Skip to Main Content
Monash Health Library


Click here to chat with a librarian

Research writing is the process of documenting and presenting findings from an investigation into a particular topic or question. It involves synthesising existing knowledge, conducting original research (through experiments, surveys, or reviews), and clearly communicating results and interpretations.

Writing for publication

Research papers prepared for scholarly publication generally do the following:

  • Pose a question that is answerable and worth exploring - constituting new research or filling a gap in the literature.
  • Have a clear focus on a topic - the main point of the paper will be an answer to the central question posed.
  • Review and synthesise existing evidence that is well documented and credited.
  • Draw conclusions and provide a discussion. Provide suggestions for further research endeavours.

Recommended resources:

Recorded Webinar - How to get your research published

Request custom training


NIHR School for Primary Care Research. (2024). Writing a Journal Article: a beginners guide.

Structure in research writing refers to the organised format and arrangement of sections within a research paper or report. A clear structure helps guide the reader through the logical flow of ideas, evidence, and conclusions.

Why is it important?

  • A well-organised structure helps readers follow the flow of the argument and research process.
  • It ensures the research is presented in a logical sequence, making it easier to understand and evaluate.
  • A structured format is standard in academic writing and demonstrates adherence to academic conventions.
  • Structure helps present complex ideas clearly and allows readers to quickly find the information they need.

How do I structure my research writing?

The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) provides guidance on Preparing a Manuscript for Submission to a Medical Journal, including detailed information on structuring your manuscript.

You will also need to consider the individual requirements of the journal that you will be submitting your manuscript to. Journal requirements are often referred to as author guidelines.

  1. Title Page
  2. Abstract
  3. Introduction
  4. Methods
  5. Results
  6. Discussion
  7. References
  8. Tables
  9. Illustrations (Figures)
  10. Units of Measurement
  11. Abbreviations and Symbols

Reporting guidelines

Most study designs have reporting guidelines that will affect the content and structure of your article. You can find reporting guidelines for various study designs on the EQUATOR Network website.

Example
If you are writing a systematic review, make sure you adhere to the PRISMA guidelines. 

Recommended resources:

PublishedMD. (2022). Outline your Research Paper Fast (Medical/ health sciences).

Using sources in your research writing means incorporating information, data, or ideas from other authors, studies, or publications to support, explain, or develop your argument or analysis. Sources can include academic journal articles, books, reports, websites, and other forms of media. Properly using sources enhances the credibility, depth, and breadth of your research.

Why is it important?

  • Establishes credibility and demonstrates knowledge of the topic
  • Provides supporting evidence
  • Avoids plagiarism and copyright infringement.
  • Situates your work within the broader scientific context.

How do I incorporate sources into my writing?

  • Conduct a literature search to identify relevant resources
  • Evaluate your results
  • Incorporate the results into your argument
    • Quote: Directly include brief excerpts of text when the wording is particularly significant or powerful.
    • Paraphrase: Rewrite information from a source in your own words, providing a fresh perspective while retaining the original meaning.
    • Summarise: Condense larger sections of text into a brief overview to highlight key points.
  • Reference all sources appropriately
Example

Jamie, a nurse, is studying the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function. They conduct a literature search in Medline to identify sources that support their findings. In Jamie's paper, they cite a study by Smith et al. (2020) that shows a correlation between lack of sleep and decreased memory performance. Jamie paraphrases their findings to explain the relationship between sleep and memory. 

Jamie integrates these sources to contextualise their own results, noting that their findings align with Smith et al.’s conclusions but also diverge in some areas. She appropriately references all sources in her bibliography, following the required citation style. 

Plagiarism and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

In a research paper, you will be drawing on the work of other researchers and you must document their contributions. To borrow another writer's words and ideas without proper acknowledgement is plagiarism.

AI-generated content can inadvertently lead to unintentional plagiarism if it closely mirrors existing sources without proper citation. Proper diligence is essential to avoid legal and reputational risks. In some instances, the use of AI for writing a publication is not permitted.

Many publishers will now have AI policies. Check their websites before you submit.

Recommended resources:

Referencing Guide

Literature Searching Guide

Monash Health acknowledges the Bunurong/Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples, the Traditional Custodians and Owners of the lands where our healthcare facilities are located and programs operate. We pay our respects to their culture and their Elders past, present and future. 

We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment that embraces all backgrounds, cultures, sexualities, genders and abilities.