Writing your first academic paper is a challenge - esp. if you have returned from industry to academe.
While what is expected varies across disciplines- I know because I finished the coursework for #PhD programs in #business & in #socialscience - there are some commonalities.
Every good #academicpaper shares five elements.
First, tell a #story.
The authors pay attention to the #storyarch. They understand that the motivation and the contribution align. They logically unpack arguments and develop ideas as if they are characters. If there is one, the method is like a climactic action scene that leaves little unresolved in the reader’s mind.
Before you write, sit down & #storyboard that arch, its progression, its character & its climax. Ask yourself, is this complete? Is this compelling? What is missing?
Second, a #hook.
Every good story catches your attention. Start with a #problem or #discrepancy that makes a reader want to know how it was resolved. It can be based on literature, theory, or phenomenon.
As you write the paper, take a walk, and ask yourself, would I listen to a podcast on this topic? If so, what would make this interesting? What is the tension that needs to be resolved?
Third, boring #interludes.
The interludes provide necessary detail on interpreting the analysis, explain a measure was developed or detail of a literature review.
Make sure you attend to these less exciting bits. The level of #detail and #accuracy are important. You need to calibrate detail to your audience’s expertise, with more being needed for new methods and less for well-known. You must always be accurate; missing papers in a review can be deadly.
Ask yourself, What does my field or target journal include in every paper? This will help you calibrate the kind and detail of interludes.
Fourth, #flaws.
Every paper has elements that R2 will attack, for including or not including. Data isn’t perfect. A unifying theory may not exist for a novel phenomenon. Analysis may be better suited for answering some questions than others. The list is endless.
You must acknowledge #limitations. But, as you do, you should demonstrate understanding of the problem & its possible remedies.
As you pick which flaws to own up to, ask yourself how common is it? Is it a credible threat? Could a second study address it?
Limitations are good opportunities for suggesting #futurework - so use them to stage the sequel to your story.
Finally, #completeness.
A good article is complete. It should stand on its own. A reader should not have to read many #papers to get the gist of your work. Treat the literature review as a #recap & point people to additional reading who want to know more.
As you prepare to submit, ask yourself have I told the whole story?
If you have these five elements, your work will be more warmly received.
Best of luck!
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