Parts of Research Paper

Title - Readers come across research paper titles in searches through databases and reference sections of research papers. They deduce what a paper is about and its relevance to them based on the title.

Title 1) Keep it simple, brief and attractive:

-The primary function of a title is to provide a precise summary of the paper’s content. So keep the title brief and clear.

- Use active verbs instead of complex noun-based phrases, and avoid unnecessary details.

- a good title for a research paper is typically around 10 to 12 words long. A lengthy title may seem unfocused and take the readers’ attention away from an important point.

EX:

Avoid: Drug XYZ has an effect of muscular contraction for an hour in snails of Achatina fulcia species

Better: Drug XYZ induces muscular contraction in Achatina fulcia snails

Title 2) Use appropriate descriptive words:

- A good research paper title should contain key words used in the manuscript and should define the nature of the study.

EX:

Avoid: Effects of drug A on schizophrenia patients: study of a multicenter mixed group

Better: Psychosocial effects of drug A on schizophrenia patients: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Title 2) Use appropriate descriptive words:

- A good research paper title should contain key words used in the manuscript and should define the nature of the study.

EX:

Avoid: Effects of drug A on schizophrenia patients: study of a multicenter mixed group

Better: Psychosocial effects of drug A on schizophrenia patients: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Title 3) Avoid abbreviations and jargon:

- Known abbreviations such as AIDS, NATO, and so on can be used in the title. However, other lesser-known or specific abbreviations and jargon that would not be immediately familiar to the readers should be left out.

EX:Avoid: MMP expression profiles cannot distinguish between normal and early osteoarthritic synovial fluid

Better: Matrix metalloproteinase protein expression profiles cannot distinguish between normal and early osteoarthritic synovial fluid

LITERATURE REVIEW The aim of a literature review is to show your reader (your tutor) that you have read, and have a good grasp of, the main published work concerning a particular topic or question in your field.

LITERATURE REVIEW According to Caulley (1992) of La Trobe University, the literature review should:

• highlight gaps in research

• compare and contrast different authors' views on an issue group authors who draw similar conclusions• note areas in which authors are in disagreement

• highlight exemplary studies

• show how your study relates to previous studies

• show how your study relates to the literature in general

• conclude by summarising what the literature says

LITERATURE REVIEW The purposes of the review are:

• to define and limit the problem you are working on•to place your study in an historical perspective•to avoid unnecessary duplication

•to evaluate promising research methods •to relate your findings to previous knowledge and suggest further research