The structure of a scientific article is not always the same. Original research articles generally use IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion), while review articles, systematic reviews, case reports, and editorials may follow different structures. Therefore, understanding the article type, writing purpose, format, and journal requirements is important before you start writing.
What Are the Common Scientific Article Formats?
Here are some commonly used formats:
| Article Type | General Structure | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Original Research | Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion | Reports new research findings |
| Literature/Narrative Review | Introduction, thematic discussion, conclusion | Summarizes and analyzes existing literature |
| Systematic Review | Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion | Answers a research question through systematic literature searching and synthesis |
| Case Report | Introduction, case description, discussion, conclusion | Discusses a specific case with educational value |
| Short/Brief Report | Concise structure based on journal guidelines | Presents research findings in a shorter format |
| Conceptual/Theoretical Article | Introduction, concepts/theories, arguments, implications, conclusion | Develops ideas or a conceptual framework |
For systematic reviews and meta-analyses, authors may also be required to follow specific reporting guidelines such as PRISMA, while observational studies may use STROBE.
Read More: Understanding Submission Fee, Publication Fee & APC
Why Can’t You Simply Follow the IMRAD Structure?
Each type of article has a different purpose. Empirical research requires clear methods and results, while conceptual articles place greater emphasis on argumentation and the development of ideas.
So, don’t immediately create a manuscript based on a template you find online. Check the author guidelines of your target journal because the structure, word count, abstract format, tables, references, and required sections may vary.
What About Author Status?
In addition to the article structure, make sure each author’s status and contribution are clear from the beginning. Authors should only be listed if they meet the authorship criteria and have made substantial contributions to the work. Authorship requirements should also follow the journal’s policies and relevant ethical standards.
What Should You Check Before Publication?
Before submitting, check the article type, template, scope, structure, authorship requirements, references, fees, and peer review process. After that, choose a credible, transparent, and reliable publication venue that matches your research goals.
JF Publisher can assist with manuscript review, editing, journal selection, and guidance throughout the national or international journal publication process.
Already have a manuscript but still unsure about the right format and journal? Consult your manuscript with Jakad Journal.
Need help with editing or journal submission? Don’t hesitate to consult with a trusted publication service to ensure your process is smooth, professional, and secure
You can read more articles on writing tips, publishing journals, and getting to know more about scientific journals by visiting us at @jfpublisher dan @jakadjournal . For more information on journal publication, please kindly contact us at +62 812-3044-4797
