Structure of Research Paper

Section Purpose Verb Tense Elements

Abstract Mini version of the Paper Simple Past • Principal objectives
[150-250 words] preferably with Refers to work done • Methods used
quantitative achievements • Principal results
• Main Conclusions
Introduction Provides rationale for Present • Nature and scope of the problem
[500-1000] the study Refers to established • Review of relevant literature
Literature Review knowledge in the • Hypothesis
[1000-1500 words] literature. • Approach (and justification for this
A link between problem approach
statement and objective of • Must conclude with exact definition of
research control variables and the key performance
indicators in a concise problem statement
• Objective of the research
Materials and Describes what was done Simple Past • Description of materials
Method • Experiments Refers to work done • Description of procedure in logical order
[500-1000 words] • Numerical • Sufficient detail so that procedure can be
simulations reproduced
Results Presents the data and Simple Past • Your results
[500-1500 words] facts Refers to what was found, • Your observations during experiments
• Analysis what you found observed • Your observations about the results (e.g.,
• Tables and Charts observed compare/contrast between experiments)
calculated • Results of calculations using the data, such
discovered as rates or error
Discussion Shows the relationship Present • Trends, relationships, generalizations
[1000-1500 words] between the facts Emphasis on established shown by the results
Puts results in context of knowledge, present • Any exceptions, outlying data (and why)
previous research results • How your results. agree disagree with
previous studies, and why
Conclusions Summarizes your Present • Conclusions should relate back to the
[200-300 words] principal findings Emphasis on what should introduction, the hypothesis
now be accepted as • Summary of evidence supporting each
established knowledge conclusion
• Implications, the significance of your
results or any practical applications
Title Draws reader’s interest
[8-15 words]

Research Methodology
Dr Zia R Tahir
Mechanical Engineering Department

Dr Zia R Tahir Research Methodology Version 1.1 12/2018