Abstract
The five-part structure of research papers (Introduction, Method, Results and Discussion plus Abstract) serves as the conceptual basis for the content. The structure can be considered an “hourglass” or a “conversation” with predictable elements. Each section of the paper has its own common internal structure and linguistic features. The structures and features are explained with examples from published papers in a range of scientific disciplines. Exceptions to the four-part structure are also discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Cargill, M., & O’Connor, P. (2009). Writing scientific research articles. West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell.
Cooper, E. A., Piazza, E. A., & Banks, M. S. (2012). The perceptual basis of common photographic practice. Journal of Vision, 12(5), 1–14.
Esquer Mendez, J. L., Hernández Rodríguez, M., & Bückle Ramirez, L. F. (2010). Thermal tolerance and compatibility zones as a tool to establish the optimum culture condition of the halibut Paralichthys californicus (Ayres, 1859). Aquaculture Research, 41(7), 1015–1021.
Glassman-Deal, H. (2010). Science research writing: For non-native speakers of English. London: Imperial College Press.
Latour, B., & Woolgar, S. (1986). Laboratory life: The social construction of scientific facts. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Penrose, A. M., & Katz, S. B. (2001). Writing in the sciences: Exploring conventions of scientific discourse. New York: Longman.
Pérez-Flores, M. A., Antonio-Carpio, R. G., Enrique Gómez-Treviño, E., & Ferguson, I. (2011). 3D inversion of control source LIN electromagnetic data. Unpublished manuscript.
Rodríguez-Santiago, M. A., & Rosales-Casián, J. A. (2011). Parasite structure of the Ocean Whitefish Caulolatilus princeps from Baja California, México (East Pacific). Helgoland Marine Research, 65(2), 197–202.
Swales, J. (1990). Genre analysis: English in academic and research settings. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Swales, J. M., & Feak, C. (2004). Academic writing for graduate students: Essential tasks and skills (2nd ed.). Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2014 The Author(s)
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Englander, K. (2014). Writing the Five Principal Sections: Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion. In: Writing and Publishing Science Research Papers in English. SpringerBriefs in Education. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7714-9_8
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7714-9_8
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-007-7713-2
Online ISBN: 978-94-007-7714-9
eBook Packages: Humanities, Social Sciences and LawEducation (R0)