IMRAD Research Format Overview

IMRAD Research Format

• IMRAD is an acronym for Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion
• The format is used for research papers

Introduction

• Background of the Study: Identifies the problem or topic, rationale for the study, and supporting literature. A background without citations is considered an opinion essay.
• Objectives: Clearly defines the study's focus and aims. Objectives are directly related to the statement of the problem.
• Review of Related Literature: Summarizes existing literature on the topic and shows the researcher's understanding of current research. Include at least 4 sources. Check relevance to the study.
• Framework of the Study (Conceptual or Theoretical Framework): Outlines the theoretical basis or concepts guiding the research. Researchers choose between these. Concepts are abstract ideas (can be taken from existing authors or independently developed). Theories are established philosophies from renowned theorists.
• Statement of the Problem/Research Questions: The problem is stated for quantitative research. For qualitative research, research questions are used. These highlight the variables of the study. Quantitative problems are formulated according to the objectives and research paradigm. Qualitative formulations utilize open-ended questions to highlight the factors in the study.
• Significance of the Study: Detail who will benefit from the study and what kind of benefits are expected (e.g., people, organizations). Present in order from greatest to least benefit.
• Definition of Terms: Define terms used in the study operationally or how they are used. Operational definitions describe a term as it is used in the study. Can include both lexical and operational definitions.

Methods

• Research Design: Explain the method used (quantitative, qualitative, mixed). Provide specific details about the design (e.g., correlational for quantitative, phenomenological for qualitative).
• Research Locale: Describe where the study was conducted. Explain why this was chosen as the locale.
• Research Respondents/Participants: Define the participants in the study as samples/respondents or participants (for qualitative research). Explain selection reasons and methods (e.g. sampling techniques/methods).
• Data Collection Procedure: Outline the process of data collection. Explain the protocol and approvals involved (e.g., obtaining consent).
• Research Instruments: Describe the specific tools used to collect data. Specify if these are survey questionnaires (quantitative) or interview guides (qualitative). Include researcher-designed or standard instruments.
• Statistical Tools/Data Analysis: For quantitative studies, outline the statistical tools used for analyzing the data. Qualitative studies should indicate the methods used for data analysis (e.g. content analysis).
• Ethical Considerations: Explain the ethical considerations involved in qualitative research. This includes securing approvals, informed consent, confidentiality, and anonymity.

Results and Discussion

• Results: Present the data, using graphs or tables as appropriate. Results should be presented based on the data gathered.
• Discussion: Explain the implications of the results based on the research's objectives. Discuss possible problems/lapses as seen in the results.
• Recommendations: Provide recommendations based on the analysis of the findings in the results. Suggestions for future work can be included in the recommendations section.

Appendices

• References: List all references according to the APA style.
• Communications: (e.g., letters, memos, other materials).
• Questionnaire: (e.g., for studies).
• Modules: (if applicable).
• Interview Guide: (e.g., for studies).
• Informed Consent Form: (if applicable).