What is a technical paper?
A technical paper (or a research paper)
is a paper used to present
a new idea or a project (whether ongoing or completed).
Such a document should, at the least, have the following
important parts:
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Keywords
(optional)
A list of 2-5 keywords.
-
Abstract
Informative summary of the paper using 100-200 words, including any important results found or conclusions drawn.
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Introduction
Present the topic or major theme of the paper; indicate the scope, objectives, and any hypotheses.
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Review of Literature
Present major publications that are relevant to the ideas/points given in the paper in this section. Briefly indicate any similarities and/or differences between your work and those of others. Correctly cite sources and references using the agreed-upon style.
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Presentation of Idea and/or Methodology
Discuss the major points of your idea or project and be sure to indicate any limitations. Elaborate on any methodology used. How does this approach/idea differ from those currently used by others?
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Discussion and Implications
Present major results and their implications. Highlight outcomes that deviate from any results published elsewhere. Be sure to provide complete and accurate discussions of these implications.
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Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations
Wrap up what you have presented in the paper. Be sure that there is consistency between this part of your paper and your Abstract/Introduction. Indicate any possible extensions or future work.
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References
List all your references using the agreed-upon style. (The most commonly used style in the computing sciences is outlined in the Transactions References style guide of the IEEE Computer Society's Style Guide.)
Typically, Dr. J requires that no more than 20% of the references be from on-line sources. Be sure to understand such restrictions and discuss any problems with Dr. J as early as possible.
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Appendix
(optional)
Group any supplementary material such as sample files, sample code, user manual, etc. in this section of the paper. This avoids cluttering up the body of the text with material that provides detail only to those who are interested in such.
Number all pages, in a single series, with no omitted numbers. Number all figures similarly. Figures should be identified by the figure number. Figure captions should be sufficiently clear so that the figures can be understood without detailed reference to the accompanying text.
A major portion of the text should focus on discussing important (specially if novel or original) ideas. Support any claims with well-documented facts or empirical results, bearing in mind any assumptions and limitations. Maintain a consistent flow between sections of your paper.
NOTE: Be sure to check with your professor (or whoever is evaluating your paper; e.g. reviewer or referee) regarding any other specific style guides on how the completed technical paper should be written. In particular, pay special attention to required margins, spacing, font style and size, heading styles, citations and references, etc.
