This document provides guidance on preparing research papers for international journal publication. It discusses the typical structure of a research paper, including the introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, discussion, and conclusion. The literature review is described as a critical synthesis of previous research that helps contextualize the study and identify gaps. An effective methodology with clearly described hypotheses, data collection, sampling, and analysis is also emphasized. The peer review process is covered, noting common criteria like a paper's contribution, appropriate methods, supported conclusions, and clear communication. Overall, preparing quality papers is outlined as a long process requiring patience, honesty, attention to detail, and understanding differences in writing styles across languages.

1. How to Prepare Papers for International Journal Publication Jian Qin Syracuse University Harbin, China, 2010-7-22

2. Research papers that involve: Data collection and analysis Experiment (prototype systems, algorithm testing, usability testing) Theory construction Literature review Types of papers Preparing research papers -- Harbin, 2010

3. Structure of a research paper What is the research problem? Why is it important to study? Introduction What has been done by previous studies? What is the unique innovation of your study? Literature review Methodology Hypotheses Data Design of questionnaire Sampling method Methods of analysis Findings General description of findings Specific descriptions by research question Discussion Conclusion Preparing research papers -- Harbin, 2010

4. Why literature review? Helps to contextualize, or frame, your research Gives readers the necessary background to understand your research Preparing research papers -- Harbin, 2010

5. More detailed purposes from Hart (1998) Distinguishing what has been done from what needs to be done; Discovering important variables relevant to the topic; Synthesizing and gaining a new perspective; Identifying relationships between ideas and practice; Establishing the context of the topic or problem; Rationalizing the significance of the problem; Enhancing and acquiring the subject vocabulary; Understanding the structure of the subject; Relating ideas and theory to applications; Identifying methodologies and techniques that have been used; Placing the research in a historical context to show familiarity with state-of-the-art developments. Hart C (1998) Doing a literature review. London: S age. Preparing research papers -- Harbin, 2010

6. The effective evaluation of selected documents on a research topic. In the context of a research paper or thesis the literature review is a critical synthesis of previous research. The evaluation of the literature leads logically to the research question. What is a Literature Review? Preparing research papers -- Harbin, 2010

7. Is a synthesis of available research Is a critical evaluation Has appropriate breadth and depth Has clarity and conciseness Uses rigorous and consistent methods A “good” literature review Preparing research papers -- Harbin, 2010

8. Pay attention to areas of similarities and/or differences in: Research aim(s) or hypotheses Research design and sampling Instruments and procedures used How data were analyzed Results or findings Interpretations Key points for a review Preparing research papers -- Harbin, 2010

9. An introduction Scale and structure of your review A body Depends on how you organize your key points Should be evaluative, rather than merely descriptive A conclusion Summary of main findings Related to your research questions A literature review should contain Preparing research papers -- Harbin, 2010

10. Phases in literature review Listpon, K. (2006). Literature Review Methods: point of departure. http://www.stanford.edu/class/cee320/CEE320A/POD.pdf Preparing research papers -- Harbin, 2010

11. Detailed description of methodology is the baseline for demonstrating the validity and reliability of your research Hypotheses: What are the assumptions for your hypotheses? What is the rationale for your hypotheses? Methodology (1) Preparing research papers -- Harbin, 2010

12. Data Which type does your research fall into: a questionnaire survey? an experiment with human subjects? an experiment for a system evaluation? an experiment for testing an interface or algorithm? an analysis of data collected from some sources? Methodology (2) Preparing research papers -- Harbin, 2010

13. Sampling How did you choose the sample? Why did you choose the sample? Are there any previous similar studies that provided some empirical data on sample size, return rate, etc.? How representative is the sample? Preparing research papers -- Harbin, 2010 Methodology (3)

14. Preparing research papers -- Harbin, 2010 Peer Review Criteria Review comments Response

15. Does the manuscript make a new contribution to the literature? Is the method used appropriate to the subject? Does the evidence presented support the hypothesis? Does the author communicate clearly with an educated, yet not necessarily specialized, audience? Does the literature review place the research or opinions in perspective? Preparing research papers -- Harbin, 2010 Example criteria of review: ACRL

16. Clarity and uniqueness of research idea Literature review: relevance, coherence, completeness Methodology Analysis and interpretation Preparing research papers -- Harbin, 2010 Areas of review comments

17. Professional Courtesy Each question has a response Preparing research papers -- Harbin, 2010 Response to reviewers’ comments

18. Research paper preparation takes long time from brewing the idea to conducting it and finalize it into a publishable product Patience and persistence Honesty Pay attention to details: format, references, spellings, etc. Focus on coherence, supporting evidence, and logic Understand language differences (which affects sentence structures and idea expressions) Preparing research papers -- Harbin, 2010 Summary