how to get ur paper published
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How to Write Discussion sections
Rules about doing research
Choose the right research question
Use the most appropriate study design
Apply sound statistics
Consider external validity
Writing papers Good writers are good artists!
Be creative
Express your personal style - be persuasive
No place for political views
Structure of a research paper
Title page Abstract Background (+objectives) Methods Results Discussion References Acknowledgment Figures and Tables Covering letter – sell your product!
Discussion Summarise main study findings
Interpret findings in light of research question
Point out strengths and weaknesses of study
Comparison with previous studies (be concise)
Implications for intended readers (be humble)
Make recommendations regarding future research
Principal findings State the main findings in one
sentence in words. “Our study shows that … .” “Drinking coke causes cancer”. “rates of pregnancy are falling”
Do not repeat data
Interpret study findings Make sense of results in light of
suggested hypothesis
Use references that support your interpretation
Strengths and weaknesses Blow your own trumpet
“The strengths of this study are …” The first, largest, best designed, only one
from your country….etc.
Be honest “But it has the following weaknesses...” Low follow up, not randomised, sample
size... etc
Literature search Comprehensive Learn what others have done before Boundary between knowledge and
ignorance Helps defining your research question Place your project within the context
of existing knowledge – more in line
Comparison with previous studies
Previous studies or systematic reviews
Discuss differences in relation to each study’s strengths and weaknesses
Justify your own results
Don’t be too critical
Implications for readers
Be realistic
Only direct implications
Be modest!
Do not over-sell your paper
Future research questions Unanswered questions
Only those directly related to the study
Future research Specific recommendations If you have none, say nothing DO NOT say “further research is
needed”
Figures and tables Do numbers add up?
Should stand alone: Descriptive legends Foot-notes if necessary Explain all abbreviation
Objectives
Some rules about doing research Some rules about writing up
research Submitting papers Editorial process Responding to editor’s decision
Submitting your paper Choose the right journal Read “Instructions for Authors” Write paper according to instructions Ask 2 colleagues to provide feedback Proof read the manuscript Submit the paper according to rules
Choosing the right journal Subject fits with orientation and scope of
journal
Journal readers are your target audience
Select journal of repute – Impact Factor
Seek advice from peers or seniors
Could write to the Editor-in-Chief
Submit by rules – quickly!
All articles need to be revised
Most need to be revised twice Some need extensive revising May be reviewed a second timeYou don’t have to do what reviewers ask But you have to make strong case why not
Reviewer ‘not getting it’ sign of unclear writing?
Can be rejected after all the requested revisions made
10 reasons for MS rejection1. Inappropriate or incomplete statistics2. Over-interpretation of results3. Inappropriate or suboptimal instrumentation4. Sample too small or biased5. Text difficult to follow6. Insufficient problem statement7. Inaccurate or inconsistent data reported8. Incomplete, inaccurate or outdated review of lit9. Insufficient data presented10. Defective tables and figures
Bordage G. Academic Medicine 2001;76(9)
Rejection hurtsBut it’s part of the game, especially when starting out Learn everything you can from it Rejection may point to some real
problems in how the MS was prepared If a reviewer makes constructive comments, use them Don’t just submit to another journal They may review for the other journal
too
Be optimisticQuality work will find quality journals
They need you more than you need themWriting is hard work but fun
always have a Plan BAnd a Plan C
THANK YOU
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