Research Manuscripts & Literature Reviews
Research Manuscripts
Research manuscripts are divided into four main sections consisting of the Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. An abstract comprises the fifth section and is included to give the reader an overview of the article. Title pages, references, and, when appropriate, appendices should also be included in the submission of research manuscripts. All research articles submitted to Articulate should include these sections; brief descriptions are listed below. Additional information can be found in the “Writing a Research Manuscript” guide from the RVU Writing Center.
Abstract
The abstract should provide a summary of the research. The abstract should not be subtitled but it is suggested the author overview the research question, methods, results, and conclusions of the study. It should be written in a clear and concise manner and provide context for the study.
Introduction
The introduction should provide background information on the research topic and context, including relevant literature and any existing research gaps. It is preferable to cite original research studies and avoid referencing review articles when providing background. The research question and hypotheses should also be clearly stated. Data from the study and conclusions are not included in this section.
Methods
The methods section should provide a detailed description of the research design, including the study population, data collection and analysis methods, and any statistical methods used. It should also describe any ethical considerations of the study and approvals from the Institutional Review Board or Animal Care Committee if applicable.
Results
The results section should present the findings of the study in a clear and concise manner, using tables and figures as appropriate. Data should not be repeated in detail between text and tables or figures but summarized. This section should also provide statistical analyses and any relevant statistical significance.
Discussion
The discussion section should interpret the results of the study and relate them to the research question and hypothesis. The section should also discuss any limitations of the study and suggest future research directions. Authors should avoid making conclusions that are not adequately supported by the data.
References
The references section should include all sources cited in the manuscript and follow the AMA style guide. Reference guides can be found under the Writing Guides tab on the Writing Center.
Acknowledgements
The acknowledgement section should acknowledge contributions from individuals who do not meet all criteria for authorship. This section should also include any funding sources, external and/or intramural.
Appendices
Any additional information that is not essential to the main text of the manuscript but may be useful to readers (e.g., survey instruments, data tables) can be included in the appendices section.
Literature Reviews
Due to the constant output of scientific publications, literature reviews are of great necessity—it is important for healthcare professionals to rely on summaries of the recent literature. Reviewing literature involves finding and evaluating material and synthesizing the information from these various sources.1 Your review will make an argument about the larger academic conversation and note gaps in the literature (missing areas of research, places of weakness, and points of contention).
Finding a topic
Your topic should be interesting to you, highlight an important aspect of the field, and discuss a well-defined issue.
Searching the literature
Ensure that you keep all your source items organized (it is recommended that you use a citation management system (i.e., Zotero) or keep a complete annotated bibliography to track and organize your sources). Ensure that you have explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria that define the scope of the review. This information should appear in your methodology section.
Find a logical structure for your review:
Introduction
A literature review needs an introduction that establishes the topic and its importance. You might consider including statistics or historical background information. You can think of your introduction as a funnel insofar as it should start broadly and then narrow in while also providing a brief overview of literature on your topic.
Methodology
You must include a methods section that addresses key search terms, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and databases used. Be thorough and specific.
Major Sections/Sub Sections
You have freedom in the way you organize your internal sections, but sources should be organized by commonalities. Sections should deal with specific aspects and themes within your research topic. Begin with the overall state of the literature currently, moving from larger studies towards smaller, more focused studies. End each section with an assessment of the literature. You can think of the literature review as a comprehensive narrative that puts sources in conversation with one another. What is the relationship between your chosen topic and the wider subject area (i.e., between obesity in children and obesity in general)?2
Conclusion
Your conclusion should summarize and evaluate your findings within the existing body of literature. The conclusion should identify the flaws or gaps in the literature as well. You will find that this mirrors the content of your major sections/sub sections. Outline areas for potential future studies and briefly reiterate your findings from above.
Documents requested upon acceptance:
- Student Research Approval form (iNET)
- Conflict of Interest document (already included in IRB-approved research)
- IRB approval form (or exemption)
- Authorship contributors (including name, degree, and affiliation)