SAMPLE OF IMRAD RESEARCH PAPER PDF

INTRODUCTION

The IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) structure is a common organizational pattern used to write manuscripts for scientific papers and research articles. IMRAD is recommended by scientific journals and style manuals as a framework that readers expect and it allows authors to effectively communicate their research. Though some variations exist between different disciplines, IMRAD provides a helpful template for scientists to systematically present their work.

This article provides a sample IMRAD research paper based on a fictitious study. Each section of the paper is fleshed out with example content to demonstrate how IMRAD is applied in practice. Accompanying annotations are included to explain key aspects of the writing. It is hoped this sample IMRAD paper can serve as a template for students and researchers new to scientific writing. By understanding the flow and content expected in each section, it can help develop skills in structuring manuscripts clearly and effectively communicating research.

METHODS

The Methods section describes how the study was conducted including details about participant selection, variables, equipment, procedures, and data analysis. This allows readers to evaluate the appropriateness of the methodology and replicate the study if desired.

Participants
Twenty healthy volunteers between the ages of 18-35 years were recruited from the local university. An advertisement was placed on the school’s online jobs board. Respondents were screened for inclusion/exclusion criteria over the phone and those eligible provided written informed consent prior to participation.

Procedure
A within-subjects repeated measures design was used. Participants attended one session in the psychophysiology lab. Electroencephalography (EEG) was collected using a 64-channel ActiCap connected to a BrainVision recording system. Scalp sites were prepared with abrasive gel and impedances were kept below 50kΩ. Continuous EEG data was recorded with a 500Hz sampling rate during three 5-minute conditions: 1) eyes closed resting state, 2) eyes open viewing a blank screen, 3) performing a Go/NoGo task presented on a computer.

Data Analysis
EEG data preprocessing and analysis was conducted using BrainVision Analyzer software. Data was re-referenced to averaged mastoids and bandpass filtered from 1-30Hz. Independent components analysis was used for ocular correction. Fast Fourier transforms generated power spectra that were averaged for theta (4-7Hz), alpha (8-12Hz), and beta (13-30Hz) bands. Condition comparisons were made using repeated measures ANOVA with Greenhouse-Geisser corrected p-values.

RESULTS

The Results section objectively presents the analysis outcomes without interpretation. Tables and figures are included to clearly display significant findings.

EEG Power Spectra
Mauchly’s test indicated that the assumption of sphericity had been violated for theta χ2(2) = 15.48, p < .001, alpha χ2(2) = 8.23, p < .05, and beta χ2(2) = 12.36, p < .01 power. Degrees of freedom were corrected using Greenhouse-Geisser estimates of sphericity (ɛ = 0.65, 0.74, 0.69, respectively).