Introduction

A research article reports the results of original research, assesses its contribution to the body of knowledge in a given area, and is published in a peer-reviewed scholarly journal.

Research articles contain several standard parts and it is necessary to understand the distinctive elements in order to accurately evaluate the research being presented. The various parts may be presented in a slightly different arrangement or be titled differently but the essential parts of the paper will be the same.

Parts of a Research Article

a) Title and Author information: The title provides the main idea of the article and authors are listed, along with their affiliation.

b) Abstract: A paragraph that summarizes the article.

c) Introduction (may not always be labeled): Provides background, states the purpose of the research, may discuss previous research leading up to the study and may state a hypothesis or question.

d) Method or Methodology: Describes how the research was conducted, with details about the study sample, assessment measures, and procedure.

e) Results or Findings: A summary of the findings presented in text or table format, may have individual sections with specific information.

f) Discussion, Comments or Conclusion: Explains how the results answered the research question and may suggest future areas for research.

g) References: A listing of works cited by the author(s).