Writing an experimental paper: everything a student must know before starting

An experimental research paper lies in the foundation of scientific discovery. It is essential to master how to write an experimental research paper as early in your studies as possible. Unlike interpretive papers that explore meaning, an experimental paper focuses on systematically manipulating variables to observe their influence on a phenomenon. Let's explore the common structure of a compelling experimental research paper. 

Structure of an experimental paper

These are the five main parts of an experimental research paper that should be included in the final product.

Introduction

Your first paragraph or two sets the stage for the rest of your experimental paper. Here, you demonstrate your writing style, main ideas for the paper, and a thesis statement that lies in the core of your work, creating an overall first impression of the work. It is essential to capture your reader's attention from the start by promising an exciting and valuable reading experience. These are the stages necessary for creating a solid introduction.

• Hook: You want to grab the reader's attention with the first sentences. A powerful hook will appeal to readers and set the stage for a promising read. Based on the paper's context, a compelling hook can be anything from a thought-provoking question to a surprising statistic or a relevant anecdote directly connected to your research topic.
• Background: Provide a concise overview of your research area's knowledge base. Briefly explain what researchers already understand and identify any gaps in current understanding that your study aims to address. This section demonstrates your familiarity with the field and positions your research within the broader context. 
• Research question/hypothesis: Clearly state the specific question your experiment seeks to answer. This question should be focused, well-defined, and directly related to the gaps identified in the background section. Following this, present your hypothesis - a prediction of the outcome your experimental paper should discover. 

Methods

The method section of a research paper should detail the procedures you employed to answer your research question. This allows for transparency and empowers other researchers to replicate your study.

• Participants/Subjects: Describe the specific sample you used in your experiment. Explain how you selected your participants/subjects and emphasize why it is representative of the broader population you're interested in studying. 
• Materials and apparatus: Detail your experiment's equipment, tools, and materials. Be specific enough to allow another researcher to replicate your study easily. Include any relevant information, from survey group specifics to text materials or software you employed. 
• Procedures: An experimental research paper must cite the experimental design it implies. Clearly and chronologically describe the step-by-step procedures employed in your study. For example, describe any control groups in your experiment, what dependent and independent variables you’ve applied, how you’ve measured them, etc.
• Data collection methods: Explain how you collected data for your experimental paper. This could involve surveys, observations, physiological measurements, or any other method relevant to your research question.

Results 

The results section showcases the discoveries you made through your experiment. Here, you translate raw data into clear and understandable information.

• Presenting your findings: Don't just list numbers. Use tables, charts, and graphs to make your data easy to understand. Label everything clearly and add captions to explain what each visual represents. The reader should be able to grasp the information in the visuals without needing the text for every detail. Choose the best format to display your data. 
• Making sense of the numbers: Statistical tests help you understand the importance of your findings. Explain these tests simply, focusing on why they were chosen and how they relate to your research question. Report the results of these tests, including p-values. A low p-value suggests your results are unlikely due to chance, while a high p-value means further investigation might be needed.

Discussion

As in all other types of research papers, you should use the discussion section to provide interpretation and explain the significance of your findings. Produce a deeper analysis of the results section, connect it to your research question and hypothesis, and discuss the broader importance of your study to the related field.

• Interpretation: Explain how your findings relate to your original research question and hypothesis. Did your results support your hypothesis, or do they suggest alternate explanations? Discuss any unexpected findings and explore potential reasons for these deviations. Be mindful of limitations in the study design of your experimental paper. Acknowledge any factors that might have influenced your results and suggest how future research could address these limitations.
• Comparison to existing research: Position your findings within the broader context of your field. How do your results align with or challenge existing knowledge? Cite relevant research to support your interpretations and discussions. Highlight areas of agreement and disagreement with previous studies, emphasizing the novelty and contribution of your own investigation.
• Implications: Discuss the broader significance of your research. What are the potential applications of your findings? Do your results offer practical solutions to a real-world problem? Can they inform future research directions or lead to the development of new interventions or technologies? 
• Remember: Maintain a clear and objective tone throughout the experimental paper. Avoid overstating your findings or making claims not directly supported by your data. Focus on the "why" behind your results. Explain the mechanisms or processes underlying the observed relationships between your variables.

Conclusion 

You can leave a lasting impression on your readers and emphasize the value of your research by creating a strong conclusion.

• Recap: Remind the reader of the question and the central hypothesis in your experimental paper research. Briefly summarize the main results you obtained through your experiment.
• Significance: Next, explain why your findings matter. Discuss their overall importance and contribution to the field.
• Future directions: Based on your findings, discuss potential avenues for future research. What unanswered questions remain? Suggest further investigations that could build upon your work.

References

This section should cite all the authors and studies you’ve cited throughout your experimental research paper. Double-check all your references to ensure they are listed correctly and completely with author names, publication dates, titles, and publication details. Ensure proper formatting according to the required style guide (e.g., APA, MLA).

Tips to master an experimental research paper

These tips will show you how to write an experimental research paper with ease. 

• Sharp question: Craft a clear research question that drives your entire investigation.
• Mind map magic: Brainstorm with a mind map to organize thoughts (questions, variables, methods).
• Sample size savvy: Use online tools or consult a statistician to ensure a robust sample size.
• Pilot power: Conduct a small-scale trial run to refine procedures and data collection methods.
• Active voice advantage: Write your experimental paper in an active voice for clear and confident communication.
• Sentence starters: Vary your sentence starters for smoother flow and emphasis.
• Read aloud proofread: Catch awkward phrasing and typos by reading your paper aloud.
• Data archiving plan: Develop a system to store your data for future analysis or compliance.
• Ethics explained: Address ethical considerations in the methods section (consent, animal welfare, confidentiality).
• Visual appeal: Use high-quality visuals with clear labels and captions (consider strategic color use).
• Spark curiosity: Conclude by suggesting future research directions based on limitations and unanswered questions.
• Use additional help: If writing an experimental research paper is still challenging for you and you wonder, “Who can write my paper?” consider enlisting the help of professional writing services for proofreading, editing, or even drafting sections of your paper. This can provide expert insights, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing, especially for critical sections like the introduction and conclusion. Such assistance and the opportunity to buy a research paper will save you time and minimize the stress of dealing with new assignments.

FAQ 

What is an experimental research paper?

An experimental research paper investigates cause and effect by testing in a controlled environment. This practical approach leads to discoveries in the field and a deeper understanding of the subject.

How do experimental research papers differ from other types of research papers?

Unlike papers that analyze existing information (e.g., interpretive), an experimental paper presents original findings based on the researcher's experiment.

Do I need to include citations in experimental research papers?

Absolutely! Citations are essential to crediting sources and showing that your experimental research paper is informed by existing knowledge in the field.