How to Write and Publish a Scientific Research Paper?

1. How to Write and Publish aScientific Research Paper? Dr. N. AUDINARAYANA Professor and Head. Dept. of Sociology & Population StudiesDean, Faculty of Social Sciences Bharathiar University COIMBATORE – 641 046 E-mail: audinarayana.bu@gmail.com

2. Day (1983) - A Scientific Paper is - the first publication of original research results, - in a form whereby peers of the authors can repeat the experiments and test the conclusions, and - in a journal or other source document readily available within the research community. Thus, scientific papers are published in peer-reviewed publications.

3. Organization of a Scientific Paper Title of the Paper Abstract Introduction Materials and Methods Results Discussion Acknowledgements References Appropriate Language is very important Best English is that which gives the sense in the fewest short words

4. Preparation of the Title “Fewest possible words that adequately describe the contents of the paper”– Day (1983) 8-12 words are Ideal for a Title Use of “waste” Words be Avoided: A Study on, An Investigation into, Observations on, etc. Careful of Syntax Order of Words Imp.

5. Listing of Names of the Authors and their Addresses By Seniority By Knowledge By Headship Individual Contribution is the Best Abstracting and Indexing

6. Preparation of Abstract Summary of the information in a document – 50 - 100 Words Should be designed to define clearly what is dealt within the paper – (i)the principal objectives and scope of the investigation, (ii)describe the methodology employed, (iii)summarize the results, and (iv) state the principal conclusions. Key Words, if any, have to be given

7. Introduction • Should supply sufficient background information so as to allow the reader to understand and evaluate the results • Rationale of the present study • State briefly and clearly about the purpose of the paper • the nature and scope of the problem investigated, • review the pertinent literature to orient the reader, and

8. Introduction (Cont…) • - state the method of investigation • with the reasons for the choice • of a particular method • Define any Specialized Terms • Abbreviations • which are used in the paper

9. Materials and Methods Enough details about Experiments, since it is subject to peer review Materials:Technical Specifications Quantities and Source Respondents Area of the Study Type of Data Used

10. Materials and Methods (Conti…) Methods:Sampling Techniques Methods or Tools of Data Collection Measurement of Variables Type of Analysis Statistical Tools Used

11. Results This is the Core of the Research Paper Firstly, Overall Description then Present the Data Tables/Graphs, Statistics, etc. If Statistics are used to describe the results, they should be apt to the Analysis and Paper Short & Sweet Clear & Simple Avoid redundancy Minimum Tables & Figures / Graphs – Cost is High

12. Discussion • This is the Hardest Section to Write • Many Papers will be Rejected • - Faulty Discussion • Many Discussions are • Too Long and Verbose • - Try to present the Principal Relationships • and Generalizations shown by the results • - In a good discussion, you discuss, you • do not recapitulate the results

13. Discussion(Cont…) • - Point out any exceptions or any lack of • correlation, and define unsettled points • - Show how your Results and Interpretations • Agree (or Contrast) with Earlier Publi. Work • - Discuss the Theoretical Implications as • well as Possible Practical Applications • of your work • - State your Conclusions as clearly as • possible • - Summarize your evidence for each • Conclusion

14. Discussion (Cont…) Discussion should end with a Short Summary Exhibit the Whole Truth than Presenting Cosmic Conclusions If Possible, Policy Implications may be Discussed Some places the Results and Discussion will be in One Section Conclusions and Implications would be added

15. Acknowledgements Acknowledge any Significant Help received from any Individual, Laboratory, Language Editing, Suggestions, etc. Help of anyone who Contributed Significantly to the Work or the Interpretation Any Financial Assistance – Grants, Fellowships etc. Importance is Element of Courtesy

16. References Important Section, but most of us will Neglect Reference Style – vary from Journal to Journal By Name and Year By Number in Order of Citation By Column

17. Publishing the Paper • The Manuscript has to be Typed in an • Elegant Manner and then Send it to • the Journal of Interest • Receiving Acknowledgement with • Reference Number, etc. • Receiving Acceptance Letter / • Rejection Letter • Receiving Galley Proofs for Final • Corrections (with Editorial Mistakes) • Receiving Published Copy of the Journal • with Reprints (Free if any)

18. Publishing the Paper(Cont…) • Receiving Letter to Revise the Manuscript – • Comments of the Reviewer(s) • Receiving Letter to Revise the Paper and • Sending it Back to the Editor • Receiving the Acceptance Letter • Receiving Galley Proofs for final • Corrections (with Editorial Mistakes) • Receiving Published Copy of the Journal • with Reprints (Free if any)

19. Thank You