In the context of academic publishing, a manuscript refers to the written document that an author submits to a journal for publication consideration. It includes all parts of the research study, such as the title, abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and references, and follows a specific structure dictated by the target journal’s guidelines.
Adjusting Research Sections into a Manuscript
To convert your research sections into a manuscript, follow these steps:
1. Understand Journal Requirements
Before you start writing, choose the target journal and thoroughly read its submission guidelines. This will help you format your manuscript correctly and ensure you include all required sections.
2. Structure Your Manuscript
Typically, a research manuscript is structured as follows:
a. Title Page
- Title of the manuscript
- Authors and their affiliations
- Corresponding author’s contact information
- Keywords
b. Abstract A concise summary of the research, including objectives, methodology, key results, and conclusions. Usually limited to 250-300 words.
c. Introduction
- Background information on the research topic
- The problem statement or research question
- Objectives of the study
- Significance of the study
- Hypothesis or research questions
d. Literature Review (if separate from the Introduction)
- Summary and critique of existing research
- Identification of research gaps
e. Methodology
- Detailed description of the research design
- Participants or sample
- Data collection methods
- Data analysis procedures
- Any instruments or tools used
f. Results
- Presentation of the findings
- Use of tables, graphs, and figures to illustrate data
- Statistical analysis (if applicable)
g. Discussion
- Interpretation of the results
- Comparison with previous research
- Implications of the findings
- Limitations of the study
- Suggestions for future research
h. Conclusion
- Summary of key findings
- Final thoughts and recommendations
i. References List of all sources cited in the manuscript, formatted according to the journal’s style guide.
j. Acknowledgements (if applicable) Recognition of funding sources, contributors, and other support.
k. Appendices (if applicable) Supplementary material that supports the main text.
3. Writing Each Section
Introduction
- Start Broadly: Provide general background information on the topic.
- Narrow Down: Focus on specific aspects of the research problem.
- State Objectives: Clearly state the aims and research questions or hypotheses.
Literature Review
- Summarize Key Studies: Highlight major findings in the field.
- Identify Gaps: Point out what previous research has not addressed.
- Justify Your Study: Explain how your research addresses these gaps.
Methodology
- Detailed Description: Offer a comprehensive account of how the research was conducted.
- Participants: Describe who was involved in the study and how they were selected.
- Procedures: Explain the data collection and analysis methods in detail.
Results
- Present Data Clearly: Use tables, figures, and text to present findings.
- Stick to the Facts: Report results without interpretation – that goes in the discussion.
Discussion
- Interpret Findings: Explain what the results mean in the context of the research question.
- Compare and Contrast: Relate your findings to existing research.
- Discuss Implications: Consider the practical and theoretical implications of your results.
- Address Limitations: Acknowledge any weaknesses in your study.
- Future Research: Suggest areas for further investigation.
Conclusion
- Summarize Main Points: Recap the key findings and their significance.
- No New Information: Only include points already discussed in the manuscript.
4. References and Citations
- Follow Guidelines: Format references according to the target journal’s style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
- Be Consistent: Ensure all citations in the text match the reference list.
5. Proofreading and Submission
- Revise and Edit: Carefully review the manuscript for clarity, coherence, and correctness.
- Seek Feedback: Get input from colleagues or mentors.
- Submit: Follow the journal’s submission process, including any cover letter or additional documentation required.
Example of a Manuscript
For the thesis topic “Assessment of the Implementation of the Supported Teaching in School Programme in Colleges of Education, Ghana,” you can develop the following sections into a manuscript:
Title Page
- Title: “Assessment of the Implementation of the Supported Teaching in School Programme in Colleges of Education, Ghana”
- Authors: [Your Name], [Co-Authors]
- Affiliations: [Your Institution]
- Corresponding Author: [Contact Information]
- Keywords: Supported Teaching, Education, Ghana, Programme Assessment
Abstract A summary covering the purpose, methods, key findings, and implications.
Introduction
- Overview of supported teaching programmes.
- Importance in the Ghanaian educational context.
- Objectives: Assessing student teachers’ perspectives on effectiveness.
Methodology
- Participants: 200 student teachers.
- Mixed-method: Surveys and focus groups.
- Data analysis: Quantitative and thematic.
Results
- Positive feedback on practical experience.
- Challenges with resources and mentorship.
Discussion
- Interpret positive and negative feedback.
- Compare with similar studies.
- Implications for programme improvement.
Conclusion
- Summarize key findings and suggest improvements.
References List all cited studies following the journal’s style guide.
