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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