- Topic (ACRID)
The topic is the foundation of your research or project. It defines the scope, purpose, and direction of the study. Selecting a topic requires adherence to the ACRID principle:
Approve: Explore an idea that aligns with existing theories or concepts, confirming their validity.
Create: Propose a new theory, model, or approach that adds to existing knowledge.
Recreate: Revisit and reinterpret existing work to uncover new insights.
Improve: Enhance or optimize an existing system, method, or idea.
Disprove: Challenge existing theories or assumptions by presenting counter-evidence.
Your topic should reflect relevance, originality, and feasibility to contribute meaningfully to your field.
- Abstract (Everything)
The abstract summarizes the entire research or project and is typically the first section read by your audience. It should:
Be concise: Limit to 250-300 words.
Purpose: State the "why" behind the research—what problem you aim to solve.
Structure: Include key sections (objective, methodology, results, and conclusion) in a logical flow.
Highlight contributions: Briefly mention what the study adds to the field.
Abstract types:
Overview: A high-level summary of the research without going into details.
Informative: Offers insights into the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions.
Standalone: Designed to be understood without needing to read the full paper.
Incorporate ACRID principles into the abstract, showing your research's purpose and direction.
- Introduction (What? Why? How?)
The introduction establishes the context and rationale for your study. It should:
Research Aim: What is the primary objective? Clearly articulate the purpose of the research.
Research Question: What are the specific problems or questions addressed?
Research Objectives: Define measurable and achievable goals for the project.
Include the following components:
Summary of Proposal: Briefly explain the research plan and scope.
Novelty Identified: Highlight the unique aspect of your research. What makes it stand out?
Summary of Chapters: Provide an outline of the paper’s structure to guide readers.
- Literature Review (Why? How?)
The literature review evaluates existing knowledge to build a foundation for your study:
Examine prior work: Review studies related to your topic.
Methods: Explore how similar research was conducted.
Theoretical Approaches: Discuss relevant theories or frameworks guiding the research.
Identify gaps: Look for unresolved problems or limitations in previous studies.
SEND Algorithm: Use systematic approaches to ensure comprehensive coverage of literature.
Your goal is to:
Find/Create a Hole: Identify areas where more research is needed.
Look for Debate: Highlight conflicting findings or viewpoints.
Consistency in Reference: Maintain proper citation and ensure alignment with the paper’s focus.
- Methodology (How?)
The methodology explains how the research was conducted, ensuring replicability. Include:
Research Design: Describe the overall structure or framework of the study.
Model Figures/Diagrams: Provide visual aids to explain complex processes or systems.
Data Selection: Detail the criteria and process for selecting data.
Collection Procedure: Explain how data was gathered (e.g., surveys, experiments).
Key considerations:
Step-by-step Algorithms: Offer a detailed breakdown of processes.
Validation: Ensure the methods are reliable and results can be trusted.
Ethical Considerations: If involving human or animal subjects, address ethical concerns.
- Preliminary Data (Results Section)
The preliminary data highlights early findings and demonstrates progress:
Evidence of Importance: Show why your results matter.
Informed Methodology: Connect your findings to your research design.
Preliminary Findings: Discuss key trends or results obtained so far.
Provide comparisons:
Base Paper Comparison: Relate your findings to foundational research.
Category of Importance: Organize results by their relevance or impact.
- Discussion
The discussion interprets and evaluates the results in the context of the research:
Interpretation: What do the results mean?
Hypothesis Comparison: Did the findings align with your initial hypothesis?
Support or Refute Theories: Determine if your results back up or challenge existing knowledge.
Unexpected Results: Discuss anomalies or surprising outcomes.
Relevance to the Field: Explain the practical implications of your findings.
Generalization: Highlight how your findings can apply to broader contexts or future research.
- Statement of Limitation
Acknowledge the constraints and limitations of your study to provide transparency:
Alternatives: Suggest alternative methods or approaches that could be explored in future studies.
Weaknesses: Discuss aspects such as data availability, sample size, or methodological shortcomings.
Future Research: Clearly state what your research could not address and propose areas for further investigation.
- Conclusion (What? Why? How?)
The conclusion provides closure to your research by summarizing its essence:
Contribution Explained/Affirmed: Clearly state the value your research adds to the field.
Importance: Emphasize why the findings matter.
Answer key questions:
What: What did you achieve?
Why: Why is it significant?
How: How can it be applied or extended?
- References and Bibliography
The references and bibliography ensure proper acknowledgment of all sources:
Cited Sources: List all works explicitly referenced in the paper.
Uncited Sources: Include additional reading or foundational material that informed your study.
Ensure proper formatting (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) and consistency throughout.
This detailed explanation offers a roadmap for writing a high-quality project or journal paper. Let me know if you'd like guidance on any specific section!