Academic Research Article Structure
Writing an academic research article can be an intimidating task, especially for those who have never written one before. However, with the right structure and guidance, it is possible to compose a well-crafted academic paper that can be accepted for publication. A good article structure should include a clear introduction, body, conclusion, and references.
Introduction
The introduction of an academic research article should set the stage for the reader by summarizing the article’s main points and introducing the research question. It should provide a brief overview of the research topic and provide the reader with a clear understanding of why the paper is relevant. Additionally, the introduction should cite relevant sources and provide a foundation for further investigation.
Body
The body of an academic research article should provide evidence that supports the research question. It should include a thorough review of the literature and be organized in a logical manner. This section should also include the results of any experiments performed and the analysis of the data collected. Additionally, it should provide an explanation of any observed trends and offer appropriate conclusions.
Conclusion
The conclusion of an academic research article should provide a summary of the main points and findings. This section should draw together the results of the research and provide a clear answer to the research question. Additionally, this section should suggest future research opportunities and provide recommendations for other researchers.
References
The references section should include all of the sources used throughout the paper. This section should be organized alphabetically by the author’s last name and should include the full citation for each source. Additionally, the references should be formatted according to the guidelines set out by the journal or publisher.
Conclusion
Writing an academic research article can be a daunting task, but with the right structure and guidance, it is possible to create a well-crafted paper that can be accepted for publication. An effective article structure should include a clear introduction, body, conclusion, and references. Additionally, the paper should cite relevant sources, provide evidence to support the research question, and draw appropriate conclusions.
If you need more help getting started, the APA Style Basics Tutorial is a great resource. Additionally, Purdue OWL’s APA Formatting and Style Guide offers detailed guidance for formatting your paper according to APA style. Finally, JMU’s Research and Citation Guide can provide helpful tips for citing your sources.
