When just starting a manuscript, it’s often helpful to begin by writing your methods. If we think about the hourglass concept of a research article, the methods occur in the narrowest part of the hourglass, meaning that we are writing with a lot of specificity and focus. Writing about methods also means writing about what we’ve already done, which is a tangible and sometimes easier place to start (as opposed to the synthesis required for writing an intro and lit review). So, today’s post will provide some tips on writing the methods section.

When it comes to publishing scientific research, organizing your manuscript effectively is crucial for conveying your findings and insights to the academic community. The structure and organization of your paper not only enhance readability but also contribute to the clarity and impact of your research. In this blog, we explore the typical structure of a manuscript and provide guidance on creating an effective organizational plan. We will also discuss the significance of section headers and the role of balancing the word counts within each section.

Discover effective strategies for creating a powerful orientation for your research in this blog post. Instead of using the generic term "introduction," we explore the concept of "orientation" to prompt writers to take action and achieve their communicative goals. By following three essential objectives, you can establish a solid foundation, narrow down to a specific problem, and propose a solution.

Discover how to navigate the academic journal landscape effectively with our comprehensive guide. Learn about different types of publications, and find key insights to help you choose the right venue for your research. Explore factors like scope, impact, and audience to ensure your work achieves maximum reach and impact.

As a researcher, publishing your work is crucial to advancing your academic career. However, publishing your research in reputable journals can be daunting. That's where a genre-based approach can help. The genre-based approach is based on the IMRaD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) structure commonly used in research articles. Each section has specific expectations that researchers must meet to effectively communicate their research findings to the reader. In the e-book Preparing to Publish, the authors depict this structure using an hourglass. That shape allows us to consider which research article sections will be general/broad and which will be specific/narrow.

Discover how to break free from the cycle of frustration in research writing and develop compelling arguments that showcase the significance of your work. Join our workshop series, Unlock Your Publishing Potential, led by Academic Writing Specialist, Dr. Kimberly Becker. Learn to define and construct persuasive scientific arguments, understand the structure of research articles, and utilize genre-based strategies to effectively communicate your research.