complete and consistently styled
Prepare accurate tables & figuresTables, figures, and graphs should be clear and in accordance with journal instructions (file size, image resolution, etc.)
Quick summary
Follow these basic steps to set a strong foundation for writing a high-quality research paper:
Before starting your research
1. Choose the right research question
2. Do a literature search
After completing your research
3. Structure your research article
4. Format your paper
Need more help?
Some more useful articles on manuscript writing and submission:
• A young researcher's guide to writing an original research article: http://www.editage.com/insights/a-young-researchers-guide-to-writing-an-original-research-article
• How to choose a research question: http://www.editage.com/insights/how-to-choose-a-research-question
• Guidelines for researchers on key aspects of scientific publishing: http://www.editage.com/insights/guidelines-for-researchers-on-key-aspects-of-scientific-publishing
• 5 Basic mistakes in manuscript writing that can lead to rejection: http://www.editage.com/insights/5-basic-mistakes-in-manuscript-writing-that-can-lead-to-rejection
• Tackling the task of writing text: http://www.editage.com/insights/tackling-the-task-of-writing-text
• Tips for writing the perfect IMRAD manuscript: http://www.editage.com/insights/tips-for-writing-the-perfect-imrad-manuscript
• Tips on general manuscript formatting: http://www.editage.com/insights/tips-on-general-manuscript-formatting
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR PAPER!
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