What is Original Research?
Original Research is a type of scientific study that generates new knowledge by exploring novel hypotheses, ideas, or methods. Unlike review articles or meta-analyses, Original Research articles present fresh empirical findings derived from actual experimentation or observation. These findings contribute directly to the advancement of knowledge in a specific field of study.
Criteria for Original Research
To qualify as Original Research, an article must meet the following criteria:
- Novelty: The research introduces new insights, theories, or data that have not been previously published. It should provide a unique perspective on a specific topic or issue.
- Empirical Evidence: The study must be based on primary data collected through experiments, surveys, observations, or other scientific methods. The findings should be based on empirical evidence rather than theoretical speculation.
- Methodological Rigor: The research must employ a clear, systematic, and reproducible methodology. This includes a well-defined research design, appropriate sampling methods, and robust data analysis techniques.
- Significance: The research should address an important question or problem in the field, contributing to the body of knowledge and having potential implications for future research, practice, or policy.
- Ethical Standards: The research must adhere to ethical guidelines, including obtaining informed consent from participants, ensuring confidentiality, and minimizing harm. Any potential conflicts of interest should be disclosed.
- Clarity and Transparency: The article should be clearly written, with transparent reporting of methods and results. This allows other researchers to replicate the study or build upon its findings.
Original Research articles are a cornerstone of academic publishing, as they provide the foundation for ongoing scientific inquiry and development. They are typically subjected to a rigorous peer-review process to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings.
Guidelines for Writing an Original Research Article
This guide provides a comprehensive structure for authors to follow when writing an Original Research article for an international scientific journal. It ensures that research articles meet the necessary standards of quality and consistency.
1. Title Page
Title: The research title should be concise, specific, and informative, ideally no more than 15 words.
Author(s): Full names of all authors along with their institutional affiliations.
Corresponding Author: Contact information (usually an email) for the corresponding author.
Running Title: A shortened version of the title, usually less than 50 characters.
2. Abstract
Objective: The main objective of the research.
Methods: A summary of the methods used.
Results: The primary findings of the study.
Conclusion: The main conclusion and the significance of the research.
Keywords: 3-6 relevant and specific keywords.
Abstract Length: 150-250 words.
3. Introduction
Background: General background explaining the research context.
Problem Statement: A description of the research problem or question.
Literature Review: A review of related literature to highlight the research gap.
Research Objective: A clear statement of the research objectives and hypotheses (if any).
4. Methods
Study Design: The research design used.
Participants/Sample: Detailed description of the sample or subjects.
Materials/Tools: Instruments or tools used to collect data.
Procedure: A detailed procedure of how the research was conducted.
Data Collection: The data collection methods.
Data Analysis: Statistical analysis techniques or other methods used.
5. Results
Main Findings: The primary findings generated from the analyzed data.
Tables and Figures: Relevant tables and figures to clarify the research results.
6. Discussion
Interpretation of Results: Interpretation of the research results in the context of existing theories or literature.
Implications: The implications of the research results for theory, practice, or policy.
Comparison with Previous Research: How these results relate to or differ from previous studies.
Limitations: The limitations of this research.
Future Research: Suggestions for future research.
7. Conclusion
Summary: A summary of the main findings.
Practical Implications: Practical applications of the research results.
Final Thoughts: A concluding statement emphasizing the importance of this research.
8. Acknowledgments (Optional)
Recognition of individuals or institutions that contributed to the research.
9. Conflicts of Interest
A statement regarding potential conflicts of interest.
10. Funding
Information about the funding sources that supported the research.
11. References
A list of all references cited in the text, formatted according to the journal’s required citation style.
Proportion of Recent References: Aim to use references from the last 5 years.
12. Appendices (Optional)
Additional information important for understanding the research.
13. Supplementary Materials (Optional)
Additional materials such as datasets, videos, or code.
Overall Article Length: The article typically ranges from 4000-7000 words.