Paper types

Scientific research paper. A document that presents, in detail, the original results or innovative and new findings of completed research projects. The structure generally used has four main sections: introduction, methods, results and discussion (IMRD). According to its standards of this journal, the following characteristics are recommended for its structure: 

Title. It should relate to and be consistent with the purpose of the information presented in the manuscript; it should be concise and informative of the content of the study.
Summary. With a maximum length of 200 words; it should gather the aspects most relevant in relation to the purpose, methods and conclusions.  Key words should be relevant and consistent with the content and the area of education.
Introduction. The paper must identify the research problem which must make a clear and relevant contribution to the area of knowledge in which it is located. The background for the research based on the surrounding literature should be taken into account.
Methods and materials. They should answer the question of how the problem was approached, identifying the sample or subjects by sex, age, etc.; the instrument and its procedure.
Results. They must show the results with data relevant to the aims of the study, and must be clear and organised into tables, graphs, figures. Avoid the repetition of information in tables and in the text.
Discussion.  There should be an interpretation of the significance of the results, both expected and unexpected ones, and the conclusions of the study should be drawn.
Citations and references. There should be concordance between all citations and references and they should comply with  APA standards.
Appendices Only those considered important for clarifying the text may be included.

Review paper or metanalysis: A document resulting from completed research that analyses, systematises and integrates the results of published or unpublished research in a field of science or technology in order to report on advances and development trends. Characterised by a careful review of literature.

Essay or reflection paper: A document that presents the results of completed research from an analytical, interpretative or critical perspective of the author, on a specific topic, using original sources.

Review: Provides a critical view, not published elsewhere, on a new book which may have an impact on a field of educational knowledge. The review may be written as an essay and contains the opinion of someone who is not one of the authors of the book.