Outlining the Average Journal Article: A Quick Look at the Sections Taken from Cantor A Guide to Academic Writing with additions Jennifer L. Bowie

The Title & Abstract The Title: Make it concise and applicable See Huff & our earlier title discussions for more details The Abstract: Be clear, concise, and provide the type of abstract they want Length is typically around 150 word but can vary Use to sell the paper See our earlier abstract discussion & slides for more details

Introduction Describe why the focus of your article is important Introduce readers to the problem area Use the literature as support Answer the “so what” question Provide the significance of the problem Present the need for your work Tie to your field/area Keep this short, a few paragraphs probably

Purpose of Study Only needed if study & this may fall into another section Provide the rationale for your particular study Often starts with “The purpose of this study is to…” Presents the problem statement (declarative, not as a question) Keep it brief, a few paragraphs at most May provide an overview of your hypotheses, research questions, and methodology May include limitations and definitions

Literature Review Discuss related research Demonstrate how the related research supports your work Show the void your work will fill Discuss previous work that agrees/disagree with your findings and work Present a variety of opinions Organize the reviews so it flows

Method/Methodology In some areas this will be combined with the purpose of study section. The purpose section will start this section. Discuss how the research was conducted Defend the methodology Discuss issues like rigor and biases Make it clear how your methods, methodology, and research questions relate Make sure you include the three subsections…

Population & Sample: Discuss the subjects, including basic demographic information (as needed), numbers of sample and total population, & selection process Materials: Detail any needed materials, facilities, and apparatus Procedure: Discuss how the study was done, step by step If applicable provide information on the pilot study Validate your measures and instruments Support as needed with literature Method/Methodology: Subsections

Results Provide and describe the findings from your study Include raw data and enough details for it to make sense Include all findings, even if they do not support your hypothesis Explain any problems, inconsistencies, or discrepancies with the results Compare findings to your predictions and past studies Use visuals to display data Include and explain stats used (if used)

Discussion/Conclusion These sections may be separate or combined Discussion: Evaluate and interpret your results Qualify findings as needed Draw inferences Related the findings to your literature Discuss how findings related to hypothesis Examine unconfirmed areas Present 1-2 or a few general conclusions from the findings Discuss any issues or problems with the research including problems that occurred while doing the research Explore any limitations Discuss the theoretical and practical implications of your findings Conclusion: If it is separate from the discussion it will probably be short, a few paragraphs Summarize the whole article Step back and provide a more universal and general discussion of the study and implications Present further areas of study Answer the questions of “now what?” Reiterate the “so what” answers

Don’t forget the Reference list! Use whatever formatting is require by the journal

The End Questions?