IMRAD Manuscript Structure
Use IMRAD as the default high-level structure for many original-research manuscripts: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. IMRAD is common for original research, not universal. Reviews, case reports, editorials, and journal-specific formats may require a different structure.
Use IMRAD as the default high-level structure for many original-research manuscripts: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
IMRAD is common for original research, not universal. Reviews, case reports, editorials, and journal-specific formats may require a different structure.
Further guidance
Content
Map background and objective to Introduction, reproducible procedures to Methods, findings to Results, and interpretation/limitations to Discussion; use subheadings where useful.
Practical Application
For an original-research manuscript that follows IMRAD, map the research problem and objective to Introduction, reproducible procedures to Methods, findings to Results, and interpretation/implications to Discussion. Follow the target journal when it combines or renames sections.
Purpose
Give research manuscripts a familiar evidence-flow structure that helps readers locate rationale, methods, findings, and interpretation.
Reader Check
Can each major part of the paper be assigned to its research function without forcing material into an IMRAD heading the journal does not use?
Worked Example
A study can introduce the research question, describe recruitment and analysis in Methods, report outcome estimates in Results, and interpret those estimates and limitations in Discussion.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Preparing a Manuscript for Submission to a Medical Journal — ICMJE (opens in a new tab)International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) · ICMJE manuscript-submission guidance on reporting sources of support/funding that facilitated the work