How to write and publish an academic research paper? Prepared by: Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in Associate Professor Shobhit University, Meerut The Webinar Outline • Understanding the nature and importance of technical articles. • Different types of technical articles. • Grasping the elements of a technical article. • Understanding the various strategies of writing a technical article. 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 2 Nature and significance • Technical and research articles are essential to all fields of science, technology, humanities, and management as they add to the existing knowledge and understanding of a particular topic or subject. • Challenging undertaking. • Important form of technical communication – it is essential to know how to write a technical article in order • • • • • To be able to contribute to one’s area of interest and specialisation. To develop writing skills to achieve academic and occupational goals To establish author’s presence in the professional world It will give a high degree of professional satisfaction It will help in career advancement 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 3 Nature and significance (cont’d) • It transfers new research and findings to other scientists and researchers in the field by giving a systematic account of the results of some survey, research, fieldwork, and other activities. • It explores independently one area of research, and presents an objective analysis and interpretation of facts, findings, inferences, suggestions, recommendations, and conclusions. • Technical Article differ from general articles in style, presentation, and objectives. • It is highly formalised in structure and involves the use of technical vocabulary, specialised terminology, graphic aids, and a particular writing style. The writing conventions of the particular discipline need to be followed. 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 4 Types of Technical Articles Criteria Types Description Communication of technical information in a structured Mode of presentation Journal articles form as per the established pattern for articles acceptable for publication in a particular journal. Conference papers The written form of a technical presentation that the author has presented in a seminar, conference, or workshop. Content and functions Review articles Evaluation and analysis of published work on a particular topic. Research articles An objective description and discussion based on a research project or on a small scale study. 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 5 Journal Articles • A journal article is the communication of technical information in a structured form as per the established pattern for articles acceptable for publication in a particular journal. • The form of a journal article is as important as its content because most journals follow a style guide that the technical writer has to use to structure the article. • These style guides provide detailed writing instructions that may include guidelines about • • • • • • • • • the preparation of text Organisation Length Referencing System Use of symbols Abbreviation Illustrations Unit symbols and so on 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 6 Conference Papers • A conference paper is the text of a paper that the author has presented in a seminar, conference, or workshop. • It may be published in the “proceedings” of the conference. • Academic value of a conference paper is usually less than that of a journal article. 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 7 Review and Research Article • A review article is an evaluation and analysis of published work on a particular topic with the purpose to evaluate a published work in order to determine its academic value and research potential. • Review writer tries to answer the question: • How does the work under discussion increase the sum of knowledge in a specific field? • Or comment on the necessity for future research in the concerned area and propose certain directions. 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 8 Research article • A research article is based on original research carried out by the author. • It may be the outcome of a particular research project carried out by the author or the result of a small scale study. • The research might have been: • • • • • Carried out in the laboratory In the field Theory based Part of action research to develop certain methods, equipment, procedures, systems etc • The main purpose is to add to the existing knowledge, understanding, and scope of a particular subject. • Can be either published in a journal or presented in a conference. 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 9 Elements of technical articles • A research article is divided into many components. • • • • Title Author By-Line Abstract 1. Introduction • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Title Author By-Line Abstract Introduction • • • • • • Background Research status Purpose Significance Methods Scope 2. Literature review 3. Research Methodology 4. Analysis / Collection of Data 5. Results/Finding Conclusion References Appendices 21-04-2022 • A technical article is divided into many components. • • • • • • Background Research status Purpose Significance Methods Scope Methodology Results/Finding Discussion Conclusion Appendices References Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 10 Writing strategies • Define the problem • Analyse the Purpose • Make literature survey • Analysing and organise the information • Write the First Draft • Review and Revise • Write the Final Draft 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 11 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 12 Six simple steps for writing an academic research paper. 1. Understand the importance and set a schedule. • How long should be paper? • The type of citation preferred? • What is due date? • What other formatting details? (footnotes, subtitles, heading, doublespacing, etc) • Set a schedule according to due dates, how long it will take to complete each task? 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 14 2. Finding a Topic or Question • Is your topic appropriate? • Narrow the focus of the question. (it should be more specific) • Topic should be interesting to a reader. • You can select a question, your paper will answer. • The answer that you find may become your Hypothesis statement. • Example: • Topic: Contemporary issues in management • Question: Do we have any management issues in our institution? • Hypothesis: There are some problems faced by students when studying in Library. 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 15 3. Start Research • It is fine to change the question during the research work. • Use wide verity of resources (interviews, questionnaires, video, boos, journals, Internet) • Allow yourself enough time to research as it is the most intensive part of the paper. Approximately we should spend 1,5 – 2 hors per research session. • Keep records of information you obtain. • • • • • • • Bibliographical information Where you found information Title of the article/book Date of publication Author Publisher Page used • Write information with your own words. • Draw your conclusions from the material you read. • Look for details that support your hypothesis. 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 16 4. Construct an outline I. Introduction II Methods III Findings / Results 3.1. Main heading/Idea of paragraph No.1 • A. Supporting argument 1 • B. Supporting argument 2 • C. Supporting argument 3 3.2. Main heading/Idea of paragraph No.2 • A. Supporting argument 1 • B. Supporting argument 2 • C. Supporting argument 3 3.3. Main heading/Idea of paragraph No.3 • A. Supporting argument 1 • B. Supporting argument 2 • C. Supporting argument 3 IV. Conclusion V. Recommendations 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 17 5. Write a draft • First draft. • Be your own first reader. • Does it read fluently? • Add your own conclusions and • Can you spot errors, omissions, thoughts. inconsistencies? • Cite your sources • Are all parts complete? • Have you referred to all figures • Organise information – mind and tables, and are they map numbered in the sequence in • Proofread the draft. which they occur? • Are all references mentioned in • When you complete the writing, the text on the reference list and you are not yet finished. Never vice versa? submit the first, freshlycompleted version of your manuscript. 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 18 • When your manuscript has passed your own first test, it is a good idea to show it to others before submission. • This “pre-submission peer review” could include three kinds of readers. • Show it to your colleague, who is familiar with the area. We rarely cherish criticism, and we often take this more readily if coming from a friendly colleague. • If you write for a more general readership, it is wise to show it to someone who is not closely familiar with the area, maybe from another profession. • Collect the comments and revise your manuscript. • When this revision is done, put the manuscript aside to “mature”. 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 19 6. Putting It All Together: Preparing the Final Version • Clear organisation of thoughts. • No errors • all journals have a specific format, and all papers printed must follow that format. • Consequently, the format of a submitted manuscript is among very first things to be checked. If it does not fit the format required by the journal, the manuscript will be sent back without evaluation, and the author is asked to correct the format to fit the requirements. • If the author does not correct the format properly, the editor will probably not only send it back, but may blacklist the author team and advise them to direct future publishing attempts elsewhere. 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 20 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 21 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 22 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 23 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 24 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 25 The Accompanying Letter • Never send anything without an accompanying letter. This is not only a matter of courtesy; it is in your, the author’s, best interest to attach a cover letter, as it can speed up the handling of your manuscript. 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 26 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 27 Citing, Paraphrasing, Plagiarism and SelfPlagiarism • In the various parts of the paper, you will write about other people’s ideas, results, theories. These should be acknowledged as such (i.e. the “intellectual property” of others) by citing the sources, in parentheses. • In the text describing these ideas, however, you should not, usually, use the discoverer’s sentences — you have to express the same idea with your own words; you will paraphrase. • If you find it necessary, you can cite verbatim — i.e. you present the idea as expressed by others, word by-word. • As the copyright of this text belongs to others, you must cite it with quote marks and the indication of the source, even if you only use a few sentences. 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 28 • The usual maximum that can be cited in this way without asking for specific permission is about three sentences — if the item is under traditional copyright. • In a primary paper, it is customary not to cite verbatim even that much. • Be careful because, if you do, you can be accused of plagiarism. • Plagiarism is when you use other people’s work in your own, using the same words, and do not indicate the source. • Your reputation will suffer irreparable damage. • If a text is found to contain plagiarism, it renders the whole work invalid, and no journal will publish it. • Today, several universities, as well as publishers, use various types of software to detect plagiarism 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 29 • What about your own text, from earlier papers? You retain copyright — is it possible, legal, and appropriate to use this again? No, it is not — self-plagiarism is no better than plagiarism itself. • In any case, originality is important in science — and repeating yourself, word for-word, is not allowed; you should avoid selfplagiarism. 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 30 Reference List • At the end of the paper, you should collect and present all bibliographic details of the cited publications so that readers who want to find further information can find the sources of your citations. • Every item that was cited in the text must be listed here with the required details, and everything that is on the Reference List must be cited in the paper at least once (you can cite the same article several times). 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 31 How to cite References • In the text one should usually give the surname followed by the year of publication in parentheses; otherwise both the author’s surname and year should appear after mentioning the relevant fact from the paper cited. • In the case of one or two authors, the surname(s) are always given in full: Smith (1980), Smith and Jones (1981). • If you cite a paper, do not judge it, but give a clear reason why you have cited it. 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 32 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 33 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 34 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 35 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 36 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 37 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 38 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 39 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 40 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 41 Writing and Publishing Scientific Papers 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 42 https://www.mybib.com Web site for citation 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 44 • For journal articles, a complete citation includes the surnames of all authors, plus initials, the year of publication, the title, the name of the journal, the volume, and the numbers of the first and last pages of the cited article. • For the precise format, check the journal requirements — you must follow them. • For chapters in compilations, collections, or books, the above details should be given but, also, the names of the editors, the title of the whole volume, and the publisher details. • For an Internet resource, try to find all the above plus the full address (the URL), and the date of access. 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 45 • You must also place tables and figures at the end; • do not insert them into the text, unless the journal instructions specifically ask for this. • The position of tables and figures will be decided by the technical editor 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 46 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 47 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 48 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 49 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 50 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 51 References • Transparent Works Cited Clipart - Apa Citation Online , Free Transparent Clipart – ClipartKey • www.mybib.com • Technical Communication Textbook, by M Ashraf Rizvi 21-04-2022 Dr. Evgeniya Zharikova izharikova@shobhituniversity.ac.in 52
