Course: Deconstructing Research Articles: How to Read and Write a Research Paper

Location elements and/or summary statements. [location] Figure 1 illustrates the stress-strain curves of A, B, C and D. Highlighting statements [highlight] Overall, the mechanical strength of A is much higher …

Data ≠ results In every RA, there’re RESULTS. [Reflection] How important is data to you, in your research? How do you present your data/results in a manuscript? How much interpretation …

In science, data is king. [No] Raw data [Yes] Organized data [Yes] Interpretation

Condensed versus extended [No] Not about length [Yes] Justification [Yes] Explanation The right amount of information Consider your reader: expert or layman, multi-disciplinary or not? Consider your field: standardized procedures? …

Common phrases for the 7 moves in Methods Move 1 – Overview Move 2 – Research aim Move 3 – Subject/materials Eligible women who matched the selection criteria were identified …

7 moves in Method Overview – Short summary of the research method, at or near the beginning of the Methods section. RQ – Research aims, questions, or hypotheses: a description …

This/these + [summary word] Summary words are nouns, referring to the subject mentioned earlier in the text. Lithium-ion batteries are electrochemical systems for energy storage. LIBS/These system are popular energy …

The most straightforward method Direct repetition [Reflection] Let’s read for writing! Can you identify the use of direct repetition of subjects in your model article? Is the use of direct …

Why do Method sections are indispensable? Evidence-based To convince the readers (experts in the field) Provide sufficient details regarding data collection Materials, participants, apparatus, experiment conditions, procedures … etc. Usually …

Objective of connectors Linking words/phrases that connects ideas in consecutive sentences. Connectors are used to (1) maintain flow, and (2) establish clear relationships. Function/relationship-based : addition, adversativity, cause & effect, …

I.M.R&D + conclusion R1, D1 –> R2, D2 –> R3, D3 R1, R2, R3 –> D1, D2, D3 R1, R2, R3 –> D (1,2,3) What’s in conclusion? Summary of findings …

Problem-Solution organization Situation Problem Solution Evaluation [Reflection] Some of you might find the P-S pattern better fit your field, while others see IMRD as more typical. Disciplinary difference Try to …

General to Specific # Intro Section – Background – Motivation – Objective paragraph samples Writing is a complex socio-cognitive process involving the construction of recorded messages on paper….. The skills …