Major parts of a Research Journal Article

(REiLA Journal of Research and Innovation in Language)

Research articles contain several standard parts and it is necessary to understand the distinctive elements in order to
accurately evaluate the research being presented. The various parts may be presented in a slightly different arrangement or
be titled differently but the essential parts of the paper are more likely the same.

Title and author information – the title

provides the main idea of the article and
authors are listed, along with their affiliation

Abstract – a paragraph that summarizes the

article
Abstract (Body): Key elements in the body of
an abstract:
Introduction: Problem Description,
Motivation and Relevance
Method
Results
Conclusion

Introduction (may not always be labelled) –

provides background, states the purpose of
the research, may discuss previous research
leading up to the study, may state a
hypothesis or question, and significance of
the study

Materials and Method/Methodology –

describes how the research was conducted,
with details about the study sample,
procedures, data collection and analysis
Results or Findings – a summary of the findings
presented in text or table format, may have
individual sections with specific information

Discussion – explains how the results answered

the research questions/objectives

Relation to other results: the relation of these

findings to previous work, e.g. “supports the
findings of Alvarez et al., (1994)” or “is contrast
to …”
Limitation – the parameter of the study. These include
flaws or shortcomings which could be the result of
unavailability of resources, small sample size,

Conclusion – refers back to the research objectives and

explicitly answers them. It reiterates the findings of the
study and presents them concisely

Acknowledgment – acknowledge people, organizations

who contributed to the completion of the study

References – a listing of works cited by the author(s)