Experimental research papers are a common assignment in many science and mathematics courses. An experimental research paper tests a hypothesis and reports whether the results support or disprove the hypothesis. The structure of an experimental research paper is very specific, with discrete sections that flow logically from developing a research question to reporting the results. Proper experimental research papers follow the scientific method and provide in-text citations and a list of references. Here is a detailed overview of the typical sections of an experimental research paper, along with an example:
Introduction
The introduction section serves as the foundation for your research paper. It should start broadly by introducing the general topic and issue that is being examined. It then narrows down to your hypothesis or specific research question. The introduction provides background context and establishes the importance and rationale for your study. You should clearly state your dependent (outcome) and independent (explanatory) variables. The introduction should conclude with a clear thesis statement that directly states the hypothesis being tested in the study.
For example, an introduction for an experimental psychology study testing the effects of exercise on mood may state:
“Depression is a widespread mental health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Research has shown exercise can help reduce symptoms of depression through its effects on brain chemistry and overall physical health. The current study aims to determine if a single session of moderate exercise directly improves mood in college students. It is hypothesized that participants assigned to a 30-minute walking condition will report higher levels of happiness and lower levels of sadness compared to participants in a control group not assigned exercise.”
Literature Review
The literature review summarizes and synthesizes the most relevant previously published studies on the research topic to provide context and situate the current study within the larger body of knowledge. It should discuss seminal and recently published work. The literature review demonstrates the student’s understanding of the theoretical and research context for the topic. Key aspects to highlight include: relevant theories, controversial issues and gaps in the literature, variables previously studied, and methodologies employed. The literature review sets the stage for how your study addresses limitations in prior work or advances understanding.
For example, a literature review section may discuss past studies showing a correlation between exercise and depression reduction. It may note the lack of experimental work directly testing the short-term causal impact of a single bout of exercise on changing mood states. It could critique past observational or self-report methods and argue the current study provides a more controlled test of the hypothesis through random assignment and objective mood measures.
Methods
The methods section allows others to evaluate and potentially replicate your study. It should provide comprehensive details about the research design, participants, materials, procedures, and measures. Any key terms or constructs also need to be operationally defined. For an experimental study the independent and dependent variables must be clearly identified. Information should include:
Research Design (between groups experimental design)
Participants (sample size, relevant characteristics like age/gender)
Materials (exercise regimen, surveys)
Procedure (timeline, random assignment process, exercise/control conditions)
Measures (validated scales, when administered)
For example, the methods section may state that 40 psychology students were randomly assigned to either a 30-minute walking or no-exercise control group. It may describe the happiness and sadness scales administered before and after to measure changes in mood. Details of the moderate pace walking exercise protocol and procedures should be provided.
Results
This section presents the statistical analysis and key findings without interpretation. Data should be displayed through tables and figures whenever possible for clarity. The information presented should directly relate back to testing the original hypothesis. Commonly reported results for an experiment include:
Descriptive statistics of dependent variable pre and post for each group
Inferential statistics comparing differences between groups (e.g. independent t-test)
Effect sizes to indicate strength of any significant relationships
For example, results may show walking participants reported significantly higher post-exercise happiness scores (M=15) compared to controls (M=11) with a large effect size (d=0.8). Tables could display mean and standard deviation changes in both mood variables by group along with the relevant statistical test output.
Discussion
The discussion ties together the implications of the results for both theory and practice. It should relate findings back to the original research question and hypothesis while acknowledging any limitations. Interpretations should be backed by previously published literature rather than introducing new ideas. Key aspects of a well-developed discussion include:
Summary of main effects and whether they support the hypothesis
Potential explanations for outcomes and how they fit with theory/models
Implications and applications of the findings
Limitations and validity threats to be cautious of when generalizing
Suggestions for future research to continue advancing understanding
For example, a discussion may conclude that the findings provide initial experimental evidence exercise can directly improve mood in the short-term. It could explain results via physiological and psychological mechanisms. Applications for addressing depression on college campuses may be proposed, while acknowledging a small sample size. Recommendations for follow up work using different mood scales or exercise dosages could strengthen conclusions.
Conclusion
The conclusion wraps up the key takeaways and significance. It should restate whether the hypothesis was supported and synthesize the major findings and implications without introducing new information. One to two concise paragraphs are typically sufficient to conclude an experimental paper on a positive note regarding future applications or follow up inquiry stimulated.
For example, a conclusion may summarize that the hypothesis predicting a causal link between exercise and improved mood was confirmed. It can emphasize the real-world relevance of results for non-clinical depression interventions on college campuses. A brief discussion of the potential societal benefits of regular physical activity may close the report on an impactful note.
References
A references list cites all sources used in proper APA or MLA format depending on the fields’ conventions. This section allows readers to independently assess sources cited within the text of the paper. At minimum 7-10 scholarly references from peer-reviewed journals should be included, with an emphasis on the most current literature from the past decade. A mix of theoretical and methodological sources provides robust support for assertions.
This comprehensive overview of an experimental research paper provided both a detailed explanation and example of the typical components from the introduction through to the conclusion and references sections. Proper formatting, inclusion of in-text citations, and adherence to standards outlined above are crucial for success on experimental assignments. Understanding the logic and flow between each discrete part helps demonstrate mastery of the scientific method through empirical investigation.
Andrew Stroud