ABSTRACT
The overall structure of research articles in engineering differs markedly from those in science, so a new format is introduced, IPTC (Introduction, Process, Testing, Conclusion), analogous to the IMRD or IMRaDC (Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion, Conclusion) structure paradigmatic of science. Differences in the number of sections, section titles, and division length reflect differences in the goals of science and engineering. Since science seeks to answer questions based on an explanation of data, the Results and Discussion divisions are the longest and most important. Engineering, however, seeks to provide solutions to problems based on a new design, leading to a greater emphasis on the second division, where that design is described. A theoretical foundation is laid for the inter- and intra-field variation in the formats (and their variants), based on differences in research methodology (theoretical, design, quantitative, qualitative, inductive, and deductive). The chapter further explains how to identify the format used, place division boundaries, and determine the expectations for section titles and length of divisions of research articles in a field.
