Organization of a Research Report

Question 1

Title

Answer 1

Captures the essence of the study, and usually states the variables or phenomena included in the study

Question 2

Abstract

Answer 2

Provides a concise summary of the study, giving an overview of the article and a preview of the research findings.
The abstract briefly describes the study purpose, research design, methodology, and findings in 100–300 words.

Question 3

Introduction

Answer 3

The first section of a research article.
The introduction often begins with a statement about the need for the research, followed by a brief presentation of current literature.
It may also present a theoretical framework. However, many published research articles do not explicitly state their underlying theory. The research problem statement is usually located at the end of this section.

Question 4

Methodology

Answer 4

Describes how researchers carried out the study.
It identifies the research design and describes the subjects, sampling techniques, setting, data collection process, and data analysis procedures. Research journals generally place a greater emphasis on this section than do clinical journals.

Question 5

Results

Answer 5

States the answers to the study’s research questions or aims.
Often, the terms results and findings are used interchangeably.
The findings section typically provides readers with a description of study participants and presents the key research findings.

Question 6

Discussion

Answer 6

Where the study findings are interpreted and tied to earlier research; sometimes labeled “Conclusion.”
This section begins with a summary of the study findings; then researchers compare their findings to the existing body of literature and back to the theoretical framework.
Study limitations and implications for nursing practice and recommendations for further research also appear here.

Question 7

Reference

Answer 7

Concludes a research article. It lists journal articles, books, and other sources cited in the text of the article.
Reference sections are a very valuable tool to readers who are interested in further information on a given area of study.