MEV 019: Unit 14 - Research Paper

 UNIT 14: RESEARCH PAPER

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14.1 Introduction

A research paper is a formal academic document presenting the results of original study or analysis on a specific topic.
It involves systematic investigation, collection of data, interpretation of findings, and presentation in a structured format.
Unlike general reports, research papers are meant for scholarly communication and are often submitted to scientific journals for publication.

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14.2 Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:

• Explain the purpose of writing a research paper.
• Understand the process of planning, drafting, and revising a paper.
• Identify the standard format used in scientific journals.
• Recognise the importance of avoiding plagiarism.
• Understand the concept of peer review.

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14.3 Reasons for Writing a Research Paper

1. Contribution to Knowledge – To share new findings with the academic community.
2. Documentation – To formally record research work for future reference.
3. Professional Growth – To build credibility, reputation, and expertise.
4. Requirement Fulfilment – As part of degree programs or research funding conditions.
5. Encouraging Further Research – Providing a foundation for others to build upon.

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14.4 Writing Process

The research paper writing process usually involves:

1. Selecting a Topic – Relevant, researchable, and original.
2. Conducting a Literature Review – Understanding existing research.
3. Designing the Research – Choosing methodology and data collection techniques.
4. Collecting and Analysing Data – Applying statistical or qualitative analysis.
5. Drafting the Paper – Writing in a logical and structured format.
6. Revising and Editing – Improving clarity, accuracy, and flow.
7. Final Proofreading – Ensuring no grammatical, spelling, or formatting errors remain.
8. Submission – Sending to a journal, conference, or institution.

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14.5 Format of the Research Paper for Scientific Journals

Most scientific journals follow the IMRAD structure:

I – Introduction
M – Methods
R – Results
A – And
D – Discussion

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14.5.1 Introduction

• Define the research problem.
• Provide background and context.
• State research objectives or hypotheses.
• Highlight the significance and scope of the study.

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14.5.2 Body

This usually consists of:

• Literature Review – Summary of related studies.
• Methodology – Research design, data collection, and analysis methods.
• Results – Findings presented in text, tables, or figures.
• Discussion – Interpretation of results, comparison with previous research, limitations, and implications.

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14.5.3 Conclusion

• Summarise main findings.
• Highlight contributions to knowledge.
• Suggest recommendations and future research directions.

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14.6 Plagiarism

Plagiarism is presenting another person’s work, ideas, or words as your own without proper attribution.
To avoid plagiarism:

• Cite all sources using the required style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
• Use quotation marks for direct quotes.
• Paraphrase with credit to the original source.
• Use plagiarism detection tools before submission.

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14.7 Peer Review

Peer review is the process where experts in the field evaluate the paper for quality, originality, and accuracy before publication.
Types of peer review include:

• Single-blind – Reviewers know the author’s identity, but authors don’t know the reviewers.
• Double-blind – Both authors and reviewers are anonymous.
• Open review – Identities are known to both parties.

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14.8 Let Us Sum Up

• A research paper is a formal academic work aimed at sharing new findings.
• The writing process involves topic selection, research, drafting, and revision.
• Scientific journals often follow the IMRAD format.
• Plagiarism must be avoided through correct citation.
• Peer review ensures quality and credibility before publication.

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14.9 Key Words

• Research Paper – A formal scholarly document reporting original research.
• IMRAD – Standard structure: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion.
• Plagiarism – Using another’s work without attribution.
• Peer Review – Evaluation of a paper by experts in the field before publication.