by Noor Ul Ain Janjua Zaidi, MPA, RHIT
A crucial step in organizing your thoughts and structuring your research is creating a research paper outline. You can start by using the following general outline format. Don't forget to modify it to fit your requirements and research topic:
I. Title Page
a. Title of your research paper
b. Include your name
c. Mention your institute (college, university, or any other affiliation)
d. Write a date when it is created
II. Introduction
a. Background information with context and importance of the research topic
b. Brief overview of existing literature
c. State the research reason or concern
d. Mention the significance of addressing your reason or concern
e. Describe the main purpose of the research
f. Define the scope of the study with any limitations or constraints
III. Methodology
a. Describe the overall research design (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, independent, or mixed methods) with the rationale for choosing this design
b. Explain the methods you will adopt to gather data, whether it’s through surveys, interviews, experiments or any other
c. Outline the techniques and tools you'll use to analyze the collected data, providing a clear methodology for deriving results
d. Discuss the ethical principles and guidelines you'll adhere to throughout the research, including informed consent, confidentiality, and any potential conflicts of interest
IV. Data Analysis
a. Showcase the results of your study, presenting the raw data and initial observations
b. Present your data with visuals like tables, charts, and graphs, it will help to make complex data more understandable to your readers
c. Explain the significance and connections between the findings
d. Examine unexpected or conflicting outcomes, providing potential reasons, and discussing how they impact the broader context of the study
V. Conclusion
a. Clearly state your research's main findings and place a strong emphasis on how crucial they are to addressing your question or hypothesis
b. Recall the main point or question that the purpose of your research was to investigate or demonstrate
c. Highlight any special contributions or insights your study has made to the body of knowledge already available in your field
d. Explain how your research findings relate to more significant issues or trends in your field or society by providing a broader context or implication
VI. Reference
a. List all the sources cited in your paper following a specific citation style (e.g., APA or MLA)
b. Include any additional data as per your research paper requirement
About the Author
Noor Ul Ain Janjua Zaidi, MPA, RHIT, is a dedicated professional with a strong record of contributions to the healthcare industry and active involvement in professional associations. Currently serving as a volunteer member at AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) for the 2023 Emerging Professionals Advisory Council Meeting, Noor demonstrates her commitment to advancing the field's emerging talent and shaping its future.
Her roles as a Revenue Cycle Project Leader and Member Engagement Project Leader within the Ohio Health Information Management Association (OHIMA) showcase her dedication to leadership and collaboration within the association. She has also served on OHIMA's Newsletter Committee and as a Committee Member for the Young Professionals Committee, demonstrating her commitment to the field's growth and the dissemination of industry insights.
Noor's hands-on experience in healthcare, including positions at Nationwide Children's Hospital and Cincinnati Children's Hospital, underscores her commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services. She holds an HIM associate degree and the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential, highlighting her dedication to healthcare information management. Additionally, her academic background includes a Master of Public Administration degree with a major in Human Resource Management from the University of Karachi, Pakistan. Currently pursuing a BSHIM degree at the University of Cincinnati, Noor continues to make significant contributions to healthcare information management and the development of future professionals in the field. Her involvement with AHIMA further exemplifies her dedication to the industry's growth and the nurturing of emerging professionals.
