How to Write a Research Article: A Comprehensive Guide

Writing a Research Article can be an unbelievably daunting task, but it is a vital skill for any researcher or academic. This blog post intends to provide a detailed instruction on how to create a Research Paper. It will delve into the crucial elements of a Research Article, including its format, various types, and how it differs from a Research Paper.  
By following the steps provided, you will get vital insights on how to write a well-structured and successful research piece. Whether you are a student, researcher, or professional writer, this article will help you understand the key components required to produce a high-quality Research article. 

Table of Content

What is a Research Article? 

A Research Article is a written document that represents the findings of original and authentic research. It is typically published in a peer-reviewed academic journal and is used to communicate new knowledge and ideas to the research community. Research Articles are often used as a basis for further research and are an essential part of scientific discourse. 

Components of a Research Article 

A Research Article typically consists of the following components: 

1. Abstract – A summary of the research article, including the research question, methodology, results, and conclusion. 
2. Introduction – This is an explanation of the purpose behind conducting the study, and a summary of the methodology adopted for the research. This section serves as the foundation of the research article and provides the reader with a contextual background for understanding the study’s objectives and methodology. It basically outlines the reason for conducting the research and provides a glimpse of the approach that will be used to answer the research question. 
3. Literature Review – This section entails a comprehensive examination of the relevant literature that offers a framework for the research question and presents the existing knowledge on the subject. 
4. Methodology – This section explains the study’s research design, data gathering, and analysis methods.  
5. Results – A description of the findings of the research. 
6. Discussion – An interpretation of the results, including their significance and implications, as well as a discussion of the limitations of the study. 
7. Conclusion – A summary of the research findings, their implications, and recommendations for future research. 

Research Article Format 

A Research Article typically follows a standard format including: 

1. Title: A clear and concise title that accurately reflects the research question. 
2. Authors: A list of authors who contributed to the research. 
3. Affiliations: The institutions or organizations that the authors are affiliated with. 
4. Abstract: A summary of the research article. 
5. Keywords: A list of keywords that describe the research topic. 
6. Introduction: A fine background of the research question and a complete overview of the methodology used. 
7. Literature Review: A review of the relevant literature. 
8. Methodology: A description of the research design, data collection, and analysis methods used. 
9. Results: A description of the findings of the research. 
10. Discussion: An interpretation of the results and their implications, as well as a discussion of the limitations of the study. 
11. Conclusion: A summary of the research findings and recommendations for future research. 

Types of Research Articles 

There are several types of research articles including: 

1. Original Research Articles: These are articles that report on original research. 
2. Review articles: These are articles that summarize and synthesize the findings of existing research. 
3. Case studies: These are articles that describe and analyze a specific case or cases. 
4. Short communications: These are brief articles that report on original research. 

Research Article vs Research Paper 

While research articles and Research Papers are often used interchangeably, there are some differences between the two. A research article is typically a formal, peer-reviewed document that presents the findings of original research. A research paper, on the other hand, is a broader term that can refer to any written work that presents the findings of research, including essays, reports, and dissertations. 

Example of a Research Article 

Here is an example of a research article: 

1. Title: The effects of exercise on mental health in older adults.
2. Abstract:  This study investigated the effects of exercise on mental health in older adults. A sample of 100 participants aged 65 and over were randomly assigned to an exercise or control group. The exercise group participated in a 12-week exercise program, while the control group received no intervention. The results showed that the exercise group had significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety compared to the control group. Additionally, the exercise group reported higher levels of well-being and satisfaction with life. These findings suggest that exercise can be an effective intervention for improving mental health in older adults. 
3. Introduction:  Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are common among older adults and can have a significant impact on quality of life. Exercise has been shown to have numerous physical health benefits, but its effects on mental health in older adults are less clear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exercise on mental health outcomes in older adults. 
4. Literature Review:  Previous research has suggested that exercise can improve mental health outcomes in older adults. For example, a study by Mather et al. (2016) found that a 12-week exercise program resulted in significant improvements in depression and anxiety in a sample of older adults. Similarly, a meta-analysis by Smith et al. (2018) found that exercise interventions were associated with improvements in various mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety, in older adults. 
5. Methodology:  A total of 100 participants aged 65 and over were recruited from a community centre and randomly assigned to an exercise or control group. The exercise group participated in a 12-week exercise program consisting of three 60-minute sessions per week. The program included a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises. The control group received no intervention. Both groups completed measures of depression, anxiety, well-being, and satisfaction with life at baseline and at the end of the 12-week period.
6. Results:  The results showed that the exercise group had significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety compared to the control group at the end of the 12-week period. Additionally, the exercise group reported higher levels of well-being and satisfaction with life. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of physical health outcomes.  
7. Discussion:  These findings provide support for the use of exercise as an intervention for improving mental health outcomes in older adults. The results suggest that a 12-week exercise program can lead to significant reductions in depression and anxiety, and improvements in well-being and satisfaction with life. It is important to note, however, that the study had some limitations, including a relatively small sample size and a lack of long-term follow-up. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of exercise on mental health in older adults. 

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that exercise can be an effective intervention for improving mental health outcomes in older adults. Given the high prevalence of mental health issues in this population, exercise programs may be an important tool for promoting well-being and improving quality of life. Further research is needed to determine the optimal duration, intensity, and type of exercise for improving mental health outcomes in older adults.