Scientific research papers usually follow a standard format which is logical, has an easy to understand structure, and which reflects “the scientific method of deductive reasoning: define the problem, create a hypothesis, devise an experiment to test the hypothesis, conduct the experiment, and draw conclusions.” (ACS Style Guide, Chap 2, p. 19).
Note: When writing a research paper, the sections may follow a different format and procedure for the different science disciplines. The format may also be varied by the specific journal which is publishing a research article.
Title
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- keep the title short - use essential keywords to describe the main concepts in your paper
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Abstract
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- briefly state the purpose of this research - summarize the main concepts, scope, findings, and conclusions
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Introduction
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- state the problem/hypothesis you investigated and the reason for completing this research - review the relevant, background research literature published on this topic and relate your current research to this literature
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Methods (& Materials)
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- describe the experimental procedures used (so that other researchers can replicate your research) - list the materials & apparatus used in your experiment, and the type of control
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Results
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- summarize the data you collected discussing variables (e.g. independent & dependent), controls, sample size, etc. - when appropriate, use tables/graphs to display data (don’t present raw data) - summarize the statistical analysis you used on the data
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Discussion *
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- discuss & interpret what your results mean and relate them to the stated problem – Are there possible solutions to suggest? - include any explanations regarding how the results differed from what was hypothesized - relate your findings to the research literature on this topic (which you discussed in the Introduction)
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Conclusion & Summary *
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- briefly state what you think the data means, (if not already stated in the Discussion section) relating it back to the original problem - in this section, you can make possible suggestions for future research on this topic
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References/ Literature Cited |
- list all the research papers whose work you discussed and cited in the text of your paper (to allow readers to refer to the original literature)
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* The Discussion and Conclusion sections are often combined into one section.
Note: An Acknowledgment section may be included before the References. An Appendices may often be used at the end of a research paper to provide examples of information and material from other scientific papers.