Research Paper Guidelines

Author: Parth Lamsal, Harris Westminster Sixth Form, London

We have prepared this rough guidelines to help you with your research journey. Hope you will find this useful.

Think, Plan, Research, Write-Up

Getting Started

Summary

• Define your topic, scope, and objectives.

What to include

• A clear research question or problem 

• Why it matters (impact or relevance)

• Preliminary reading or background research

Example

• Topic: ‘The Effect EMF have on the Process of Salt Crystallisation’

• Keep it manageable (10-50 hours total work)

• Discuss ideas with teachers or Sixth Form Blog representatives for guidance 

Planning Your Research

Summary

• Map out what you need, who can help, and a timeline.

Sections

• Who: Team members (max 4), teachers, mentors, or lab supervisors

• Where: Lab, library, online resources, school facilities

• When: Allocate hours over weeks; use LAB sessions, free periods

Tips

• Break the work into smaller tasks (research, experiments, analysis, write ups)

• Keep a simple log of progress and hours spent

  
  

Conducting Research

Summary

• Gather data, carry out experiments, or collect information

What to include

• Original experiments, surveys, coding projects, or literature reviews

• Documentation of methods: steps, tools, software, and materials used

• Record results carefully (tables, graphs, images)

Example

• STEM: Measure pH changes in plant soil over time

• Social Sciences: Survey 50 students on study habits and exam stress

• Coding: Develop a Python programme to model population growth

Tips

• Always check with a teacher before doing experiments 

• Keep data organised and labelled

• Take photos or screenshots where possible

Analysis &Interpretation 

Summary

Make sense of your data and connect it to your research question

What to include

• Tables, graphs, charts, or statistical analysis 

• Compare results to expectations or literature 

• Discuss patterns, trends, or anomalies 

Example

• STEM: Graph soil pH over time, note changes after watering 

• Social Science: Use percentages to summarise survey responses

• Coding: Show examples outputs and discuss results 

Tips

• Be honest about unexpected results… happened to me

• Link back to your research question constantly

Writing your Research Paper/Article 

Summary

• Present your findings clearly and logically.

Sections to include

• Title - Clear and descriptive 

• Abstract - 3 to 5 sentence summary of purpose, methods, results

• Introduction - Context, question, and importance 

• Methods - How the research was conducted 

• Results - Data, graphs, tables 

• Discussion/Analysis - Interpret findings, implications 

• Conclusion - Summarise key points and next steps

• References - Cite books, articles, websites used

Tips

• Keep language simple and precise

• Include images etc..

• Ask peers or teachers for feedback before submission

Submission &Review

Summary

• How Sixth Form Blog processes your work.

Steps

• Submit via the website submission form

• Peer review by other students (check clarity, relevance)

• Trustee review for quality and accuracy 

• Receive feedback and make final adjustments 

• Publication on the platform with images/data included