Outline of a Research Paper
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Reports of research studies usually follow the IMRAD format. IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results, [and] Discussion) is a mnemonic for the major components of a scientific paper. These elements are included in the overall structure outlined below.
I. The Title Page
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Title: Tells the reader what to expect in the paper.
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Author(s): Most papers are written by one or two primary authors. The remaining authors have reviewed the work and/or aided in study design or data analysis (International Committee of Medical Editors, 1997). Check the Instructions to Authors for the target journal for specifics about authorship.
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Keywords [according to the journal]
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Corresponding Author: Full name and affiliation for the primary contact author for persons who have questions about the research.
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Financial & Equipment Support [if needed]: Specific information about organizations, agencies, or companies that supported the research.
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Conflicts of Interest [if needed]: Lists and explains any conflicts of interest.
II. Abstract: “Structured abstract” has become the standard for research papers (introduction, objective, methods, results and conclusions), while reviews, case reports and other articles have non-structured abstracts. The abstract should be a summary/synopsis of the paper.
III. Introduction: The “why did you do the study”
- sets the scene or lays the foundation or background for the paper.
IV. Methods: The “how did you do the study.”
Describes the --
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Context and setting of the study
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Specifies the study design
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Population (patients, etc. if applicable)
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Sampling strategy
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Intervention (if applicable)
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Identifies the main study variables
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Data collection instruments and procedures
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Outlines analysis methods
V. Results: The “what did you find” --
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Reports on data collection and/or recruitment
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Participants (demographic, clinical condition, etc.)
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Presents key findings with respect to the central research question
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Secondary findings (secondary outcomes, subgroup analyses, etc.)
VI. Discussion: Place for interpreting the results
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Main findings of the study
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Discuss the main results with reference to previous research
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Policy and practice implications of the results
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Strengths and limitations of the study
VII. Conclusions: [occasionally optional or not required]. Does not reiterate the data or discussion. Can state hunches, inferences or speculations. Offers perspectives for future work.
VIII. Acknowledgements: Names people who contributed to the work, but did not contribute sufficiently to earn authorship. Permission must be obtained from any individuals mentioned in the acknowledgements sections.
IX. References: Complete citations for any articles or other materials referenced in the text of the article.
