Practical Recommendations On Research Paper Structure
As you advance in your school career, the requirements for research paper structure will become more rigorous. This is not intended as a punishment. Rather, it is intended to teach students methods of collecting and reporting data so they can teach themselves once they enter the adult world. The good news is that by familiarizing yourself with the proper structure, you make meeting the requirements for all your future papers significantly easier.
- Include All the Necessary Information on the Title Page
- Keep the Abstract to the Point
- Use Your Introduction to Lay the Foundation of Your Work
- Properly Identify Your Methods
- Interpret Your Results in the Discussion
- Know if the Conclusion Section is Required
- Properly Acknowledge Help with Research Paper
The basic information displayed on the title page includes the title, your name (the writer of the paper), the teacher and/or institution that the author studied under or had their work reviewed by, and the date. Other information that may be included is keywords, corresponding author(s), financial and/or equipment support for the research, or conflicts of interest that may exist between the author of the paper and the subject matter. If you are ever in doubt of which information is necessary, speak to your instructor.
In later years of high school and as you earn your degree, abstracts are likely to become necessary for research assignments. These should be kept short- most assignments require 150-250 words for this section. While this is the second section of your paper, you will find it best to wait on writing it until you have finished the body of your work.
As you consider what to say with your introduction, think about what has driven you to do your work. Even if it was a required assignment, chances are there is a reason you chose your topic. You want to provide the reader with this information, as well as why the work is important.
The method section simply explains the ‘how’ of your work. This section is important because it shows whether there was any bias or if you may have overlooked something. When done properly, it adds credibility to your work.
The discussion section of research papers is where you interpret what you have found with your research. This is the time to state how the research proves/disproves/supports your ideas. It is your chance to make an impact with the reader.
The specific details of the assignment determine if a conclusion is necessary. If it is, be sure to provide a brief overview of your paper, remind the reader once again why it is important, and end with something that will keep people thinking about your work.
The acknowledgement and reference sections are for people and sources that have helped with your work. Give appropriate credit and choose quality sources to make your paper credible.
Knowing how to properly research and organize a research paper will help you learn as you advance in your career. By following the above recommendations for structuring research papers, you can prepare yourself for many writing assignments.