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Writing an Empirical Paper: Structure, Components, and Best Practices for Researchers

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of writing an empirical paper, focusing on essential components such as the title, abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, and references. It outlines the hourglass structure of the introduction, where the topic broadens before narrowing to the study. Each section is detailed, highlighting how to articulate findings, draw comparisons with previous research, and summarize statistics effectively. It also emphasizes clarity in writing and adherence to citation standards, guiding researchers in presenting their work clearly and impactfully.

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Writing an Empirical Paper: Structure, Components, and Best Practices for Researchers

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  1. Writing an Empirical Paper

  2. Pieces and Parts • Title • Abstract • Introduction • Method • Results • Discussion • References • Tables / Figures • Appendices

  3. Hourglass Structure • Introduction: begins broadly, narrows to your study • Method & Results: the most specific parts • Discussion: begins with your results, broadens to larger implications

  4. Introduction • What is the nature and background of the problem or phenomenon? • Start with the big picture • What previous research has been done? • NOT a laundry list of earlier studies • Overview of your study • What is its contribution? How does it build on prior work / answer remaining questions?

  5. Method • in another handout…

  6. Results • Describe the forest before the trees • Begin with central findings before moving to peripheral ones • Explain the results in plain English before reporting statistics • Summarize along the way

  7. Discussion • What are the findings of your study? • How do they speak to your original hypothesis and predictions? • How do your findings compare with other research? • What are the shortcomings of your study? • What new questions have been raised or remain unanswered? How can these be addressed?

  8. References • Reference list should match in-text citations (no more, no fewer) • Do not name article titles in the text • If you quote, provide the page number • The first in-text citation should name all authors (up to 6) • 1st citation: (Baldwin, Baird, Saylor, & Clark, 2001) • Later citations: (Baldwin et al., 2001)

  9. Style • Write simply and clearly • No need for big words, long sentences • Omit needless words • Omit needless words • Know what words mean • “data” is plural (“these data show…”) • affect (to influence) vs. effect (the outcome)

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