Academic Formats & Structures

A structural format for research papers: Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion - an expanded version of IMRAD. This format provides additional emphasis on the abstract as a critical component of scientific communication.

A substantial research document required for doctoral degrees, presenting original research and findings. Dissertations represent major scholarly contributions and demonstrate the candidate's ability to conduct independent research.

Alternative spelling/formatting of IMRAD structure. This variant emphasizes the same organizational principles while reflecting different stylistic preferences in scientific writing conventions.

The standard structure for scientific papers: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. This format facilitates clear communication of scientific research by providing readers with predictable organization and logical flow of information.

A research structure variant: Introduction, Results, Discussion, and Conclusions - used in some engineering and technical fields. This format reflects disciplinary preferences for presenting technical research and may better suit certain types of engineering and applied research.

A comprehensive research document required for graduate degrees that presents original research and analysis. The thesis demonstrates scholarly competence while making original contributions to knowledge in the field.

The doctoral dissertation required for PhD degree completion, presenting substantial original research. The thesis represents the culmination of doctoral study and demonstrates the candidate's ability to conduct independent research and make original contributions to knowledge.

Standardized structures and styles used in academic writing and publication. These formats ensure consistency and facilitate communication within scholarly communities by establishing common conventions.

A statement that contradicts the null hypothesis, proposing that there is a significant effect or difference in research. This hypothesis represents what researchers typically hope to demonstrate through their statistical testing.

Standardized structures used for presenting scientific research, particularly in STEM fields. These formats facilitate clear communication while enabling readers to efficiently locate specific types of information.