IMRAD Format: A Simple Guide

Perida, Prudentino, Punzal, Tolentino

Natural and Applied Sciences Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology

ABSTRACT

The abstract is a succinct summary of your entire paper, typically around 250 words. Many readers will
only read the abstract, so craft it carefully to function as a standalone piece highlighting your most
important points.
Elements to include:

• Research problem, question, or objectives

• Methods and design
• Major findings or developments
• Conclusions and implications

While written first, refine the abstract last to accurately encapsulate your final paper. A clear precise
abstract can help attract readers and set the tone for your work.
INTRODUCTION • Species
• Sex
The Introduction provides the necessary • Age range
background context and sets up the rationale for • Health status
your research. Start by briefly summarizing the • Geographic location
core findings from previous studies related to
your topic to orient readers to the field. Provide For human studies, include recruitment
more detail on the specific gaps, inconsistencies, strategies and consent procedures.
or unanswered questions in the research your
study aims to address. Then, clearly state your Materials
research questions, objectives, experimental List any instruments, tests, assays, chemicals,
hypotheses, and overall purpose or anticipated or other materials utilized. Include details like
contributions. The Introduction establishes why manufacturers and catalog numbers.
your research is needed and clarifies your Procedure
specific aims. Strive for a concise yet Chronologically explain each step of the
comprehensive overview that lets readers learn experimental methods. Be precise and thorough
more about your fascinating study. Writing a good to enable replication. Use past tense and
introduction is like writing a good mini-literature passive voice.
review on a subject. Data Analysis
Describe any statistical tests, data processing,
or software used to analyze the data.
The methods section provides the roadmap of
METHODS your research journey. Strive for clarity and
completeness.
The methods section is the nuts and
bolts, where you comprehensively describe how RESULTS & DISCUSSION
you carried out the research. Sufficient detail is
crucial so others can assess your work and This section shares the key findings and
reproduce the study. Take a look at our complete data from your study without interpretation. The
guide to writing an informative and tight literature results should mirror the methods used.
review here! Report Findings Concisely
Use text, figures, and tables to present the core
Research Design results:
Start by explaining the overall design and • Focus only on key data directly related to
approach. Specify: your objectives
• Research types like experimental, • Avoid lengthy explanations and
survey, observational, etc. extraneous details
• Study duration • Highlight the most groundbreaking
• Sample size findings
• Control vs experimental groups
Use Visuals to Present Complex Data
Clarify the variables, treatments, and factors
involved. Tables and figures efficiently communicate
more complex data:
Participants • Tables organize detailed numerical
or textual data
Provide relevant characteristics of the study
population or sample, such as:
 • Figures vividly depict relationships • Were there any methodological
like graphs, diagrams, photos limitations that could influence the
• Include clear captions explaining results?
what is shown • Can the research be expanded by
• Refer to each visual in the text testing new variables or conditions?
• How could future studies build on
Reporting your results objectively lays the your work? What questions remain
groundwork for the next section – making unanswered?
sense of it all through discussion.
A thoughtful discussion emphasizes the
Here, you interpret the data, explain the meaningful contributions of your research.
implications, acknowledge limitations, and
make recommendations for future research. CONCLUSION
The discussion allows you to show the
greater meaning of your study. The conclusion recaps the significance of
your study and key takeaways. Like the abstract,
many readers may only read your opening and
Interpret the Findings
closing, so ensure the conclusion packs a punch.
Elements to cover:
Analyze the results in the context of your
• Restate the research problem and
initial hypothesis and prior studies: objectives
• How do your findings compare to • Summarize the major findings and main
past research? Are they consistent or points
contradictory? • Emphasize broader implications and
• What conclusions can you draw from applications
the data?
• What theories or mechanisms could The conclusion provides the perfect opportunity
explain the outcomes? to drive home the importance of your work. End
on a high note that resonates with readers.
Discuss the Implications

Address the impact and applications of the REFERENCES

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• How do the findings advance
Biology Online. Biology Articles,
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.11
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No study is perfect, so discuss potential
Das, S., Pati, F., Choi, Y. J., & Rijal, G.
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APPENDIX