๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐
๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐?
The IMRaD (often pronounced โim-radโ) format is a systematic writing structure that includes four or five major sections. The little โaโ has had multiple interpretations over the years; some would suggest it means nothing other than โand,โ as in โIntroduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion,โ but others have argued that the โaโ should be viewed as โAnalysisโ in papers where the โResultsโ section may not be immediately clear and a section that analyzes the results is important for reading comprehension. Either way, the โaโ often remains in lower-case to indicate that, while itโs often important, it isnโt always necessary.
The goal of using the IMRaD format is to present facts objectively, demonstrating genuine interest and care in developing a new understanding of a topic; when using this format, you donโt explicitly state an argument or opinion, but rather, you rely on collected data and previously researched information in order to make a claim.
The IMRaD format is the most commonly used format for lab reports and journal writing as well as for reporting any planned, systematic research in the social sciences, natural sciences, or engineering and computer sciences.
๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง โ ๐๐ก๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐๐จ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ?
The introduction explains why this research is important or necessary or important. Begin by describing the problem or situation that motivates the research. Move to discuss the current state of research in the field; then reveal a โgapโ or problem in the field. Finally, explain how the present research is a solution to that problem or gap. Forecast statement that explains, very briefly, what the rest of the paper will entail, including a possible quick explanation of the type of research that needs to be conducted.
๐๐๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐๐ฌ โ ๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐๐จ?
The methods section can go in any number of different directions, depending on the type of research you conducted. Regardless of what you did for your research, though, this section needs to be very clear, very specific, very detailed, and only focused on research. Avoid explaining what the research meansโthis is for the next section, Discussion. The methods section tells readers how you conducted your study. It includes information about your population, sample, methods, and equipment. Separate each type of research you conducted (interviews, focus groups, experiments, etc.) into sub-sections and only discuss one research method in each sub-section. The gold standard of this section is that it should enable readers to duplicate your study. Methods sections typically use subheadings; they are written in the past tense, and they use a lot of passive voice. This is typically the least-read section of an IMRaD report.
๐๐๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฌ โ ๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐๐ข๐ง๐?
The results section is critical for your audience to understand what the research showed. Use this section to show tables, charts, graphs, quotes, etc. from your research. At this point, you are building your reader towards drawn conclusions, but you are not yet providing a full analysis. Youโre simply showing what the data says. In this section, you present your findings. Typically the Results section contains only the findings, not any explanation of or commentary on the findings. Results sections are usually written in the past tense. Make sure all tables and figures are labeled and numbered separately. Captions go above tables and beneath figures.
๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง โ ๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐๐จ๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ญ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ง?
Finally, you conclude this paper by suggesting what new knowledge this provides to the field. Summarize your main findings, comment on those findings and connect them to other research. Youโll often want to note the limitations of your study and what further research still needs to be done. If something alarming or important was discovered, this is where you highlight that information.
Credit: Chittagong University Research and Higher Study Society