Owens Library Structure of a Research Article

Research based articles often include several of the following sections:

Title & Author Information:
briefly summarizes the subject or purpose of the article & documents the author's credentials in the field of study

Abstract:
summarizes the research study and results of the study

Introduction:
states the hypothesis or purpose of the research

Review of Literature:
summarizes previous research or what has already been written on the subject

Methodology:
describes what kind(s) of research methods were used in this project and how the study or survey were constructed and implemented

Findings/Results:
collates and summarizes the data collected and calculates totals or trends

Conclusions/Discussion:
discusses applications or implications of the findings/results

Further Study:
suggests areas where more complete data or findings are needed and related areas for future research

Works Cited/References:
lists the sources cited by the author(s) of the article