In the natural sciences, scientific articles and assignments usually follow this structure: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion (abbreviated to IMRaD).
- Introduction: Why did you start?
- Methods: What did you do?
- Results: What did you find?
- and
- Discussion: What does it all mean?
In the Introduction section, you present the topic and the research question
Often, you should start with a review of the current research and explain why your study is relevant. This leads to the research question and any hypotheses.
In the Methods section, you explain how you will investigate the research question
If theoretical descriptions are needed, they will typically be included here. Remember, it is always more interesting for the reader to hear why you chose this specific method rather than just describing the method.
In the Results section, you present your findings
Present the results as clearly and systematically as possible
In the Discussion section, you compare and discuss the results in relation to the existing research presented in the introduction
You should also discuss your findings in relation to theoretical knowledge if you have chosen to include it. Here, you will also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the study.
End the assignment with a brief summary in a conclusion.
