Guidelines for writing a research paper

John P. Fisher, PhD John A. Jansen, DDS, PhD Peter C. Johnson, MD Antonios G. Mikos, PhD,
https://explorable.com/users/oskar

A primary task of a researcher is the communication of technical results to the broader

scientific community. Whether in written or oral form, scientific communication is a critical step in
the scientific method and is the key driver of movement within a scientific field. Therefore, the
construction of a written output must not be taken lightly.

The written output is meant to convey technical information to the reader. Therefore, it is
generally designed to be a straightforward. The scientific aspect of the manuscript may be
challenging enough for the reader to comprehend, therefore the text itself should support the
endeavor to convey the scientific information, rather than acting to further obscure the concepts
and results.

Abstract
The abstract is typically a single paragraph. The abstract should be considered as an
independent document, so that the abstract does not rely upon any material in the body of the
report and, similarly, the body of the report does not rely upon any material in the abstract. The
first sentence should clearly state the objective of the experiment.The subsequent sentences
describe how the investigation was carried out. The following sentences describe, with as much
precision as possible without being verbose, the results of the experiment. The final sentences
describe the significance of the results and the impact of this work on the general field of study.

Introduction
The introduction requires a short review of the literature pertaining to the research topic. The
introduction is then best constructed as a descriptive funnel, starting with broad topics and
slowly focusing on the work at hand. Perhaps three to four paragraphs are needed. One
approach may be to start with one or two paragraphs that introduce the reader to the general
field of study. The subsequent paragraphs then describe how an aspect of this field could be
improved. The final paragraph is critical. It clearly states, most likely in the first sentence of the
paragraph, what experimental question will be answered by the present study. Finally, a
summary sentence may be added stating how the answer of your question will contribute to the
overall field of study.
Methods
This section should be a straightforward description of the methods used in your study.
Each method should be described in a separate section. Begin, in a single section, with a
statement of the type of the type of study; descriptive or experimental research. Next describe,
in separate sections, each key procedure and technique used in the study. Keep explanations
brief and concise. If a specific experimental design is utilized,describe this design in the second
section of the Methods, after the materials section.

Results and Discussion

The results section is not for interpreting the results in any way; that belongs strictly in the
discussion section. You should aim to narrate your findings without trying to interpret or evaluate
them, other than to provide a link to the discussion section. Make a table of your findings and
have figures to document the observation. Do not duplicate information. Do not restate the
procedures in this section. The text, conversely, is used to direct the reader to those, also
clarifying any unclear points. The text should also act as a link to the discussion section,
highlighting any correlations and findings and leaving plenty of open questions.

For most research paper formats, there are two ways of presenting and organizing the results.
The first method is to present the results and add a short discussion explaining them at the end,
before leading into the discussion proper. This is very common where the research paper is
straightforward, and provides continuity. The other way is to present a section and then discuss
it, before presenting the next section with a short discussion. This is common in longer papers,
and your discussion part of the paper will generally follow the same structure. Be sure to include
negative results - writing a results section without them not only invalidate the paper, but it is
extremely bad science. The negative results, and how you handle them, often gives you the
makings of a great discussion section, so do not be afraid to highlight them.

Conclusion
At the end of the essay, a conclusion should summarise the most important results of your
discussion of the topic. Do not be afraid to tell the reader once again what the main points of
your argument were. The reader likes to be reminded of the central issues of your paper to
make sure that the main points have been grasped correctly and to help remember them. Your
conclusion should answer the (implicit) questions raised in your introduction. This is where you
tie it in to the body of research highlighted in the introduction; during the course of your literature
review. Provide appropriate generalizations based on the results. Point out the importance of
the study and point out how it relates to the field. Additionally, point out how the findings can be
used by readers, highlighting the benefits or theoretical implications.