An Introduction to IMRD Research Paper Format

Today we are going to begin a four-week long discussion of the IMRD format for scientific articles. We will be discussing this format because it is considered the most prominent format for the publication of original research. We will be adhering to the following schedule: 

1. Day One (11/11): Overview and Methods
2. Day Two (11/18): Results & Discussion
3. Day Three (11/25): Introductions
4. Day Four (12/3): Literature Review

An outline for today's class can be found below:

Introduction to IMRD Format: Overview & Methods

Objectives: Students will be able to....

1. Identify and define the primary components of the general, IMRD format
2. Identify and explain ways in which IMRD format varies between disciplines 
3. Demonstrate understanding of how different tenses are used within an IMRD research paper
4. Identify and define the characteristics of the "Methods" section of a general, IMRD research paper
5. Analyze a sample IMRD article

I. Icebreaker

How was your weekend? How was the holiday break? How are your other classes? Any questions about this class? 

II. Vocabulary Quiz

Time to "face the music". I hope you studied!

III. An Introduction to IMRD Format

Let's begin with what you know. With a partner, answer the following questions: 

• What are the basic parts/sections of a journal article? 
• What purpose does each part/section serve? 
• Is there variation between different scientific fields? How do you know? Can you give an example? 

After the discussion, we will look at this overview of the format. It is a general overview, intended for use with many different fields of study. To find out the requirements you will need within your field, we will have to do some genre analysis. 

For more information about this format, click here

IV. Identifying the Sections
There are usually hints that tell you which section of an IMRD you are in. These hints include things like: verb tense, the presence of author commentary and/or the (extensive) use of citation. Let's practice getting acquainted with these tenses using this activity.

1. Present Tense: This study is part of our research on....
2. Past Tense: We conducted this study as part of our research on....
3. Passive Voice (subject + finite form of to be + 3rd person past participle): The study was conducted....

V. The Methods Section

Now, let's look at the characteristics of the 'Methods' section. To do this, first read this article and answer the comprehension questions. Once you have finished, compare your answers with a class mate. 

After we discuss the answers as a class, we will do this activity to practice identifying the information that should be included in the 'Methods' section. 

Homework for Next Tuesday (11/18/2014)

1. Prepare for another vocabulary quiz on new words
2. Work through this brief overview of articles in English
3. Find an scientific article from your field of study written in English. The article should match the following criteria:

• Be between five and 10 pages long
• Pertain to your field (materials science, engineering, etc.)
• Contain each of the four components of the IMRD structure (it can contain more than that, too)

Once you have your article, email it to me (as a link or an attachment) so I can check it. Once I have told you it is 'ok', then print out the article. Bring this article with you for every class until we finish the unit! 

Finally, write a 300-500 word summary of the articles main points.