Research implies a scientific and systematic quest for relevant evidence on a specific subject. Research includes defining and redefining problems; framing hypotheses or recommended solutions; collecting, organizing and evaluating data; making assumptions and reaching conclusions; and testing the conclusions to confirm whether they fit the research premise.
The objective of research is to determine answers to questions by applying scientific procedures. The following are some of the major purposes of research:
- To discover and verify new facts
- To examine an event or process or phenomenon
- To recognize the cause and effect relationship
- To resolve and recognize scientific and non-scientific problems
- To resolve the difficulties in our lives
The ultimate aim of a researcher is to publish his work in a Scopus/SCI-indexed journal as an academic paper and thus share innovations and discoveries to colleagues and the research community at large. Writing a research paper is unlike any other regular article as it demonstrates the core subject with the research findings in a definite format. Before drafting the article, the main idea of the work should be framed, otherwise, the paper will lack focus and much more time has to be spent in the revision process of trying to make sense of the jumbled thoughts.
Writing the Research Paper
Once the researcher frames the focus of the work, research writing can commence. Here are the sections of a research paper:
- The Introduction
The background and main context of the article should be described here. The introduction explains three important questions for the readers: What is this? Why am I reading it? What is the main idea of the paper? Therefore, the general information should be provided in the introduction section so that the readers can make sense of the topic.
- The Body
After successful interpretation of the introduction part, the focus should be on the body of the article. The methods and materials section followed by the results and discussion part should be layered with appropriate statistical significance if needed.
- Conclusion
The most essential part is how the wrapping-up part is handled. As most research papers conclude with a restated thesis statement, it should be properly reworded. The points of the research work should be briefly summarized. If the research is inconclusive, it is necessary to explain why further research is necessary in the field.
Proofreading the Research Paper using checklists
After preparing the final draft, the writing should be checked either by colleagues or a research guide. All references must be cited properly. The paper should be accurate with respect to data, information, selection of words and phrases, grammar, and punctuation. Any typographical and grammatical errors should be eliminated in the proofreading stage. Hence, revision is the most critical requirement of research paper writing.
A research article will be considered for publication in an esteemed journal if it contains detailed research with methodical organization and presentation.