research paper

Section

Description

Title page

Informative title

Name

Abstract

Brief summary of:

· Aim of the paper (objective)

· What you did

· What you found (results; what’s new)

· What you concluded (significance)

Introduction

Provides context for paper:

· States why the topic is important and literature review

Methods

Sets out what you did:

· Explains how you did it

· Indicates what materials, techniques or equipment you used

· Provides sufficient information for the reader to replicate the study

Results

Presents what you found:

· Includes clearly titled and labelled graphs, tables and figures as appropriate

· Do not simply cut and paste Excel files into your document

· Detailed calculations may be provided in the appendix

Discussion

Explains:

· What the results mean

· Whether the results were consistent or inconsistent with previous studies

· Explains possible sources of error

· Indicates how research in the field could move forward in the future

Conclusions

Briefly:

· Restates results

· Explains the significance of the findings

References or Literature Cited

Provides a list of sources of resources you used following the citation of references required. Minimum of five (5) required

Appendices

(if needed)

Provides supporting information such as calculations