How to write a Chemistry Research Paper

 Why do you need to learn how to write a Chemistry Research Paper?

• In college, you will be asked to write many Chemistry research papers and you need to learn what goes into writing a successful Paper, 
• This Post will give you step-by-step directions on how most high school and college teachers/professors expect you to write a basic Chemistry Research Paper.

Learning Targets:

1. How to choose a topic?
2. How to write a thesis or introductory statement?
3. Understand the difference between plagiarism and acceptable plagiarism
4. Learn how to use “Parenthetical Notations.”
5. Bibliography & proper format.

Research is defined as “intensive search with the purpose of becoming certain”. from an old French word, “sercher” - to seek or search prefix “re”- again, 

It is a systematic investigation into reality to gain knowledge.

Structure of a Research Paper:

Main parts of a composition:

• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion

• Abstract

To briefly introduce the reader to the aims of the study,
the methodology, results and findings.

• Introduction/ thesis statement

To state a clear overall purpose for the study, often

framed in a discussion of the need the research is

satisfying.

To define the research question(s) of the study.

To give a very brief background of relevant theory and

practice for your topic.

• Literature Review

To summarize what conclusions have been reached in the research literature and whether different writers agree or not. To highlight main issue and controversies around the problem.

• Methodology

To demonstrate that you are aware of the research methods used to study this topic.To explain and justify the method of data collection and analysis.

• Results

To present the findings of your research in an orderly manner, using heading planned in your methodology or headings arising from patterns found in the research.

• Discussion

To comment on the trends/findings and show your understanding of what your data suggests. To highlight anything unexpected that came up.

• Conclusion

To sum up your findings and highlight the significance of the outcomes of your study.To discuss the limitations of your study and indicate where further research is needed.

• Reference

To list alphabetically all the reference materials that have been cited in the text of the report.

• Appendices

To present relevant details such as letters to participants and organizations.To present details of questionnaires, surveys and other relevant instrument that you developed for the purpose of the study.To present relevant documents, e.g. Reports/policy/historical documents.

How To Write

Abstract

It is a summary of a body of information; it expresses the main claim and argument of a paper.

Questions that an abstract answers:

• Why did you do this study or project?

• What did you do and how?

• What did you find?

• What do your findings mean

Introduction

The primary purpose of an introduction is to frame the paper for its readers. 

It should provide:

• brief description of the topic

• statement as to why the topic is worth researching or why it could be found interesting

• statement of the research objectives.

• statement of the method(s) and the scope of study.

• An overview of the rest of the paper.

Literature review

Four guide questions:

• What is the present state of knowledge regarding the topic under consideration?

• How are the studies related to the one being proposed?

• What is the quality of the studies reviewed?

• How will the proposed study contribute to the existing literature?

Methodology

• To demonstrate that you are aware of the research methods used to study this topic.

• To justify the research method and approach you have taken or your study.

• To explain and justify the method of data collection and analysis.

Conclusion

The ‘results’ and ‘discussion’ should be the focus of this part.

• To sum up your findings and highlight the significance of the outcomes of your study.

• To outline any implication or recommendations indicated by the

findings.

Results - to present the findings of your research in an orderly manner, using heading planned in your methodology or headings arising from patterns found in the research.

Discussion - show your understanding of what your data suggests.

Reference(s)

• To list alphabetically all the reference materials that have been cited in the text of the report.

Referencing your paper

• References need to contain all works cited in the text.

• References should consistently follow one recognizable system.

Appendices

• To present relevant details such as letters to participants and organizations.

• To present details of questionnaires, surveys and other relevant instrument that you developed for the purpose of the study.

• To present relevant documents, e.g. Reports/policy/ historical documents.