4 Steps to follow when writing an original research article

1. 4 Steps to follow when writing an original research article

2. Types of articles journals publish Academic journals publish several types of articles: Original research articles Letters/communication Review articles Opinion articles Clinical case studies Technical reports Book reviews Conference proceedings Clinical trials Data papers

3. What are we talking about today? Original research articles Review articles Letters/communication Opinion articles Clinical case studies Technical reports Book reviews Conference proceedings Clinical trials Data papers

4. 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

5. 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

6. Characteristics of an original research article It is written by the researchers who actually conducted the study. It has a definite structure. It includes a hypothesis, research question, background study, methods, results and their interpretation, discussion, and conclusion. It reports research findings. It interprets the research findings and discusses possible implications. Vector designed by www.freepik.com

7. 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.

8. 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. IMPORTANT STEPS IN THE RESEARCH WRITING PROCESS • After completing your research • Structure your research article • Format your paper • Before starting your research • Choose the right research question • Do a literature search

9. Before starting your research Follow these steps before starting your research. Choose the right research question Do a literature search

10. Choose the right research question Step 1 You cannot begin your research until you have decided what you will work on. TIPS to help you find the right research question • 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) Vector designed by www.freepik.com

11. Do a literature search Step 2 After choosing your research question, you need to start reading up. This will also help you understand how papers in your field are written TIPS for doing a literature search • 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 Vector designed by www.freepik.com

12. After completing your research Follow these steps after completing your research Structure your research article Format your paper

13. Structure your research article Step 3 Most original research articles include an Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion – also known as IMRAD. TIPS for structuring your paper Conclusion: Should include your findings Title: Should be attractive & indicative Reference section: Should list every source Keywords: Should be relevant Abstract: Should describe your entire study at a glance Appendix: Should include additional data Acknowledgements: Should include all sources of support Introduction: Should provide sufficient background about your work Methods: Should include details of all experiments conducted Footnotes: Should mention necessary additional information Results & discussion: Should answer the question you raised in the introduction Tables, figures, graphs: Should be complete, clear, and attractive

14. Format your paper Step 4 Check the author guidelines of your target journal. Follow the journal’s basic instructions Get these things right: File type (Word/LaTeX/PDF), Font type/size, layout, spacing, page margins, numbering, heading style, language style, word count, etc. Stick to the stipulated word count Check journal guidelines for specific sections, e.g., Title/Abstract Check your references • 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 & figures Tables, figures, and graphs should be clear and in accordance with journal instructions (file size, image resolution, etc.)

15. Quick summary Follow these basic steps to set a strong foundation for writing a high-quality research paper: • After completing your research • Structure your research article • Format your paper • Before starting your research • Choose the right research question • Do a literature search

16. 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

17. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR PAPER!

18. For more useful resources and tips on publication, visit our website: www.editage.com/insights Connect with us @EditageInsights