1. PowerPoint Template for DCC 301 The IMRAD Format (Mutmainna, Amriati).pptx

IMRAD Format

1. SPUP Graduate School DCC 301 Advanced Research Methods II

2. SPUP Graduate School The IMRAD Format Amriati Mutmainna

3. The IMRAD Format “ IMRaD ” format refers to a paper that is structured by four main sections: - Introduction, - Methods, - Results, and - Discussion. This format is often used for lab reports as well as for reporting any planned, systematic research in the social sciences, natural sciences, or engineering and computer sciences.

4. The IMRAD Format Writing a strong research paper is key to succeeding in academia, but it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s where the IMRAD format comes in. IMRAD provides a clear structure to help you organize and present your research logically and coherently. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the IMRAD format, why it’s so important for research writing, and how to use it effectively. Follow along to learn the ins and outs of crafting papers in the gold-standard IMRAD structure.

5. Why is the IMRAD Format Important? Using the IMRAD structure has several key advantages: It’s conventional and familiar.  Since I MRAD is so widely used , it helps ensure editors, reviewers, and readers can easily find the details they need. This enhances clarity and comprehension. It emphasizes scientific rigor.  The methods and results sections encourage thorough reporting of how you conducted the research. This supports transparency, credibility, and reproducibility. It encourages precision.  The structure necessitates concise writing focused only on the core aims and findings. This avoids rambling or repetition. It enables efficient reading.  Readers can quickly skim to the sections most relevant to them, like only reading the methods. IMRAD facilitates this selective reading.

6. Introduction  Make a case for your research The introduction explains why this research is important or necessary or important. Begin by describing the problem or situation that motivates the research. Move to discussing the current state of research in the field; then reveal a “gap” or problem in the field. Finally, explain how the present research is a solution to that problem or gap. If the study has hypotheses, they are presented at the end of the introduction.

7. Methods  What did you do? The methods section tells readers how you conducted your study. It includes information about your population, sample, methods, and equipment. The “gold standard” of the methods section is that it should enable readers to duplicate your study. Methods sections typically use subheadings; they are written in past tense, and they use a lot of passive voice. This is typically the least read section of an IMRaD report.

8. Results  What did you find? In this section, you present your findings. Typically, the Results section contains only the findings, not any explanation of or commentary on the findings. Results sections are usually written in the past tense. Make sure all tables and figures are labeled and numbered separately. Captions go above tables and beneath figures.

9. Discussion  What does it mean? In this section, you summarize your main findings, comment on those findings, and connect them to other research. You also discuss limitations of your study, and use these limitations as reasons to suggest additional, future research.

10. Abstract  Summarize the entire study The abstract for the report comes at the beginning of the paper, but you should write it after you have drafted the full report. The abstract provides a very short overview of the entire paper, including a sentence or two about the report’s purpose and importance, a sentence or two about your methods, a few sentences that present the main findings, and a sentence or two about the implications of your findings.

11. Reporting versus Commenting on your Findings Report 1. Refer to your table or figure and state the main trend Table 3 shows that Spam Filter A correctly filtered more junk emails than Filter B 2. Support the trend with data Filter A correctly filtered.... The average difference is.... 3. (If needed) Note any additional, secondary trends and support them with data In addition.... Figure 1 also shows.... 4. (If needed) Note any exceptions to your main trends or unexpected outcomes. However.... Comment 1. (If needed) Provide an explanation A feasible explanation is.... This trend can be explained by.... 2. (If needed) Compare to other research X is consistent with X’s finding... In contrast, Y found.... 3. (If needed) Evaluate whether the findings support or contradict a hypothesis 4. State the bottom line: what does the data mean? These findings overall suggest.... These data indicate....

12. Common problems in IMRaD drafts: The Abstract does not provide a clear statement of the main findings. The Introduction does not communicate clearly why the research is important. The Methods section is not detailed enough or is disorganized. The Results section provides comments and explanations instead of simply reporting results.

13. When Should You Use IMRAD Format? The IMRAD structure is ideal for: Primary research papers that report new data and findings Review papers that comprehensively summarize prior research Grant proposals requesting funding for research IMRAD is not typically used for other paper types like: Editorials and opinion pieces Popular science articles for general audiences Essays analyzing a topic rather than presenting new data

14. Here’s a quick overview of each section’s purpose: Introduction : Summary of prior research and objective of your study Methods : How you carried out the study Results : Key findings and analysis Discussion : Interpretation of results and implications Most papers also include an abstract at the beginning and a conclusion at the end to summarize the entire report.

15. References Doctoraimd . (2023). IMRAD Format For Research Papers: Complete Guide. Accessed from website https://draimd.substack.com/p/imrad-format-for-research-papers George Mason University. ( n.d ). Writing a Scientific Research Report ( IMRaD ). Accessed from website https://writingcenter.gmu.edu/writing-resources/imrad/writing-an-imrad-report

16. Thank you very much!