The "IMRAD" (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) format of scientific research papers is widely-accepted, though there are variations within each discipline. This list adds a few additional sections that are typically found in scientific research papers.
- Title - Succinctly describes the topic of the paper and includes appropriate terminology to help readers retrieve the paper and understand its contents.
- Abstract - In paragraph format, this summarizes the main ideas, methods, results and conclusions of the paper.
- Introduction - The purpose of the paper is clearly stated, along with background information on the topic and a summary of research that is relevant to the topic.
- Methods - Explains the type of scientific methods or procedures that were used in the research.
- Results - The data collected in the study are presented here in text, charts and graphs.
- Discussion/Conclusion - This section contains the analysis and discussion of the data presented in the results and draws conclusions based on the data.
- Acknowledgements - Any person or organization who helped with the study through funding or other support is mentioned here.
- References - All the sources used in the paper are cited in the style that is appropriate to the discipline.
