Writing a
research
article:
An IMRaD
Structure
Dr. Miriam F. Bongo
De La Salle University
May 21, 2025
IMRaD structure
Introduction
Methodology
Results
Discussion
Learning
activity:
IMRaD Detective
INTRODUCTIO
N
1.
Introduction
1. Start with a Hook
• Present a striking fact, question,
or brief anecdote related to the
topic.
• Aim to engage the reader right
away.
1.
Introduction
2. Provide Background Information
• Briefly explain what is already
known about the topic.
• Include key concepts or definitions
if needed.
1.
Introduction
3. Identify the Gap in Knowledge
• Highlight what is not yet known or
understood.
• Point out inconsistencies or
limitations in existing studies.
What do you
do to avoid
traffic?
-Plan ahead/prepare early
-Rise early, travel early
-Avoid peak hours
-Take alternative
routes/shortcuts/nearest direction
-Use light vehicles
-Stay informed with traffic reports
-Walk
-Travel by train
-WORK FROM HOME
How do you solve a
complex statistical
problem?
• Use a tool (software )
• Seek help from an expert (statistician)
• Use AI
• Study how to solve the problem
• Watch YouTube videos
•ABACUS
1.
Introduction
4. State the Research Problem
Clearly
• What issue or challenge does this
study aim to address?
• Why is it important (practical or
theoretical relevance)?
1.
Introduction
5. Define the Research Objectives or
Questions
• Clearly lay out what the study
intends to explore or test.
• Optionally include hypotheses (if
relevant).
1.
Introduction
6. Justify the Study
• Explain how your research fills the
gap or advances the field.
• Mention potential contributions or
implications.
1.
Introduction
7. Optional: Briefly Outline the
Structure
• Preview what’s coming next
(methods, results, etc.) in one or
two lines.
METHODOLOGY
2.
Methodology
• Operational framework
• Environment
• Participants
• Instruments
• Research design
Operational
Framework
Operational
Framework
2.
Methodology
Environment
• Location (e.g., university,
laboratory, field site, community)
• Geographic details if relevant
(city, country, climate)
• Type of institution (academic,
corporate, hospital, school)
• Organizational structure or
departments involved
2.
Methodology
Participants
• Social, cultural, economic background
of participants
• Permissions, approvals, or constraints
related to the environment
• Number of participants
• Demographic details: age range, gender,
ethnicity, education level, etc.
• What criteria were used to select
participants?
• How and where participants were
recruited (e.g., ads, referrals, random
sampling)
• Any specific traits important to your
research (e.g., health status,
2.
Methodology
Instruments
• Key tools, instruments, or technology
used in the study
• Identify the tool or instrument (e.g.,
survey questionnaire, interview guide,
lab equipment, software)
• Explain what the instrument measures or
records
• Mention if the instrument has been
validated in prior research
• How and when the instrument was
administered (online, paper-based, inperson)
• How responses were scored or coded
2.
Methodology
Research design
• Specify if
it’s qualitative, quantitative, or mixed
methods
• State the specific design approach
(e.g., experimental, correlational,
descriptive, case study, longitudinal,
cross-sectional)
• Indicate if the study is crosssectional (data collected once)
or longitudinal (data collected over
time)
• Mention if there are control groups,
comparison groups, or randomization
involved
RESULTS
3. Results
• Organize Results Logically
• Follow the order of your research
questions or hypotheses
• Use subheadings if the section is long
or has multiple parts
• Present Key Findings Clearly
• Report main data outcomes, trends, and
significant patterns
• Include exact values (means,
percentages, test statistics, p-values)
3. Results
• Use Visual Aids
• Include tables, graphs, charts, or
figures to summarize data
• Refer to visuals in the text (e.g., “As
shown in Table 1…”)
• Be Concise and Objective
• Avoid interpretation or explanation
here; just state the facts
• Use past tense to describe what you
found
3. Results
• Report Statistical Results
• Provide relevant statistics (e.g., ttests, ANOVA, regression coefficients)
• Indicate significance levels clearly
(e.g., p < 0.05)
• Include Negative or Unexpected
Results
• Report all relevant findings, even if
they don’t support your hypothesis
• Mention Sample Size or Response
Rates (if applicable)
• State how many participants’ data were
analyzed
DISCUSSION
4.
Discussion
• Restate the Purpose or Main Findings
• Begin with a brief summary of your most
important results
• Reconnect with your research questions
or hypotheses
• Interpret the Results
• Explain what the findings mean in plain
language
• Highlight patterns, relationships, or
surprises
4.
Discussion
• Compare with Previous Research
• Discuss how your results agree or
contrast with existing literature
• Cite relevant studies for support
• Explain Implications
• Theoretical implications: How do your
findings contribute to knowledge?
• Practical implications: How can the
results be applied in real-world
settings?
4.
Discussion
• Acknowledge Limitations
• Be honest about weaknesses in your study
(e.g., small sample, possible biases)
• Explain how these might affect the
results or generalizability
• Suggest Future Research
• Propose ways future studies can build on
your findings
• Mention any new questions that emerged
COMMON TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS
• Don’t begin any section with another sub-section.
• Headings should present meaning in a brief way.
• Use technical terms; avoid layman terms.
• Acronyms should be spelled out the first time it appears.
• Know when to cite in-text (i.e, suppressing authors). …(Bongo, 2025)
vs Bongo (2025)
• Coherent flow of ideas.
• Use transitionary phrases.
• Always use proper citations in strong/questionable statements/arguments.
• Do not abbreviate terms (e.g., can’t, won’t)
• Avoid (n.d.) citations.
• End Background of the Study with the clear aims and goals of the study.
COMMON TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS
• Objectives should be achievable at the end of the study.
• Don’t use redundant emphasis (i.e., bold italic).
• Use proper formats of headings (i.e., bold, italic, underlined).
• Numbers 1-9 should be spelled out (except for some cases).
• Similarity index is 20% at most.
Writing a
research
article:
An IMRaD
Structure
Dr. Miriam F. Bongo
De La Salle University
May 21, 2025
WORKSHOP
0
