Paper Structure Patterns — 6 Paper Structure Models

Used by structure_architect_agent and intake_agent to select the appropriate paper structure.

Pattern 1: IMRaD (Introduction-Method-Results-Discussion)

Best for: Empirical research with original data collection and analysis Typical length: 5,000-8,000 words Disciplines: Sciences, Social Sciences, Education, Medicine

Structure

1. Title Page
2. Abstract (150-250 words)
   Keywords (5-7)
3. Introduction
   3.1 Context and Background
   3.2 Problem Statement
   3.3 Research Gap
   3.4 Purpose and Research Questions
   3.5 Significance of the Study
4. Literature Review
   4.1 Theoretical Framework
   4.2 Theme 1: [related research]
   4.3 Theme 2: [related research]
   4.4 Theme 3: [related research]
   4.5 Summary and Conceptual Framework
5. Methodology
   5.1 Research Design
   5.2 Participants/Sample
   5.3 Data Collection
   5.4 Instruments/Measures
   5.5 Data Analysis
   5.6 Validity and Reliability
   5.7 Ethical Considerations
6. Results/Findings
   6.1 Descriptive Statistics (if quantitative)
   6.2 Finding 1 (aligned with RQ1)
   6.3 Finding 2 (aligned with RQ2)
   6.4 Finding 3 (if applicable)
7. Discussion
   7.1 Summary of Findings
   7.2 Interpretation and Comparison with Literature
   7.3 Theoretical Implications
   7.4 Practical Implications
   7.5 Limitations
   7.6 Future Research Directions
8. Conclusion
9. References
10. Appendices (if applicable)

Word Allocation (6,000-word example)

Pattern 2: Thematic Literature Review

Best for: Synthesizing existing research, identifying gaps, proposing future directions Typical length: 6,000-10,000 words Disciplines: All (especially Social Sciences, Education, Humanities)

Structure

1. Title Page
2. Abstract
   Keywords
3. Introduction
   3.1 Topic and Rationale
   3.2 Scope and Boundaries
   3.3 Review Methodology (search strategy, inclusion criteria)
   3.4 Organization of the Review
4. Theme 1: [descriptive title]
   4.1 Sub-theme A
   4.2 Sub-theme B
   4.3 Summary of Theme 1
5. Theme 2: [descriptive title]
   5.1 Sub-theme A
   5.2 Sub-theme B
   5.3 Summary of Theme 2
6. Theme 3: [descriptive title]
   6.1 Sub-theme A
   6.2 Sub-theme B
   6.3 Summary of Theme 3
7. Cross-Cutting Synthesis
   7.1 Convergent Findings
   7.2 Divergent Findings and Debates
   7.3 Methodological Observations
8. Research Gaps and Future Directions
   8.1 Identified Gaps
   8.2 Proposed Research Agenda
9. Conclusion
   9.1 Key Takeaways
   9.2 Implications for Practice/Policy
10. References

Word Allocation (8,000-word example)

Pattern 3: Theoretical Analysis

Best for: Developing, critiquing, or extending theoretical frameworks Typical length: 5,000-8,000 words Disciplines: Social Sciences, Philosophy, Education

Structure

1. Title Page
2. Abstract
   Keywords
3. Introduction
   3.1 The Theoretical Problem
   3.2 Why This Theory Matters
   3.3 Purpose and Contribution
4. Background: The Theory in Context
   4.1 Origins and Development
   4.2 Key Concepts and Definitions
   4.3 Current State of the Theory
5. Critical Analysis
   5.1 Strengths of the Framework
   5.2 Limitations and Gaps
   5.3 Competing Perspectives
   5.4 Empirical Support (or lack thereof)
6. Proposed Extension/Revision
   6.1 New Dimensions or Modifications
   6.2 Conceptual Model
   6.3 Propositions for Testing
7. Applications and Implications
   7.1 Theoretical Implications
   7.2 Practical Applications
   7.3 Methodological Implications
8. Conclusion
   8.1 Summary of Contribution
   8.2 Limitations of the Analysis
   8.3 Future Directions
9. References

Word Allocation (6,000-word example)

Pattern 4: Case Study

Best for: In-depth analysis of specific institutions, programs, events, or phenomena Typical length: 4,000-7,000 words Disciplines: Education, Business, Social Sciences, Medicine (clinical)

Structure

1. Title Page
2. Abstract
   Keywords
3. Introduction
   3.1 Background and Rationale
   3.2 Case Selection Justification
   3.3 Research Questions
4. Literature Context
   4.1 Relevant Theoretical Framework
   4.2 Prior Research on Similar Cases
5. Case Description
   5.1 Context and Setting
   5.2 Key Actors and Stakeholders
   5.3 Timeline of Events
   5.4 Data Sources
6. Analysis
   6.1 Analysis Framework
   6.2 Theme/Finding 1
   6.3 Theme/Finding 2
   6.4 Theme/Finding 3
7. Discussion
   7.1 Cross-Theme Synthesis
   7.2 Comparison with Literature
   7.3 Theoretical Insights
   7.4 Transferability (not generalizability)
8. Lessons Learned and Recommendations
   8.1 For Practitioners
   8.2 For Policymakers
   8.3 For Researchers
9. Conclusion
10. References
11. Appendices (case documents, data)

Word Allocation (5,000-word example)

Pattern 5: Policy Brief

Best for: Evidence-based policy recommendations for decision-makers Typical length: 2,000-4,000 words Disciplines: Public Policy, Education, Health, Economics

Structure

1. Title and Author Information
2. Executive Summary (200-300 words)
   Key recommendations (3-5 bullet points)
3. Background
   3.1 The Policy Problem
   3.2 Current Policy Context
   3.3 Why Action is Needed Now
4. Evidence Base
   4.1 Key Finding 1
   4.2 Key Finding 2
   4.3 Key Finding 3
   4.4 International Comparisons (if relevant)
5. Policy Options Analysis
   5.1 Option A: [description]
       - Pros / Cons / Cost / Feasibility
   5.2 Option B: [description]
       - Pros / Cons / Cost / Feasibility
   5.3 Option C: [description]
       - Pros / Cons / Cost / Feasibility
6. Recommendations
   6.1 Recommended Option with Justification
   6.2 Implementation Steps
   6.3 Timeline
   6.4 Success Metrics
7. Conclusion
8. References
9. Appendix: Methodology Note

Word Allocation (3,000-word example)

Pattern 6: Conference Paper

Best for: Presenting research in progress or completed studies at academic conferences Typical length: 2,000-5,000 words (varies by conference) Disciplines: All

Structure (Short Paper)

1. Title, Authors, Affiliations
2. Abstract (100-200 words)
   Keywords
3. Introduction
   3.1 Problem and Motivation
   3.2 Research Question(s)
4. Related Work
   4.1 Key Prior Studies
   4.2 Gap This Paper Addresses
5. Approach / Methodology
   5.1 Design
   5.2 Data/Materials
   5.3 Analysis
6. Results (Preliminary or Complete)
   6.1 Key Findings
   6.2 Tables/Figures
7. Discussion
   7.1 Interpretation
   7.2 Limitations
8. Conclusion and Future Work
9. References

Word Allocation (3,000-word example)

Pattern Selection Guide