How to Write a Research Article Step by Step

 

Writing a research article is often described as a marathon rather than a sprint. As a santri who spends my mornings studying classical texts and my evenings blogging about economy and education, I’ve learned that both worlds share something in common: discipline, structure, and sincerity in sharing knowledge. Research article writing is not just about impressing peer reviewers—it’s about contributing ideas that matter, while maintaining academic integrity and clarity.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of writing a research article, weaving together scholarly writing techniques, practical tips from academic publishing, and my own reflections as a lifelong learner.

What Is Research Article Writing?

A research article is a structured piece of academic writing intended to communicate original findings, theories, or analysis. Unlike casual essays or blog posts, it follows a systematic format accepted in scholarly writing communities.

When you hear terms like academic paper format, scientific writing, or journal article writing, they all point to the same goal: creating a manuscript that can be submitted for peer-reviewed writing and eventually appear in academic publishing outlets.

The process may look intimidating, but if you break it into steps, it becomes manageable—even enjoyable.

Step 1: Choosing a Research Topic

Every strong research article begins with a clear focus. Ask yourself:

• Does this topic address a gap in knowledge?
• Is it relevant to your field of study?
• Can you support it with existing literature?

For instance, in economics, instead of writing broadly about “inflation,” you might narrow it down to “the impact of digital banking on inflationary trends in Indonesia.” This level of specificity helps in designing your research methodology later.

Pro Tip: Keep a “research journal” where you jot down questions that arise from your daily readings or discussions. Many great academic articles start with a simple question.

Step 2: Conducting a Literature Review

Before you write, you need to listen. That’s the essence of a literature review. It’s where you map out what scholars have already said, identify gaps, and position your study within the ongoing conversation.

A strong literature review writing section does three things:

1. Summarizes key studies.
2. Highlights debates or contradictions.
3. Shows where your research fits in.

When I studied Islamic economics texts, I found that reviewing scholars’ perspectives felt similar: you acknowledge their contributions, then build respectfully upon them.

Step 3: Defining Your Research Methodology

The research methodology is the backbone of your article. Without it, your claims lack foundation. Here, you outline whether your study is qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, and explain how you collected and analyzed data.

For example:

• In social sciences: surveys, interviews, or case studies.
• In natural sciences: experiments, lab work, or statistical modeling.

Be precise. Peer reviewers value clarity in methodology more than flashy words.

Step 4: Structuring Your Article

A research article typically follows this structure:

1. Title & Abstract – A concise summary of your study.
2. Introduction – Context, research problem, and objectives.
3. Literature Review – Summary of previous studies.
4. Methodology – How you did your research.
5. Results/Findings – What you discovered.
6. Discussion – What your findings mean.
7. Conclusion – Implications, limitations, and future research.
8. References – Proper citation and referencing (APA style, MLA format, or Chicago).

When blogging, I learned the power of structure: readers follow better when content flows logically. In academic writing, the article structure ensures clarity for reviewers and future researchers.

Step 5: Writing the Abstract and Introduction

The abstract writing is often the most challenging part. It’s short (150–300 words) but must summarize the entire paper: purpose, methods, results, and significance.

The introduction writing should answer:

• What is the problem?
• Why does it matter?
• How does your study contribute?

Think of it as storytelling for scholars. You draw readers in with context, then present your research objective.

Step 6: Presenting Results and Discussion

The results section is straightforward: present your data without excessive interpretation. Use tables, graphs, and percentages when possible.

The discussion section, however, is where your voice matters. Here, you interpret results, connect them to existing literature, and explain implications. For example:

• Did your results confirm or challenge previous studies?
• What do they mean for theory, practice, or policy?

As a blogger who critiques economic trends, I’ve learned that readers respect clarity over jargon. The same applies here: don’t hide behind technical terms—explain insights in accessible language.

Step 7: Writing the Conclusion

The conclusion writing should not repeat everything but rather highlight key contributions, limitations, and suggestions for future research.

A good practice is to end with a reflective question: What’s next for this field of study?

Step 8: Citation, Referencing, and Academic Integrity

Nothing undermines scholarly writing faster than poor referencing or plagiarism. Always follow the required style guide:

• APA style for social sciences.
• MLA format for humanities.
• Chicago or IEEE for specific fields.

Use a plagiarism check tool before submission to uphold academic integrity. Remember: citing sources isn’t just about avoiding punishment—it’s about honoring the intellectual chain that brought you here.

Step 9: Proofreading and Editing

Never underestimate the power of revision. Proofreading research articles involves checking grammar, flow, and accuracy. Professional researchers often revise multiple times before submission.

Personally, I treat this stage like my daily murojaah (reviewing Qur’an lessons). Just as each recitation improves with correction, each draft becomes sharper with careful editing.

Step 10: Submitting to a Journal

Now comes the final test: the research paper submission.

Steps include:

1. Selecting the right journal.
2. Adhering to journal guidelines.
3. Formatting according to the editorial process.
4. Submitting via online platforms.

The publishing process may involve multiple rounds of peer review, revisions, and sometimes rejection. Don’t be discouraged. Each rejection is an opportunity to refine your work.

FAQs on Research Article Writing

Q: What is the difference between research article writing and thesis writing?

A thesis is a comprehensive academic project for a degree, while a research article is shorter, focused, and intended for academic publishing.

Q: How long should a research article be?

Most journals prefer 4,000–7,000 words, though it depends on the field and journal guidelines.

Q: Do I need to use a specific citation style?

Yes. Always check if the journal requires APA, MLA, or another style.

Final Reflection

Writing for journals is not just about producing a publishable text—it’s a journey of discipline, humility, and growth. As a santri, I often remind myself that knowledge is amanah (a trust). To write with sincerity is to ensure that my work benefits others and respects the legacy of scholars before me.

In the end, research article writing is both an academic duty and a spiritual exercise in patience and clarity. Whether you’re preparing your first manuscript preparation or polishing your fifth research publication, remember: each step brings you closer to becoming part of a global conversation that shapes the future.

If you’re serious about improving your academic writing, keep exploring guides like this, practice consistently, and connect with communities of writers. Growth is a process—and every article you write sharpens your voice as a scholar.