What Qualifies as an Original Research Article in the looks of Reviewers?

This study discusses the importance of writing and publishing original research articles for various reasons, including promoting scientific knowledge, gaining recognition, and personal motivations. It suggests following the traditional IMRaD format, which includes an introduction, materials, methods, results, and discussion, to increase the chances of being published. It also discusses common errors authors make and offers tips for avoiding them.

❖ Check our Blog for guidance on What are the suggestions given by peer reviewers in the introduction section of the original research article.

The qualifications for what constitutes an original research article can vary slightly depending on the specific field of study and the guidelines of the journal or conference where the research is being submitted. However, there are some common criteria that most reviewers and academic publishers look for when evaluating whether a manuscript qualifies as an original research article. Here are the key elements that typically define an original research article:

1. Research Question or Hypothesis: An original research article should start by clearly stating a research question, hypothesis, or objective that the study aims to address. This question should be novel and contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field.
2. Literature Review: Authors should provide comprehensive peer-reviewed research articles of relevant literature to establish the context for their research and demonstrate an understanding of prior work in the field.
3. Methodology: The article should describe the research methods and experimental design used to collect and analyze data. This section should provide enough detail for other researchers to replicate the study if necessary.
4. Data Collection: Authors should explain how data were collected, including the sources, instruments, or techniques used. This section should also address data quality, reliability, and validity issues.
5. Results: Original research articles should present the findings of the study in a clear and organized manner. This typically includes tables, figures, and statistical analyses to support the results.
6. Discussion: Authors should interpret their results in the context of the research question and the existing literature. They should discuss the implications of their findings and any study limitations.
7. Conclusion: The article should conclude by summarizing the main findings and their significance and suggesting directions for future research.
8. References: Proper citation of relevant sources and acknowledgement of prior research is essential in scholarly articles. Authors should follow the citation style required by the journal.
9. Originality: Perhaps the most crucial aspect is the originality of the research. The study should offer new insights, theories, or empirical research evidence that extends or challenges existing knowledge in the field.
10. Peer Review: Original research articles typically undergo a peer review process, where experts assess the qualitative and quantitative research, rigour, and significance of the research. The reviewers’ feedback and recommendations are vital in determining whether the article is accepted for publication.
11. Ethical Considerations: Authors must adhere to ethical standards in research, including obtaining informed consent from human subjects, addressing conflicts of interest, and properly handling data and scientific article research materials.
12. Formatting and Structure: Manuscripts should adhere to the formatting and structure guidelines provided by the target journal or conference. This includes aspects such as font, margins, headings, and reference style.

It’s important to note that while these are general criteria for original research articles, different fields and journals may have specific requirements and expectations. Authors should carefully read and follow the submission guidelines provided by the journal or conference they intend to submit to. Additionally, peer reviewers play a crucial role in evaluating whether a manuscript meets these criteria and should be published in the respective academic journal.

❖ Check our original research article examples to know and learn more about How reviewer comments are structured.

In conclusion, an original research article is a scholarly work that contributes to a specific field’s knowledge. It must have a well-defined research question, thorough literature review, rigorous methodology, transparent data collection, and clear results presentation. It should also contextualize findings, acknowledge limitations, and suggest future primary research. Pubrica Quality research articles introduce new insights and theories and undergo peer review to meet academic scholarship standards. Adhering to these criteria drives progress and innovation in research.