10 Questions
What is the primary purpose of the Results section in a research paper?
To provide information needed to understand the data
What is typically included in the Methods and Materials section of a research paper?
Where ethics review was obtained
What is a characteristic of the Discussion section in a research paper?
It should be clear, assertive, and forthright
What is typically included in the standard features of a research article?
Names of authors, affiliations, contact information, list of keywords, and more
What is the purpose of the Acknowledgements section in a research article?
To thank persons who assisted with the research
What is the primary purpose of the Abstract in a scientific paper?
To allow readers to quickly assess the relevance of the paper
What should be excluded from the Abstract?
Tables, figures, acronyms, and abbreviations
What is the primary purpose of the Introduction section in a scientific paper?
To review the literature and identify gaps in the research
What should be included in the Methods and Materials section?
Sufficient detail to allow replication of the research
When is the Abstract typically written?
Last, after the paper is complete
Study Notes
Writing a Scientific Paper: Key Elements
The Abstract
- A brief summary of the main sections of the paper: Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, and Discussion (IMRAD)
- Short, generally around 250 words
- A single paragraph unless structured
- Should not include tables, figures, acronyms, abbreviations, literature review, or information not included in the document
- Written last, but read first
The Introduction
- Provides background information and context about the topic
- Defines the problem and the rational for the research
- Reviews the literature
- Identifies the gap (unique and unaddressed aspects) of the topic
- Generally states or introduces the methodology (e.g., qualitative or quantitative)
Methods and Materials
- Defines, explains, and defends (if necessary) experimental methods, including recruitment and selection
- Provides sufficient detail to allow replication
- Uses generic names or non-proprietary names of materials
- Identifies animals, plants, and micro-organisms by genus, species, and strain
- Includes important biographical information (e.g., race, gender, age) for cell donors
- May include figures, flow charts, and diagrams
- Includes where ethics review was obtained
The Results
- The most important part of the paper
- Gives the reader information needed to understand the data
- Clear and concise as possible
- Uses tables to summarize the results, if possible
The Discussion
- Clear, assertive, and forthright
- Compares results with previously-published work
- States the theoretical implications of the work and contribution of the research
- States conclusions
- Admits limitations of the research or unexpected problems encountered
- Suggests areas for future research
Other Standard Features
- Names of authors with affiliations
- Contact information for the corresponding author
- List of keywords
- Date article was received, accepted, and published online
- Suggested citation
- DOI (Digital Object Identifier) of the article
- Funding information
- Statement of competing interest
- Acknowledgements: Thanks to persons who assisted with research or whose contribution is appreciated
Learn about the essential components of a scientific paper, including the abstract, introduction, and more. Understand the purpose and characteristics of each section.
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