Writing a Research Article

Research articles are written formally and academically and use specialised terminology relevant to the topic or field of study. They are intended for an audience that is knowledgeable about the subject matter. They serve as a vital means of communication within the academic community, facilitating the exchange of ideas, fostering collaboration, and driving progress and innovation in various fields of study. Overall, research articles are crucial in advancing knowledge within a particular field or discipline by disseminating new findings, theories, and methodologies to the academic community.

The following are some hints on how to write an informed, effective, and academically sound article that empathetically reflects your opinion of the subject while appreciating the work of other academics on the same subject. 

1. Choose a Topic: Select a relevant and exciting topic for your newsletter's audience. It should also be something you can research thoroughly and provide valuable insights or information about.

2. Research: Conduct thorough research on your chosen topic using reputable sources such as academic journals, books, and credible websites. Take notes and gather relevant data, statistics, and evidence to support your points.

3. Outline: Create an outline for your article to organise your thoughts and structure your content. Include sections such as introduction, background information, research findings, analysis, and conclusion.

4. Introduction: Start with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader's attention and provides an overview of what they can expect from the article. Clearly state the purpose of your research and why it matters.

5. Background Information: Provide background information on the topic to give readers context and help them understand its significance. Include relevant definitions, historical context, or previous research findings if applicable.

6. Research Findings: Present your research findings clearly and concisely. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to organise information and make it easier to digest. Include data, statistics, and examples to support your arguments.

7. Analysis: Analyse the research findings and discuss their implications or significance. Interpret the data and provide insights or commentary based on your research. Compare and contrast different viewpoints or theories if relevant.

8. Conclusion: Summarise the main points of your article and reiterate its significance. Offer suggestions for further research or practical applications, and encourage readers to engage with the topic or share their thoughts.

9. References: Include a list of references or citations to acknowledge the sources you used in your research. Follow a consistent citation style such as Harvard Referencing.

10. Editing and Proofreading: Review your article carefully for clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Edit for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, and ensure your writing flows smoothly from one point to the next.

11. Review and Submission: Before submitting your article, ask a colleague or peer to review it for feedback. Make any necessary revisions, and then submit your final draft for publication.

Following these steps, you can write a well-researched and engaging article that informs, educates, and captivates your audience.