Parts of a Research Article

Adapted from the Publication Manual of the American

Psychological Association, 6th Ed. (2010)

Prepared by Eric WarrenSTCC Library

4/10

Abstract

Summarizes contents of articleShould be brief, readable and

conciseContains keywords so that the

abstract may be searched

Example of an abstract

Abstract: “Alternative therapeutics focuses on removing barriers blocking the body's ability to regulate itself. Use of hands on therapies such as massage, acupressure and chiropractic are indicative of this. Various physical healing techniques are examined and their usefulness is evaluated.”

Introduction

Introduces the problem to be addressed

Develops the background of the research

States the purpose and rationale

Literature Review

Sometimes included in the introduction

Reviews relevant findings from previous researchers

Is usually fairly brief -- depends on how much research has been done

Hypothesis

Can be included in the introduction (see “purpose and rationale”)

Statement of “the problem”Should be succinct and to the point

Methods

Sometimes divided into subsectionsIncludes information about the

participants or subjects, who they are and how and why they were chosen

Might include age, gender, race/ethnicity, as well as characteristics such as socioeconomic status, disability status, and sexual orientation

Methods (continued)

Describes apparatus, materials, equipment, etc.

Summarizes the procedures usedShould contain enough detail to

allow a reader to reasonably replicate your study

Results

Summarizes the data and justifies the conclusions reached

Could include tables, graphs, and other representations of the data

Describes statistical methods used

Discussion

Sometimes included with the results (“Results and Discussion”)

Evaluates and interprets the implications of the results

If appropriate, might included commentary about the importance of the findings

References and Notes

Includes sources cited in the textFollows standard citation

procedures (i.e. APA or MLA style)Author Notes identify each author’s

affiliation, identifies source(s) of financial support, shows readers who to contact for more information