Elements of a Research Paper
Articles that report empirical research usually contain different sections which relate to the steps of the scientific method.
Abstract - The abstract provides a statement on the background or purpose (what was being studied and why) and a brief summary of the research.
Introduction - The introduction sets the research in a context, providing a review of established and related research and develops the hypotheses for the research.
Methods - The methods section describes how the research was conducted - the experimental group or sample, control, variables, number of test subjects, test conditions, etc.
Results - The results section describes the outcomes of the study in numeric form as tables, charts, or graphs, etc., often with statistical analysis.
Discussion (or Conclusion or Significance) - The discussion section contains the interpretations and implications of the study.
Works Cited (or References or Bibliography) - This section lists the articles, books, and other material cited in the paper.
Types of Literature
What is it? Original research, based on observation/experience/investigation.
Examples: Results of studies (such as Randomized Controlled Trials, Qualitative Studies) with methodologies, data, results, and conclusions.
Where to find it: Published in peer-reviewed journals such as NEJM, Critical Care Nurse, JAMA, Journal of Advanced Nursing (found in databases like PubMed & Embase). Dissertations, conference abstracts or proceedings.
What is it? Secondary articles summarize and appraise multiple relevant primary studies to answer a clinical question. Also called filtered, pre-appraised, or synthesized, or evidence summaries.
Examples: Review articles, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, Best Practice Guidelines.
Where to find it: Cochrane Library, TRIP database. Filters in databases like PubMed, Embase for systematic reviews/meta-analyses in databases. Scholarly books (monographs).
What is it? An overview of primary and secondary sources such as textbooks or handbooks. A background/introduction to principles and practices within the discipline.
Examples: “Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine.” “Watson's Clinical Nursing & Related Sciences.”
Where to find it: Textbooks, review articles.
What is it? Literature not readily available through conventional academic sources, also known as ‘hard to find.’ Usually not indexed or published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Examples: Proceedings from the 25th Conference on Retroviruses & Opportunistic Infections. American Nurses Association Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation Year Four Highlights 2020-2021.
Where to find it: Internet searches, assocations/societies, data sets, conference proceedings, clinical trial data, government reports, trade journals, statistics.
What is it? A case report is a detailed report of the symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual patient.
Examples: Winston LA, Fischer MP. A 24-Year-Old Woman Presenting With Altered Mental Status and Multiorgan Failure. Chest. 2021 Sep;160(3):e279-e283. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.04.071. PMID: 34488968; PMCID: PMC8413725.
Where to find it: Published in peer-reviewed clinical journals which are found in databases like PubMed & Embase.