(Under Construction) This checklist
is primarily for papers that follow the experimental sturucture
(IntroductionMethodsResultsDiscussion) most common in the Pure,
Applied and Social Sciences. Some items may not be as applicable to
Qualitative research papers and Humanities papers. Use your judgement
of your own field when using this checklist. I am currently working on
making more specific checklists according to each field. Your
suggestions are welcome. adam.turner@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Download Abstract
Checklist
•
The abstract is the correct number of words. ___
•
I have followed the guidelines for authors. ___
•
My abstract gives enough information for the person to understand the
key points even if a person never reads the whole article. ___
•
The main KEYWORDS or INDEX WORDS are contained in the title AND
abstract. ___
•
Are there any abbreviations in your abstract that are not spelled?
Should they be?
•
I do not evaluate or criticize the work of others directly in the
abstract. I only describe my own research or the field in general. ___
•
I did not directly refer to other papers with references in my abstract
(not required in an abstract). ___
•
I briefly described the research methods used in the paper. ___
•
I did not copy and paste any of the sentences from the paper directly
into the abstract—especially the first two sentences of the
introduction. ___
•
There are no weak verbs such as “discuss”, or “examine”, or unclear
terms such as “various methods”. I have said exactly what I researched.
•
My abstract has the same general shape as the whole paper.
Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. The abstract is
relatively balanced in length with regard to these sections. ___
•
I have specifically stated the exact results, implications and/or
importance of the findings. ___
•
I understand the differences between conference abstracts and abstracts
for different types of journal papers in my field: review papers,
letters, short papers etc. ___
INTRODUCTION
I have you included all
of the key references in my field related to
this research issue. _
It is clear why my research is
necessary and what contribution it is making to my field._
I show exactly how I have
provided a solution to a problem or made a contribution to the
literature of your field?__
I not
only summarize and categorize, but analyze,
synthesize and evaluate the previous literature in my field.__
I use a variety of ways of introducing
quotations and citations within my sentences.__
I use a
variety of verbs to introduce
your direct quotations or references.__
METHODS
I explained any special
criteria for choosing any special materials/equipment.
___
I have examined the use
of passive and active sentence structure in a paper in my field. I
understand that active sentence structure is used when the researcher
wants to demonstrate their own decision-making or their own choice of
method while passive sentences are used for routine procedures or
sentences where the subject is not important.___
I have provided enough
information so that another researcher could replicate (do) the same
experiment with the same results. (This is not
always possible in many fields these days but it is a worthwhile goal
in science) ____
I justified and explained
any uncommon or unusual methods I used. ____
My
Method section format matches that of my model paper: short passive
sentences mainly describing procedures or a longer method section that
justifies the choices.___
I not only describe the procedure but I
explain the reasons for my methods where necessary using sentences
beginning with “To …” or “In order to…” ___
Results
I clearly highlight and
attempt to explain any interesting or
significant results. I do not merely describe all of the results, but
interpret the important results for the reader.__
I have
mentions whether my
results support or differ from previous research in the field. If they
differ I
have attempted to explain why. This may also be part of the discussion
section. __
Identify
whether your results
section simply describes the results or if the author comments on and
interprets the data. Examine the data and try to determine why such
comments
were made. ______
Discussion
I
have noted any problems with the methods or data.
I
note the implications of these problems and how they might affect the
validity
of my conclusions.__
I
have explained why my results differ from previous research if
applicable.__
I have
quantified, if
possible, or given the exact results that I have achieved.____
I have
analyzed the structure
of papers in my field to show the relationship between the results,
discussion
and conclusion sections. Short papers may have the three sections mixed
together, for example. http://www.languages.ait.ac.th/EL21DISC.HTM ___
Identify
whether your results
section simply describes the results or if the author comments on and
interprets the data. Examine the data and try to determine why such
comments
were made. ______
I have
identified and clearly
explained the importance of the findings. ____
I have
mentioned some
possible areas for further research, the importance of the findings or
the implications
and possible applications of the research. ______
I have
mentioned any problems
with the methods or data. ______
I have
mentions whether my
results support or differ from previous research in the field. If they
differ I
have attempted to explain why.__
|