Some researchers outline and determine various headings and sections of their research papers before embarking on writing their articles. But some might follow spontaneous process of writing it. Which one do you prefer? outlining or spontaneous writing or maybe a combination of both.
I agree with others that careful planning is necessary. It is like having a map or a GPS device when we travel and therefore outlining can be a time saver as well!.
The basic IMRaD structure can be used as a base to include the main items we want to include in our manuscript
- Introduction: Why you did this work? What is its purpose?
- Methods: What materials did you use? How did you use them?
- Results: What did you discover?
- Analysis: What do your findings mean?
- Discussion: How does this relate to the problem?
http://www15.uta.fi/FAST/FIN/RESEARCH/imrad.html
It´s totally clear, first thinking, then writing! No chance to differ!
I would prefer outline and determine various headings and sections of their research papers before embarking on writing their articles. This is my way in conducting my research.
Concept is a path with following nodes, as @Hanno have mentioned: think...., write..., edit....which after successful implementation gives a good result!
I think that first should be a very clear plan with aims of each experiments (in experimental science). Thereafter one should construct very creal outlines of the possible paper with clear construction of the data which need for all evidences of the authors hypothesis. Only after - clear experiments and writing of the paper. So, finally, thinking is the first. But one should have in mind final text of the paper at every stage!
Outlining gives a complete concept from A to Z. Rest paper can be explained based on negative or positives findings
I agree with others that careful planning is necessary. It is like having a map or a GPS device when we travel and therefore outlining can be a time saver as well!.
The basic IMRaD structure can be used as a base to include the main items we want to include in our manuscript
- Introduction: Why you did this work? What is its purpose?
- Methods: What materials did you use? How did you use them?
- Results: What did you discover?
- Analysis: What do your findings mean?
- Discussion: How does this relate to the problem?
http://www15.uta.fi/FAST/FIN/RESEARCH/imrad.html
Good question!
I think that outlining a research paper before writing it helps make certain that the product has a strong overall structure and frontward statement. An outline details each topic and sub-topic in the paper, organizing its points so that they build a clear argument towards a vibrant conclusion. Therefore, writing from an outline can help reduce refractions, logical errors and weak sentences.
It surely depends on one's specialization. In chemistry, there is a "classical" outlining which starts with brief introduction, then experimental, then results & conclusion, and last is the references. As if you just (Fill in the Blanks)! The most important thing is to think about a sound project, find a way to support it , do hard work, and then write the paper very well science-wise & language-wise.
Structure the Article before writing:
- Begin with a sentence that refers to the main subject of discussion in the research
- Indicate the importance of the subject discussed
- Restate the research questions as presented in the study
- Reinforces the importance of the study and its findings.
http://www.devstud.org.uk/downloads/4be165997d2ae_Writing_the_Conclusion_Chapter,_the_Good,_the_Bad_and_the_Missing,_Joe_Assan%5B1%5D.pdf
In my opinion, I think that making a plan of the various sections to discuss in the paper seems to facilitate the task of writing. It made the ideas clear in the brain of the writer.
In response to the question, having an outline before writing out the research paper have been recommended by many prolific journal article writers. Even before writing out the outline, it was suggested that the targeted journal guidelines is studied. From my reflections, having the expected structure before composing the supporting paragraphs can eliminate problems of redundancy and major rewrites.
But of course, along the way in conducting the research, field notes / lab notes were written in a more free manner with more free flows, including notes on intuition worries and problems. And these notes made writing the research paper easier, especially when coupled with predetermined structure and outlines which were set by the guidelines of the targeted journal.
I think that much depends on an individual's learning style and approach. It is generally thought that an outline is useful (and, some say, absolutely essential). However, in my experience, I usually plan a basic outline, but I always find that, as I progress in my writing, many adjustements become necessary. The result is always that the ourline has indeed helped me to structure my arguments, but also that some degree of flexibility is absolutely essential to reach the desirable end product!
I agree with Dear Kamal Think, rethink, read, rethink again, analyze, write, tie, recommend, submit your research.
An experienced research writer may largely carry an outline in his or her head, but particularly for less experienced writers, a detailed outline is vital.
For example, in your Literature Review section, list each main point that the reader needs to understand in order to understand and evaluate your study. Underneath each of those, list each sub-point that you need to address. Under each of those, list the reference citations you currently possess, and identify areas requiring additional literature search.
I have been asked to edit papers from writers who do not use a strong outline, and the result can be a big mess. :-)
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