• Types of scientific papers

Types of Scientific Papers

• Original research article – information based on original
research. It typically includes Introduction, Materials and
Methods, Results, and Discussion sections.

• Case reports – usually of a single case. It is published in

psychology and medicine.

Effective Medical Writing. Peh WCG &, NG K H Singapore Medical Journal

2008 49(7) 522 smj.sma.org.sg/4907/4907emw1.pdf (accessed 05
November 2013)
• Technical notes - describe a specific
technique or procedure. It can also be
called as a methods paper.
• Pictorial essay – teaching article with
images. This is more about teaching
methodology.
• Review – detailed analysis of recent
research on a specific topic. Perspectives
about new research are drawn, based on
the recent advances in the field and the
knowledge gaps still unaddressed.
• Meta-analysis: all the relevant literature
about a topic is extracted for data. Then,
those data are processed statistically to
find more answers that can be applied
globally on that particular subject.
• Commentary – short article with author’s
personal opinions
• Editorial – often short review or critique of
original articles

• Letter to the Editor – short & on subject of

interest to readers