7 key components make up the foundation of a scholarly research article, with 5 of these elements being essential to the structure of the article itself.
Basic Structure
A scholarly research article typically begins with a title page, which includes the title of the article, the authors' names, and their institutional affiliations. The abstract is also a crucial element, providing a brief summary of the research, including its main findings and implications.
Core Elements
The main body of the article is divided into several sections, including the literature review, which examines existing research on the topic, and the methodology section, which describes the research design and procedures used to collect and analyze the data. The results section presents the findings of the study, while the discussion section interprets these findings in the context of the broader research literature. Additionally, the references section provides a list of sources cited in the article, and the appendices section includes any supplementary materials that may be of interest to readers.
Expert opinions
My name is Emily J. Wilson, and I am a professor of research methodology at a prestigious university. As an expert in academic writing and research, I have guided numerous students and scholars in crafting high-quality research articles. Today, I am excited to share with you the 7 basic elements of a scholarly research article, which are essential for effective communication of research findings.
As a researcher, I have always emphasized the importance of a well-structured research article. A scholarly research article is a formal document that presents original research, analysis, and conclusions to the academic community. To ensure that your research article is taken seriously and contributes meaningfully to the existing body of knowledge, it is crucial to include the following 7 basic elements:
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: The provides an overview of the research topic, context, and significance. It should clearly state the research question, objectives, and hypotheses, and provide a brief background of the study. A good sets the tone for the entire article and grabs the reader's attention.
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Literature Review: The literature review is a critical component of a research article, where you review and synthesize existing research on the topic. This section demonstrates your understanding of the current state of knowledge, identifies gaps and limitations, and provides a foundation for your research. A well-conducted literature review helps to establish the relevance and significance of your study.
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Methodology: The methodology section describes the research design, methods, and procedures used to collect and analyze data. This section should provide enough detail for readers to replicate your study, if needed. It's essential to justify your methodological choices and address potential limitations and biases.
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Results: The results section presents the findings of your study, usually in the form of tables, figures, and text. This section should be concise, clear, and free of interpretation. The results should be presented in a logical and coherent manner, allowing readers to understand the data and its implications.
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Discussion: The discussion section is where you interpret your results, relate them to the broader context, and discuss the implications of your findings. This section should demonstrate your ability to think critically and analytically, and provide insights into the significance and contributions of your research.
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Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main findings, reiterates the research question, and provides an overview of the study's contributions. This section should also highlight the limitations of the study, suggest avenues for future research, and provide recommendations for practice or policy.
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References: The references section lists all sources cited in the article, following a consistent citation style. This section is crucial for academic integrity, as it acknowledges the work of other researchers and allows readers to access the sources used in your study.
In conclusion, a scholarly research article is a complex document that requires careful planning, execution, and presentation. By including these 7 basic elements, you can ensure that your research article is well-structured, informative, and contributes meaningfully to the academic discourse. As a researcher and academic, I emphasize the importance of attention to detail, clarity, and rigor in crafting a high-quality research article. By following these guidelines, you can increase the impact and visibility of your research, and make a significant contribution to your field of study.
Q: What is the first basic element of a scholarly research article?
A: The first basic element is the title, which should be concise and informative, conveying the main topic of the research. It should be attention-grabbing and accurately reflect the content of the article. A good title helps readers quickly understand the focus of the research.
Q: What is the purpose of the abstract in a scholarly research article?
A: The abstract is a brief summary of the research, typically around 150-250 words, providing an overview of the main points, methodology, and conclusions. It helps readers determine the relevance of the article to their interests and needs. A well-written abstract should be informative and concise.
Q: What is the in a scholarly research article, and what does it contain?
A: The introduction provides background information on the research topic, states the research question or hypothesis, and outlines the significance and scope of the study. It should be engaging, clearly written, and provide context for the reader. A good introduction sets the stage for the rest of the article.
Q: What is the role of the literature review in a scholarly research article?
A: The literature review examines and synthesizes existing research on the topic, identifying gaps and areas for further investigation. It provides a foundation for the current research, demonstrating the author's understanding of the field and its key concepts. A thorough literature review helps establish the research's relevance and validity.
Q: What are the key components of the methodology section in a scholarly research article?
A: The methodology section describes the research design, data collection methods, and data analysis procedures used in the study. It should be detailed and transparent, allowing readers to evaluate the research's validity and reliability. A well-written methodology section helps readers understand how the research was conducted.
Q: What is the purpose of the results section in a scholarly research article?
A: The results section presents the findings of the research, typically including data, statistics, and visual aids such as tables and figures. It should be clear and concise, focusing on the main outcomes and trends. The results section provides the evidence for the research's conclusions and recommendations.
Q: What is the final element of a scholarly research article, and what does it contain?
A: The final element is the conclusion, which summarizes the main findings, reiterates the research's significance, and provides recommendations for future research or practical applications. It should be concise and well-supported by the evidence presented in the article. A strong conclusion leaves a lasting impression on the reader and reinforces the research's impact.
Sources
- Booth Wayne C, et al. The Craft of Research. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2016
- Swales John M, Feak Christine B. Academic Writing for Graduate Students. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2012
- “How to Write a Research Article” Site: Purdue Online Writing Lab – purdue.edu
- “Structuring a Research Article” Site: Science Magazine – sciencemag.org
