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What are the guidelines for writing an academic research paper?

   

Authors write research papers to demonstrate their skills in solving theoretical problems and share their knowledge and expertise with the world. A researcher’s analytical skills can be assessed based on the paper they submit for publishing. It exhibits their ability to formulate a research problem and find a feasible solution.

What does a research paper represent?

An academic research paper represents the step-by-step process of solving a specific problem by applying select methods of research. The process includes the following steps:

  • 1.   Defining a research problem
  • 2.   Setting the aims and objectives
  • 3.   Selecting appropriate methodology
  • 4.   Identifying empirical material
  • 5.   Analyzing results and data

What is the basic format of a research paper?

  1. 1.   Title page
  2. 2.   Abstract
  3. 3.   Introduction
  4. 4.   Materials
  5. 5.   Results
  6. 6.   Conclusion
  1. 1.   Title page

Select a suitable title for your research that is relevant to your field and interests you as well. Attempt to ascertain the amount of time and effort you need to invest in completing the research.

Guidelines for writing a title:
  • 1.1   Write the name of the university in title case
  • 1.2   Include the name of the concerned university, department, and faculty
  • 1.3   The title should define the subject and type of paper
  • 1.4  Write the full names of the professor and supervisors along with the year, place, and location.
  1. 2.   Abstract

State the nature of research by writing a clear and concise statement. Emphasize the main research problem, process, findings, and conclusion.

Guidelines for writing an abstract:
  • 2.1   Write a brief single-spaced paragraph explaining the nature and topic of research
  • 2.2   State the theme you are investigating with the research objectives
  • 2.3   Summarize your research methodology and the results
  • 2.4   The abstract should no longer than 250 words
  1. 3.   Introduction

Introduce the central theme and topic of your research to the readers. Elucidate the relevance of your research and why your target audience should read your paper.

Guidelines for writing an abstract:
  • 3.1  Write background information that comprises of scientific principles and hypotheses statement
  • 3.2  Explain how your research work aligns with the goals of the journal by addressing the question
  • 3.3   State the aims and objectives of the research
  • 3.4   Write a brief overview of the methodology
  1. 4.  Materials

This section informs the readers about how the research is done. It provides a precise description of how an experiment is done and defines the research variables.

Guidelines for writing materials:
  • 4.1   Explain how the results are reproducible,
  • 4.2  Provide the basis of research so that it can be repeated in the future if required
  • 4.3 Describe the sampling technique and characteristics of the sample population and sample size
  • 4.4   State the research materials used in the experiment
  1. 5.  Results

Present the data briefly in the form of tables, graphs, and figures based on the data type and format.

Guidelines for writing results:
  • 5.1   Describe the results by summarizing the trends and important aspects of the data
  • 5.2   Refer to the figures and tables by number
  • 5.3   Number each figure, chart, graph, and diagram included in the research paper and label them separately
  • 5.4  Provide a legend for each figure
  1. 6.   Conclusion

Present a generalization of the research by mentioning the objectives and how you wish to achieve it.

Guidelines for writing conclusion:
  • 6.1    Point out the main findings and suggestions
  • 6.2   Describe the problem that needs to be solved
  • 6.3   Assess whether or not the research objectives are achieved
  • 6.4   Conclusion should be two to three pages long
Here is a checklist to help write your paper:
  • 1.   Make an outline and compose the headings and sub-headings in each section
  • 2.   Verify the data and check the numbers in the results section
  • 3.   Read your paper carefully and correct grammatical and spelling errors
  • 4.   Follow the right referencing and formatting style
  • 5.   Avail English editing and proofreading services

Author Assists offers a variety of editing and proofreading services designed in line with the current publishing trends and requirements.

Find these tips useful? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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