Aug 5, 2024 · Making a title for your research is one of the most important decisions when writing an article to publish in journals. The research title is the first thing that journal editors and reviewers see when they look at your paper and the only piece of information that fellow researchers will see in a database or search engine query. ... Mar 26, 2024 · Attention-Grabbing: Choose engaging language to make the title stand out. Keyword-Rich: Use relevant terms to improve searchability and increase visibility. Writing Guide for Research Paper Titles Step 1: Identify Key Elements of the Study. Consider the main components of your study, including: Research Topic: The general subject or field of ... ... Tips for Writing an Effective Research Paper Title. Follow these tips to make your research paper title engaging and attention-grabbing: Add important words related to your research for better search results. Make your title brief and clear to convey your research focus effectively. Use words that grab attention and spark curiosity about your ... ... Jun 26, 2024 · A research title is a critical component of any research study or academic paper. It serves multiple important functions that contribute to the overall success and impact of the research. Here are key reasons why a research title is important: 1. First Impression. The research title is often the first element a reader encounters. ... Jun 27, 2024 · 2. Rules for Writing Good Titles. Rules for writing great titles are like rules for good writing in general. Let’s look at some basic rules to follow while crafting a fitting title for your research paper. 2.1 Be Specific and Avoid Being Generic. A generic title is broad, vague, and lacks specificity about the research findings. ... An effective title should: Convey the main topics of the study; Highlight the importance of the research; Be concise; Attract readers; Writing a good title for your manuscript can be challenging. First, list the topics covered by the manuscript. Try to put all of the topics together in the title using as few words as possible. ... Jan 8, 2024 · How To Write A Research Paper Title In 5 Steps . We have broken down the process of crafting strong research paper titles into 5 simple steps. Here are the research paper title writing steps: Step 1. Understand the Purpose of Your Research Paper. Making a title that catches attention and tells a story is important, and to do that, you need to ... ... Jan 11, 2022 · Characteristics of a Good Title. To write a perfect research paper title, you’ll need to know about the different types of headings first: Interrogative; Suggestive; Humorous or colloquial; Combined; The key point for all these types is to make a catchy title that captures the tone and the essence of the topic with relevant keywords. If you ... ... Essential steps in designing your title. The following steps will help you design your document title. 1. Read the Instructions to Authors. Once you have selected a journal, review the types of titles recently published and read the Instructions to Authors to learn what the journal requires for paper titles. ... Nov 11, 2022 · A good research paper title offers a concise summary of the paper’s content; keep your title to under 12 words as lengthy titles can be hard to understand and may seem unfocused and uninteresting. Include keywords to make your article discoverable: Today most researchers turn to online databases and search engines like Google Scholar to find ... ... ">
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How to Choose a Research Paper Title with Examples

how to make a title for research

What is a research paper title and why does it matter?

A research title summarizes the aim and purpose of your research study. Making a title for your research is one of the most important decisions when writing an article to publish in journals. The research title is the first thing that journal editors and reviewers see when they look at your paper and the only piece of information that fellow researchers will see in a database or search engine query. Good titles that are concise and contain all the relevant terms have been shown to increase citation counts and Altmetric scores .

Therefore, when you title research work, make sure it captures all of the relevant aspects of your study, including the specific topic and problem being investigated. It also should present these elements in a way that is accessible and will captivate readers. Follow these steps to learn how to make a good research title for your work.

How to Make a Research Paper Title in 5 Steps

You might wonder how you are supposed to pick a title from all the content that your manuscript contains—how are you supposed to choose? What will make your research paper title come up in search engines and what will make the people in your field read it? 

In a nutshell, your research title should accurately capture what you have done, it should sound interesting to the people who work on the same or a similar topic, and it should contain the important title keywords that other researchers use when looking for literature in databases. To make the title writing process as simple as possible, we have broken it down into 5 simple steps.

Step 1: Answer some key questions about your research paper

What does your paper seek to answer and what does it accomplish? Try to answer these questions as briefly as possible. You can create these questions by going through each section of your paper and finding the MOST relevant information to make a research title.

Step 2: Identify research study keywords

Now that you have answers to your research questions, find the most important parts of these responses and make these your study keywords. Note that you should only choose the most important terms for your keywords–journals usually request anywhere from 3 to 8 keywords maximum.

Step 3: Research title writing: use these keywords

“We employed a case study of 60 liver transplant patients around the US aged 20-50 years to assess how waiting list volume affects the outcomes of liver transplantation in patients; results indicate a positive correlation between increased waiting list volume and negative prognosis after the transplant procedure.”

The sentence above is clearly much too long for a research paper title. This is why you will trim and polish your title in the next two steps.

Step 4: Create a working research paper title

To create a working title, remove elements that make it a complete “sentence” but keep everything that is important to what the study is about. Delete all unnecessary and redundant words that are not central to the study or that researchers would most likely not use in a database search.

“ We employed a case study of 60 liver transplant patients around the US aged 20-50 years to assess how the waiting list volume affects the outcome of liver transplantation in patients ; results indicate a positive correlation between increased waiting list volume and a negative prognosis after transplant procedure ”

Now shift some words around for proper syntax and rephrase it a bit to shorten the length and make it leaner and more natural. What you are left with is:

“A case study of 60 liver transplant patients around the US aged 20-50 years assessing the impact of waiting list volume on outcome of transplantation and showing a positive correlation between increased waiting list volume and a negative prognosis” (Word Count: 38)

This text is getting closer to what we want in a research title, which is just the most important information. But note that the word count for this working title is still 38 words, whereas the average length of published journal article titles is 16 words or fewer. Therefore, we should eliminate some words and phrases that are not essential to this title.

Step 5: Remove any nonessential words and phrases from your title

Because the number of patients studied and the exact outcome are not the most essential parts of this paper, remove these elements first:

 “A case study of 60 liver transplant patients around the US aged 20-50 years assessing the impact of waiting list volume on outcomes of transplantation and showing a positive correlation between increased waiting list volume and a negative prognosis” (Word Count: 19)

In addition, the methods used in a study are not usually the most searched-for keywords in databases and represent additional details that you may want to remove to make your title leaner. So what is left is:

“Assessing the impact of waiting list volume on outcome and prognosis in liver transplantation patients” (Word Count: 15)

In this final version of the title, one can immediately recognize the subject and what objectives the study aims to achieve. Note that the most important terms appear at the beginning and end of the title: “Assessing,” which is the main action of the study, is placed at the beginning; and “liver transplantation patients,” the specific subject of the study, is placed at the end.

This will aid significantly in your research paper title being found in search engines and database queries, which means that a lot more researchers will be able to locate your article once it is published. In fact, a 2014 review of more than 150,000 papers submitted to the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) database found the style of a paper’s title impacted the number of citations it would typically receive. In most disciplines, articles with shorter, more concise titles yielded more citations.

Adding a Research Paper Subtitle

If your title might require a subtitle to provide more immediate details about your methodology or sample, you can do this by adding this information after a colon:

“ : a case study of US adult patients ages 20-25”

If we abide strictly by our word count rule this may not be necessary or recommended. But every journal has its own standard formatting and style guidelines for research paper titles, so it is a good idea to be aware of the specific journal author instructions , not just when you write the manuscript but also to decide how to create a good title for it.

Research Paper Title Examples

The title examples in the following table illustrate how a title can be interesting but incomplete, complete by uninteresting, complete and interesting but too informal in tone, or some other combination of these. A good research paper title should meet all the requirements in the four columns below.

Tips on Formulating a Good Research Paper Title

In addition to the steps given above, there are a few other important things you want to keep in mind when it comes to how to write a research paper title, regarding formatting, word count, and content:

  • Write the title after you’ve written your paper and abstract
  • Include all of the essential terms in your paper
  • Keep it short and to the point (~16 words or fewer)
  • Avoid unnecessary jargon and abbreviations
  • Use keywords that capture the content of your paper
  • Never include a period at the end—your title is NOT a sentence

Research Paper Writing Resources

We hope this article has been helpful in teaching you how to craft your research paper title. But you might still want to dig deeper into different journal title formats and categories that might be more suitable for specific article types or need help with writing a cover letter for your manuscript submission.

In addition to getting English proofreading services , including paper editing services , before submission to journals, be sure to visit our academic resources papers. Here you can find dozens of articles on manuscript writing, from drafting an outline to finding a target journal to submit to.

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Research Paper Title – Writing Guide and Example

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Research Paper Title

Research Paper Title

The title of a research paper is the first thing readers see, serving as a window into the study’s purpose, scope, and content. A well-crafted title grabs attention, reflects the main focus of the research, and helps readers determine if the paper is relevant to their interests. Writing a strong research paper title is essential for effectively communicating the study’s significance and attracting the right audience.

Importance of a Research Paper Title

A well-chosen research paper title:

  • Attracts Attention : A catchy, descriptive title piques readers’ interest and encourages them to read further.
  • Reflects Content : The title should accurately represent the study’s focus, variables, and findings.
  • Improves Discoverability : Using relevant keywords in the title helps increase the paper’s visibility in search engines and academic databases.
  • Establishes Scope : The title provides a concise overview, guiding readers on what to expect from the paper.

Characteristics of an Effective Research Paper Title

An effective research paper title should be:

  • Descriptive and Specific : Clearly convey the study’s focus and main findings without being too vague.
  • Concise : Avoid unnecessary words; keep the title clear and to the point.
  • Informative : Include relevant information about the topic, research method, or population studied.
  • Attention-Grabbing : Choose engaging language to make the title stand out.
  • Keyword-Rich : Use relevant terms to improve searchability and increase visibility.

Writing Guide for Research Paper Titles

Step 1: identify key elements of the study.

Consider the main components of your study, including:

  • Research Topic : The general subject or field of study (e.g., mental health, climate change).
  • Variables : Key factors or concepts studied (e.g., social media use, anxiety levels).
  • Research Method : The approach or methodology used (e.g., survey, experiment).
  • Population : The specific group studied (e.g., college students, healthcare professionals).
  • Main Findings : Any significant results that can add interest or specificity to the title.

Example : If the study examines the impact of social media on anxiety among college students using a survey, these elements will help shape a relevant title.

Step 2: Decide on the Title Type

Titles can be structured in various ways, each serving different purposes. Common title types include:

  • Example : “Social Media Use and Anxiety Among College Students”
  • Example : “Increased Social Media Use Correlates with Higher Anxiety Levels in College Students”
  • Example : “Does Social Media Use Contribute to Anxiety in College Students?”
  • Example : “Social Media and Mental Health: Exploring the Link Between Usage and Anxiety Among College Students”

Step 3: Incorporate Keywords

Choose keywords that represent the study’s topic, method, and variables. Keywords improve discoverability in academic databases and search engines, helping readers find your paper.

Example Keywords : Social media, anxiety, college students, mental health, survey.

Step 4: Keep the Title Concise and Avoid Jargon

A research paper title should generally be no longer than 12-15 words, depending on the journal’s guidelines. Avoid technical jargon or overly complex language that could confuse readers. Instead, aim for clarity and precision.

Example : Instead of “An Examination of the Correlation Between Digital Social Platforms and Increased Psychological Distress in Undergraduate Populations,” use “Social Media Use and Anxiety Among College Students.”

Step 5: Revise for Clarity and Impact

After drafting the title, review it to ensure it is clear, engaging, and accurately represents the study. Test the title’s impact by considering if it would capture your attention as a reader.

Example : If the initial draft title is “Social Media Use and Anxiety in College Students,” a revised version could be “Social Media Use Linked to Higher Anxiety Levels Among College Students,” which is more engaging.

Examples of Effective Research Paper Titles

  • Example : “The Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Academic Performance Among High School Students”
  • Why It Works : This title is clear, specific, and informs readers of the main variables and population studied.
  • Example : “Mindfulness Training Reduces Stress and Improves Focus in Healthcare Professionals”
  • Why It Works : It states the main finding, which makes it immediately interesting and relevant to readers.
  • Example : “Can Green Spaces Improve Urban Residents’ Mental Health?”
  • Why It Works : The question format engages readers and suggests an exploration of a relevant issue.
  • Example : “Physical Activity and Mental Health: Examining the Impact of Exercise on Depression and Anxiety Symptoms”
  • Why It Works : The main title establishes the topic, while the subtitle adds detail, making it clear and informative.

Tips for Writing a Research Paper Title

  • Use Active Language : Choose active and descriptive words to make the title more engaging. For example, instead of “An Investigation of Social Media Effects on Anxiety,” use “Social Media Use Increases Anxiety Among Adolescents.”
  • Avoid Redundancy : Avoid words that don’t add meaning (e.g., “A Study on” or “An Investigation into”). Go directly to the main points.
  • Align with Journal Requirements : Check the target journal’s guidelines for title length, format, and style. Some journals may require specific wording or have character limits.
  • Avoid Ambiguity : Make sure the title conveys a clear idea of what the paper covers, avoiding vague terms like “Effects on Health” without specifying which health outcomes are studied.
  • Reflect the Study’s Tone : Ensure the title reflects the study’s approach (e.g., “Exploring,” “Investigating,” or “Assessing” for qualitative studies; “Comparing,” “Measuring,” or “Examining” for quantitative studies).

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Overly Broad Titles : A broad title may be uninformative and fail to attract specific readers. Aim for precision in the variables, population, and context.
  • Technical Jargon : Avoid specialized terms that might be unfamiliar to a general audience unless they are essential to the title.
  • Lengthy Titles : Long titles may appear cumbersome and discourage readership. Aim to keep titles concise and impactful.
  • Vague Wording : Avoid titles that are too generic or vague, as they fail to communicate the study’s specific focus.

Example Titles and Revisions

  • Revised Title : “Challenges in Online Learning: Factors Affecting Student Engagement in Remote Classrooms”
  • Why It Works : The revised title specifies the context (online learning) and outcome (student engagement), making it clearer and more informative.
  • Revised Title : “Air Pollution Exposure and Respiratory Health in Urban Children: A Longitudinal Study”
  • Why It Works : The revised title specifies the environmental factor (air pollution), population (urban children), and method (longitudinal study), which provides more context.
  • Revised Title : “Media Coverage and Public Opinion on Climate Change: A Comparative Study of the U.S. and Europe”
  • Why It Works : The revised title provides specific information about the topic (climate change), variables (media coverage and public opinion), and context (U.S. and Europe).

Crafting an effective research paper title is essential for attracting the right audience and ensuring your paper’s impact. A good title is specific, concise, descriptive, and rich with relevant keywords to improve discoverability. By following this guide and refining your title to reflect the study’s focus, methods, and findings, you can create an engaging and informative title that captures readers’ interest and communicates the essence of your research.

  • Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  • Silvia, P. J. (2007). How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing . American Psychological Association.
  • Swales, J. M., & Feak, C. B. (2012). Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills (3rd ed.). University of Michigan Press.
  • Day, R. A., & Gastel, B. (2011). How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper (7th ed.). Greenwood.
  • Glasman-Deal, H. (2010). Science Research Writing for Non-Native Speakers of English . Imperial College Press.

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Ever find it hard to come up with a catchy title for your research paper? You're not alone! Many people struggle with creating titles that grab attention and show what their work is about.

It can be frustrating because your title is like a first impression. If it's not interesting, people might ignore your research. 

But no worries! 

In this blog, we'll give you practical tips and examples to make sure your research paper title stands out. 

Whether you're a beginner or an expert, we want to help you write research paper titles that would make others excited about your work!

So, let’s get started.

Arrow Down

  • 1. What is a Research Paper Title, and Why Does it Matter?
  • 2. How to Write a Good Research Paper Title in 5 Steps
  • 3. Step 2: Keep it Clear and Concise
  • 4. Research Paper Title Examples
  • 5. Tips for Writing an Effective Research Paper Title

What is a Research Paper Title, and Why Does it Matter?

A research paper title is like the name tag for your work. It tells people what your research paper is about. It's the first thing readers see, and it's important because it helps them decide if they want to read more.

Think of it like this: Have you ever picked up a book because the title sounded interesting? It's kind of the same idea. A good title grabs attention and makes people curious about what's inside.

In the world of research, a well-crafted title is important because it sets the stage for your whole paper. 

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Key Characteristics of a Good Research Paper Title

Here are some momentous factors that create an engaging and interesting research paper title:

  • Clarity and Precision: Clearly conveys the main idea.
  • Relevance to Content: Reflects core focus and findings.
  • Conciseness: Keeps title brief and to the point.
  • Keywords and Phrases: Includes important search keywords.
  • Captivating Language: Engages interest without sacrificing accuracy.
  • Reflects Paper's Tone: Matches the research paper's tone and style.

How to Write a Good Research Paper Title in 5 Steps

Writing an effective research paper title doesn't have to be difficult. Follow these five straightforward steps to craft a title that not only reflects your research but also captures the reader's interest.

Step 1: Understand Your Paper's Main Message

Think of your research as a big idea or a story. Imagine it as the most important thing you want to share with others. 

Ask yourself: What's the main thing or research problem I want people to know about my research? 

Once you're clear on this, you're ready to move on.

Step 2: Keep it Clear and Concise

When making your title, make it short and simple. Don't use too many words or make it confusing. 

The goal is to make it easy for people to understand what your paper is about right away. Think of it like telling a quick and clear story with your title!

Step 3: Be Specific, Not Too General

When writing your title, make sure it talks about your research and not just anything general. Don't use titles that could fit lots of different studies. 

Being specific helps people know exactly what your paper is going to tell them. It's like giving them a clear roadmap to your research!

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Step 4: Inject a Hint of Creativity or Intrigue

Make your title a little exciting! Use engaging words or ask a fun question to make people curious. Imagine your title as a little mystery that makes them want to learn more

Step 5: Check for Keywords and Relevance

Think about the words people might use when searching for research like yours. Use those words in your title to help people find your work. 

Including relevant keywords can improve the visibility of your paper in searches.

Adding a Research Paper Subtitle

A research paper subtitle is like an extra description that comes after the main title. It gives more details about what your research is about. 

Adding a subtitle is a choice, but it can be helpful. If your main title is short and you want to say more about your research, a subtitle is a good idea. 

It's like a bonus that provides extra information for readers. Consider using a subtitle when you want to give a bit more insight into your research topic.

Research Paper Title Examples

Check out the examples below and see how they perform in front of different factors:

Tips for Writing an Effective Research Paper Title

Follow these tips to make your research paper title engaging and attention-grabbing:

  • Add important words related to your research for better search results.
  • Make your title brief and clear to convey your research focus effectively.
  • Use words that grab attention and spark curiosity about your study.
  • Craft a title that anyone, whether an expert or newcomer, can understand.
  • Aim for a title that's not too general or too technical, striking the right balance.

In conclusion,

Writing a standout research paper title is a necessary step to ensure your work gets the attention it deserves. Following the simple tips shared in this guide can help you create a title that is clear, engaging, and perfectly aligned with your research focus. 

Remember, your title is the first thing readers see, so making it count is key!

However, if you need writing assistance, MyPerfectWords.com is here for you. Our skilled writers are not only ready to help with writing compelling titles but can also write custom research paper just for you.

So don’t wait! Reach out to our paper writing service  today and take your academic writing to the next level!

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John K. is a professional writer and author with many publications to his name. He has a Ph.D. in the field of management sciences, making him an expert on the subject matter. John is highly sought after for his insights and knowledge, and he regularly delivers keynote speeches and conducts workshops on various topics related to writing and publishing. He is also a regular contributor to various online publications.

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Research Title

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Research Title

A research title is a succinct, informative phrase that encapsulates a study’s essence. It gives readers a clear indication of the research’s focus, scope, and significance. An effective research title is concise, specific, and engaging, incorporating key terms related to the primary subject matter. Crafting a well-thought-out research title is crucial as it influences first impressions and impacts the study’s visibility and accessibility. Additionally, a strong research title enhances the title page and ensures the research paper cover letter accurately reflects the study’s content.

What is Research Title?

A research title is a concise statement that clearly and precisely encapsulates the main topic, scope, and objective of a research study. It serves as the first point of contact for readers and should effectively communicate the essence of the research in a way that is both engaging and informative. A well-crafted research title is specific, descriptive, and reflective of the study’s core focus, helping to attract interest and provide a clear understanding of the research subject at a glance.

Research Title Format

A well-crafted research title follows a specific format to ensure clarity and precision. Here’s a structured approach:

[Main Topic]: [Specific Aspect or Focus]

Example: “The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health: A Comprehensive Analysis of Behavioral Changes”

Examples of Research Titles

Examples of Research Titles

Here are some examples of well-crafted research titles across various fields:

  • “The Effects of Bilingual Education on Cognitive Development in Early Childhood”
  • “Assessing the Impact of Technology Integration on Student Engagement in High School Classrooms”
  • “The Role of Genetics in the Development of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis”
  • “Evaluating the Efficacy of Telemedicine in Managing Chronic Diseases During the COVID-19 Pandemic”
  • “The Impact of Urbanization on Local Wildlife Populations: A Case Study of Central Park”
  • “Assessing the Effectiveness of Renewable Energy Policies in Reducing Carbon Emissions”
  • “The Influence of Social Media on Political Participation Among Millennials”
  • “Exploring the Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and Academic Achievement in Urban Schools”
  • “Analyzing the Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility on Consumer Behavior”
  • “The Role of Microfinance in Alleviating Poverty in Developing Countries”
  • “The Development and Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Workforce Automation”
  • “Assessing the Safety and Efficiency of Autonomous Vehicles in Urban Areas”
  • “The Representation of Gender Roles in 21st Century Cinema”
  • “Exploring the Influence of Renaissance Art on Modern Aesthetic Values”
  • “The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Relationships: A Longitudinal Study”
  • “Exploring the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treating Anxiety Disorders”
  • “The Effectiveness of Vaccination Campaigns in Reducing the Spread of Infectious Diseases: A Global Perspective”
  • “Sustainable Farming Practices and Their Impact on Soil Health: A Comparative Study of Organic and Conventional Methods”

Research Titles for Students

  • The Impact of Online Learning on Student Performance in High School
  • Exploring the Relationship Between Sleep Patterns and Academic Achievement Among College Students
  • The Effects of Extracurricular Activities on Student Social Skills Development
  • The Influence of Peer Pressure on High School Students’ Academic Choices
  • Assessing the Benefits of Early Childhood Education Programs on Later Academic Success
  • The Role of Nutrition and Diet in Enhancing Student Concentration and Memory
  • Examining the Effectiveness of Study Groups in Improving Academic Performance in University Settings
  • The Impact of Part-Time Employment on High School Students’ Academic Achievement and Time Management
  • Exploring the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Mental Health Among College Students
  • The Effects of School Uniform Policies on Student Behavior and Academic Outcomes

Qualitative Research Titles

  • Exploring Student Perceptions of Remote Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  • The Lived Experiences of First-Generation College Students: Challenges and Triumphs
  • Understanding Teacher Attitudes Towards Inclusive Education in Mainstream Classrooms
  • The Impact of Parental Involvement on Student Motivation and Academic Success
  • Exploring the Cultural Adaptation Experiences of International Students in American Universities
  • The Role of Peer Support in Coping with Academic Stress Among High School Students
  • Investigating the Influence of School Climate on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention
  • The Effects of Community-Based Learning on Student Engagement and Civic Responsibility
  • Understanding the Barriers to STEM Education for Female Students in Rural Areas
  • Exploring the Experiences of Students with Learning Disabilities in Higher Education
  • The Impact of School Leadership Styles on Teacher Morale and Performance
  • The Role of Mentorship Programs in Supporting Minority Students in STEM Fields
  • Exploring the Emotional and Social Impacts of Bullying on Middle School Students
  • The Influence of Extracurricular Activities on Identity Development in Adolescents
  • Understanding the Perspectives of Parents on Bilingual Education Programs

Quantitative Research Titles

  • The Impact of Class Size on Student Academic Achievement in Elementary Schools
  • Analyzing the Correlation Between Homework Frequency and Student Performance in Mathematics
  • The Effects of School Funding on Standardized Test Scores in Public Schools
  • Assessing the Relationship Between Attendance Rates and Graduation Rates in High Schools
  • Evaluating the Effectiveness of Flipped Classrooms on Student Learning Outcomes
  • The Influence of Parental Education Levels on Children’s Academic Success
  • The Impact of Early Childhood Education on Literacy Rates in Primary School Students
  • Comparing Academic Performance Between Students in Single-Sex and Coeducational Schools
  • The Role of Technology in Enhancing Student Engagement in STEM Subjects
  • Analyzing the Impact of Nutrition Programs on Student Health and Academic Performance
  • The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Academic Achievement in High School Students
  • Evaluating the Success of Mentorship Programs on College Retention Rates
  • The Effects of Sleep Patterns on Academic Performance Among University Students
  • Assessing the Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Access to Higher Education
  • The Influence of Teacher Qualifications on Student Achievement in Science

Importance of a Research Title

A research title is a critical component of any research study or academic paper. It serves multiple important functions that contribute to the overall success and impact of the research. Here are key reasons why a research title is important:

1. First Impression

The research title is often the first element a reader encounters. A well-crafted title can create a strong first impression, attracting the reader’s attention and encouraging them to explore the study further.

2. Clarity and Focus

A good research title clearly and succinctly communicates the main topic and scope of the study. It helps the reader quickly understand what the research is about and what specific aspect is being addressed.

3. Guidance

The title provides guidance to the reader about the content and direction of the research. It sets expectations and helps readers decide if the paper is relevant to their interests or research needs.

4. Searchability

In the digital age, research titles are crucial for searchability. A precise and descriptive title improves the chances of the paper being found in online searches, databases, and academic journals, increasing its visibility and accessibility.

5. Academic and Professional Recognition

A well-formulated research title contributes to the academic and professional recognition of the work. It reflects the researcher’s ability to clearly define and articulate their study, which can enhance credibility and reputation within the academic community.

Characteristics of a Good Research Title

A good research title is essential for effectively communicating the main focus and scope of your study. Here are the key characteristics that make a research title effective:

  • Clear and Understandable : The title should be easily understood by a broad audience, avoiding jargon or overly complex language.
  • Direct : It should convey the main topic and scope of the research without ambiguity.

2. Conciseness

  • Brevity : A good title is concise and to the point, typically no longer than 10-15 words.
  • Essential Information : It includes only the most relevant information, omitting unnecessary words.

3. Specificity

  • Focused : The title should clearly reflect the specific aspect or focus of the research.
  • Detailed : It provides enough detail to give a clear sense of what the study entails.

4. Descriptiveness

  • Informative : It accurately describes the content and scope of the study.
  • Comprehensive : The title should give readers a good understanding of the research without needing to read the entire paper.

5. Keywords

  • Relevant Keywords : Including key terms that are central to the research topic helps with searchability and indexing.
  • SEO-Friendly : Using keywords that align with what potential readers might search for increases the paper’s visibility.

6. Engagement

  • Interest : The title should be engaging and interesting, encouraging readers to want to learn more about the study.
  • Appeal : It should appeal to the target audience, whether they are academics, practitioners, or the general public.

How to Write a Research Title?

A well-crafted research title is crucial as it provides the first impression of your study. It should be concise, informative, and engaging to capture the reader’s attention while conveying the essence of your research. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an effective research title.

1. Understand the Purpose of the Title

The title should:

  • Summarize the main topic of the research.
  • Indicate the scope and focus of the study.
  • Reflect the methodology used (if applicable).
  • Attract the target audience’s interest.

2. Identify the Key Components

To create a comprehensive title, identify the following components of your research:

  • Main topic : The primary subject or focus.
  • Variables : Key elements or factors studied.
  • Population/sample : The group or sample studied.
  • Methodology : The approach or techniques used in the research.

3. Be Clear and Specific

Avoid vague and ambiguous terms. Be precise in describing your research. For example, instead of “Study of Education Methods,” use “Effectiveness of Interactive Learning Techniques in High School Biology.”

4. Keep It Concise

A good title is typically between 10 to 15 words. It should be long enough to include essential information but short enough to be easily readable.

5. Use Descriptive Words

Use words that describe the content and aim of your research effectively. Descriptive words help in making the title informative and engaging. Examples include “effects,” “analysis,” “evaluation,” “comparison,” etc.

6. Avoid Jargon and Abbreviations

Ensure that your title is accessible to a broad audience by avoiding technical jargon and abbreviations that might not be widely understood.

7. Consider the Audience

Think about who will be reading your research. Tailor your title to meet the expectations and interests of your target audience, whether they are academic peers, professionals, or the general public.

8. Reflect the Type of Study

Indicate whether the research is a review, case study, experiment, or theoretical analysis. This helps set the context for the reader. For example, “A Case Study on Renewable Energy Adoption in Urban Areas.”

9. Include Keywords

Incorporate relevant keywords that reflect the main themes of your research. This not only helps in search engine optimization but also makes your research easily discoverable.

10. Revise and Refine

Review your title for clarity, conciseness, and accuracy. Ask for feedback from peers or mentors to ensure it effectively represents your research.

FAQ’s

How should a research title be structured.

A research title should be clear, concise, and informative, often including the main variables, methods, and context of the study.

What are the key elements of a good research title?

Key elements include relevance, clarity, specificity, and the inclusion of main keywords related to the research topic.

Can a research title be a question?

Yes, a research title can be a question if it effectively conveys the research’s focus and intrigues the reader.

How long should a research title be?

A research title should be brief but descriptive, typically between 10 to 15 words, avoiding unnecessary jargon or overly complex terms.

Should a research title include keywords?

Yes, including keywords helps in indexing and searching, making it easier for others to find your research.

Can a research title change during the research process?

Yes, it can be refined or adjusted as the research progresses to better reflect the study’s findings and scope.

Should the research title reflect the research methodology?

It can, especially if the methodology is central to the study’s uniqueness or understanding, but it’s not always necessary.

How specific should a research title be?

A research title should be specific enough to give a clear idea of the study’s focus but not so detailed that it becomes cumbersome.

What makes a research title catchy?

A catchy research title is engaging, piques curiosity, and uses intriguing language while still being clear and informative.

Can humor be used in a research title?

Humor can be used if appropriate for the subject matter and audience, but it should not compromise clarity or professionalism.

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How to Write Catchy Research Paper Titles with Examples

Hey there, fellow researchers! Have you ever felt the struggle of coming up with the perfect title for your paper? You’re not alone. The title is like the headline of your favorite news article – it’s got to be catchy yet informative. Let’s dive into some tips and tricks to ensure your title stands out in the academic crowd.

1. Why is the Research Paper Title Important?

Every word in your title is crucial. It’s the first thing a reviewer or reader will see, and it can determine whether your paper gets read or skipped.

✖ Title is too long, wordy, and confusing An In-depth Examination into The Overall Chance of Becoming a World-Renowned Athlete vs Getting an Executive Position in a Fortune 500 Company ✖ Title is written for a small group of readers Examining Humor in Asian Nations as Expressed in Instagram Videos ✔ Title is short and to the point Autonomous Cars: The Ethical Dilemma

A great title is a concise summary of your research and a sneak peek into your work’s unique aspects and main findings. It’s a balance between being specific and informative without overwhelming the reader with details.

2. Rules for Writing Good Titles

Rules for writing great titles are like rules for good writing in general. Let’s look at some basic rules to follow while crafting a fitting title for your research paper.

2.1 Be Specific and Avoid Being Generic

A generic title is broad, vague, and lacks specificity about the research findings. It does not highlight the research’s unique factors or the study’s contribution.

✖ Generic title An Analysis of Healthcare Data Privacy ✔ Improved title Assessing the Effectiveness of Encryption Techniques in Protecting User Data Privacy in a Healthcare Organization _ Focus of research _ Context _ Aspect being studied

2.2 Highlight Your Main Findings and Unique Aspects

Craft the perfect title using three steps.

2.3 Make it Concise and Short

While a five-word short title may seem ideal, when trying to include the specificity of focus, method, and context, you are likelier to have an 8-12 word title. This length is perfect for journal articles.

✖ Not concise A Comprehensive Examination of the Use and Impact of AI-Driven Predictive Analytics for Improving Patient Outcomes in Healthcare Settings Including Hospitals, Labs, Physician’s Offices and Primary Care Facilities ✔ Concise AI-Driven Predictive Analytics in Healthcare: Improving Patient Outcomes

2.4 Attract Attention to Your Work

You want people to be able to find your research article easily through a Google search. Specificity is essential. Using vague adjectives like novel or unique to describe a method doesn’t mean anything, and these words are not likely to be entered into a search bar. Ask yourself, what would the person likely type into the search bar?

✖ Title with poor searchability A Novel Technique for Learning Science ✔ Title with good searchability AI Driven Exercises for Elementary Science Classes

3. Common Questions

Many questions arise when writing an article title. We will answer some of the most common questions, starting with writing mechanics.

3.1 Should Titles be Grammatically Correct?

You might wonder if using prepositions (for, in, of, for, by) in a title is okay. The answer is yes. It is often necessary for the title to make sense and be grammatically correct. Using articles (the, a, an) correctly is also essential. Let’s look at some examples.

Please remember, a countable singular noun (factor, cause, risk) must be preceded by an article. Are verbs acceptable in titles?  Absolutely. Verbs make titles more dynamic.

Tip: Use the …ing form of verbs rather than vague nouns.
✖ Using abstract nouns The examination and categorization of educational software for high schools ✔ Replace abstract nouns with …ing form of verb Examining and categorizing educational software for high schools

Using verbs in the second example adds action words that depict the tasks performed in the study.

3.2 Can I Add Humor to My Title?

Humor can make a title more engaging and memorable, but it must be balanced with relevance to the research topic. The humor must not detract from the study’s credibility.

3.3 Can I Formulate My Paper Title as a Question?

Titles that ask questions are well-suited to abstracts submitted to conferences. Questioning titles are informal and catch the reader’s attention quickly.  The question must be aligned with the primary focus of the research.

Rule: A title can end with a question mark. However, no other punctuation is required at the end of a title.

3.4 What is the Difference Between Conference and Journal Titles?

When you submit an abstract to a conference, you want it noticed so it will be accepted as a presentation. However, you also hope it will be published in the conference proceedings. You want to attract attention, but the title can’t be too witty as to lose professionalism. Two-part titles work well to blend fun and professionalism.

3.5 When is a Two-Part Title a Good Idea

Two-part titles can pose a question in the first part to grab attention, with the second part providing a more academic description of the content. Two-part questions can also use the second part to explain the first part. Two-part questions must be specific, and the two parts must be connected.

✖ Poorly written two-part title : first and second parts don’t connect Advanced Algorithms in Machine Learning: Can They Really Improve Anything? ✔ Improved title Advanced Algorithms in Predictive Analytics: Are They Transforming Healthcare Outcomes?

The poorly written title does not strongly connect the first and second parts. “Can They Really Improve Anything?” isn’t specific enough to connect to the first part, which also lacks specificity.

Crafting an engaging and informative research article title is crucial for capturing attention and ensuring your work is read. You can create titles that stand out by being specific, highlighting unique findings, keeping titles concise, and ensuring grammatical correctness. Remember, a well-placed question or a bit of humor can enhance your title, but it must remain relevant and professional. Whether for journals or conferences, a well-crafted title can make a difference in the searchability and impact of your research. Happy titling!

If you have any questions, please drop a comment below, and we will answer as soon as possible. We also recommend you to refer to our other blogs on  academic writing tools ,   academic writing resources ,  academic writing phrases ,  research paper examples  and  research paper writing tips  which are relevant to the topic discussed in this blog. 

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Title, Abstract and Keywords

The importance of titles.

The title of your manuscript is usually the first introduction readers (and reviewers) have to your work. Therefore, you must select a title that grabs attention, accurately describes the contents of your manuscript, and makes people want to read further.

An effective title should:

  • Convey the  main topics  of the study
  • Highlight the  importance  of the research
  • Be  concise
  • Attract  readers

Writing a good title for your manuscript can be challenging. First, list the topics covered by the manuscript. Try to put all of the topics together in the title using as few words as possible. A title that is too long will seem clumsy, annoy readers, and probably not meet journal requirements.

Does Vaccinating Children and Adolescents with Inactivated Influenza Virus Inhibit the Spread of Influenza in Unimmunized Residents of Rural Communities?

This title has too many unnecessary words.

Influenza Vaccination of Children: A Randomized Trial

This title doesn’t give enough information about what makes the manuscript interesting.

Effect of Child Influenza Vaccination on Infection Rates in Rural Communities: A Randomized Trial This is an effective title. It is short, easy to understand, and conveys the important aspects of the research.

Think about why your research will be of interest to other scientists. This should be related to the reason you decided to study the topic. If your title makes this clear, it will likely attract more readers to your manuscript. TIP: Write down a few possible titles, and then select the best to refine further. Ask your colleagues their opinion. Spending the time needed to do this will result in a better title.

Abstract and Keywords

The Abstract is:

  • A  summary  of the content of the journal manuscript
  • A time-saving  shortcut  for busy researchers
  • A guide to the most important parts of your manuscript’s written content

Many readers will only read the Abstract of your manuscript. Therefore, it has to be able to  stand alone . In most cases the abstract is the only part of your article that appears in indexing databases such as Web of Science or PubMed and so will be the most accessed part of your article; making a good impression will encourage researchers to read your full paper.

A well written abstract can also help speed up the peer-review process. During peer review, referees are usually only sent the abstract when invited to review the paper. Therefore, the abstract needs to contain enough information about the paper to allow referees to make a judgement as to whether they have enough expertise to review the paper and be engaging enough for them to want to review it.

Your Abstract should answer these questions about your manuscript:

  • What was done?
  • Why did you do it?
  • What did you find?
  • Why are these findings useful and important?

Answering these questions lets readers know the most important points about your study, and helps them decide whether they want to read the rest of the paper. Make sure you follow the proper journal manuscript formatting guidelines when preparing your abstract.

TIP: Journals often set a maximum word count for Abstracts, often 250 words, and no citations. This is to ensure that the full Abstract appears in indexing services.

Keywords  are a tool to help indexers and search engines find relevant papers. If database search engines can find your journal manuscript, readers will be able to find it too. This will increase the number of people reading your manuscript, and likely lead to more citations.

However, to be effective, Keywords must be chosen carefully. They should:

  • Represent  the content of your manuscript
  • Be  specific  to your field or sub-field

Manuscript title:  Direct observation of nonlinear optics in an isolated carbon nanotube

Poor keywords:  molecule, optics, lasers, energy lifetime

Better keywords:  single-molecule interaction, Kerr effect, carbon nanotubes, energy level structure

Manuscript title:  Region-specific neuronal degeneration after okadaic acid administration Poor keywords:  neuron, brain, OA (an abbreviation), regional-specific neuronal degeneration, signaling

Better keywords:  neurodegenerative diseases; CA1 region, hippocampal; okadaic acid; neurotoxins; MAP kinase signaling system; cell death

Manuscript title:  Increases in levels of sediment transport at former glacial-interglacial transitions

Poor keywords:  climate change, erosion, plant effects Better keywords:  quaternary climate change, soil erosion, bioturbation

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Research Paper Writing Guides

Research Paper Title

Last updated on: Dec 14, 2024

How to Write a Research Paper Title That Stands Out

By: Donna C.

17 min read

Reviewed By:

Published on: Jan 8, 2024

How to Write a Research Paper Title

A research paper title determines whether the reader or the audience decides to read your paper or not. It is the first thing a reviewer or a journal editor will see when they’re evaluating your work. Coming up with a good research paper title is more than just stringing together words. It's an art that balances clarity, creativity, and precision. It should be both interesting and engaging at the same time. If you’re unsure how to give your research paper a suitable title, don’t worry. We will help you out! This blog contains all the essential details required to craft a balanced and suitable research paper title. With writing steps, tips, and examples, you’ll understand what is the best title for research paper? And how to create one. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

How to Write a Research Paper Title

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What Is a Research Paper Title and Why Does It Matter?

A research paper title is the concise, descriptive name given to your research work. It acts as the first point of contact for readers, offering a snapshot of the study's focus and objectives. A well-crafted title summarizes the core idea of your paper and sets the tone for what follows.

Without a proper title that accurately captures the essence and purpose of your research, the paper is almost useless. The importance and significance of a title that strikes the perfect balance between clarity and creativity cannot be overstated. Here is why a good research paper title is important:

  • First Impression : A good title always leaves a positive first impression, influencing the readers to give your paper a thorough read. 
  • Provides Clarity: It provides a clear idea of your research topic without needing to read the entire paper.
  • Relevance: It communicates the importance of your research and its contribution to the field.
  • Searchability: Well-chosen keywords make your research easier to find in databases and online searches.
  • Innovation: Creativity in the title hints at the innovative nature of your research.
  • Professional Impact: A strong title positively influences how your work is perceived by editors and peers.
  • Tone Setting: It gives readers a preview of your writing style and the overall approach of your study.
  • Academic Identity: A memorable title contributes to your research's identity, making it more likely to be remembered and cited.

7 Characteristics of a Good Research Paper Title

Here are the 7 common characteristics of a good research paper’s title. 

  • Provides clarity
  • Is relevant
  • Includes keywords
  • Provides specific details
  • Targets the audience 
  • Doesn’t mislead

Now, let’s understand how to write a research paper title in 5 steps. 

How To Write A Research Paper Title In 5 Steps 

We have broken down the process of crafting strong research paper titles into 5 simple steps.

Here are the research paper title writing steps: 

Step 1. Understand the Purpose of Your Research Paper

Making a title that catches attention and tells a story is important, and to do that, you need to know why you're making it. Consider the following questions to understand the purpose of your title: 

  • What is the central theme of my research? 
  • Why is my research significant?
  • Who is the intended audience for my research?
  • What sets my research apart or makes it innovative?
  • How can I summarize my research concisely?

Settle down, take your time, and try to answer all these questions. Soon, you’ll be able to have a clear starting path to craft a perfect title for your research paper. 

Let’s take an example, and we’ll adjust the questions accordingly.

The title is too long. To start the process of making it concise, answer these questions. 

After you’ve found the answers to these questions, you can narrow down your title in the next step after finding the relevant keywords. Let's look at how to accomplish that.

Step 2. Identify Key Terms Related to Your Research

In this step, pinpoint the essential terms that encapsulate the core and scope of your study. Think of these terms as the building blocks of your title, representing the key concepts and focus of your research. Choose terms that straightforwardly capture what makes your work unique. 

For example , in the above sample title that relates to mental well-being for urban citizens, some key terms are:

  • Urban residents
  • Comprehensive survey
  • Daily physical activity
  • Mental well-being
  • Positive correlation
  • Improved mental health

You can turn to modern techniques like using search engines and Google Scholar to find relevant keywords. Such key terms have the potential to boost the online visibility of your paper. 

Step 3. Mold Your Title According to the Relevant Keywords

Here is a skimmed-down title that we’ve achieved by shifting some words around, and using the proper syntax:

The title is getting closer to the final stage, but it is still too long. Read the next steps to create a working title for your research document. 

Step 4. Skim to The Fewest Words Possible

Short and sweet is the golden rule for a suitable and good research paper title. Here is how you should keep your title concise:

  • Remember that the title is a concise and attention-grabbing piece of text that immediately grabs the reader’s interest
  • Trim away any unnecessary details that don't contribute to the core message
  • Your title should summarize the intent of your research study effectively
  • Avoid using complete sentences in the title 
  • Use phrases to keep it concise and to the point  

For example, the title we craft in the last step is still quite long. Using the guidelines given above, we can skim it down to:

Typically, a title under 12 words is ideal. Keeping your title concise and using the fewest possible words has the highest chance of capturing the reader's attention. Avoid using any unnecessary words that add length to the title.

Now, to polish this title to perfection, move on to the next step.

Step 5. Finalize Your Title

Once you've trimmed down and adjusted your title, get feedback from others. Is it clear? Does it make them curious? Polish until your title shines like a beacon, inviting people to explore your research.

After feedback, your final title could be:

This final version aims to be clear, concise, and captivating. It sparks interest and urges readers to dive into the details of urban well-being and the impact of daily activity on mental health.

Research Title Examples For Students

Getting help from practical examples of good research paper titles will help you understand better. 

We’ve collected some research title examples here. The following table evaluates the 5 example of research titles based on certain factors. A good title should satisfy the complete criteria in the table below:

What is a Research Paper Subtitle?

A research paper subtitle is an additional, explanatory phrase or brief statement that follows the main title of the research paper. Although not a necessity, It provides more context, clarification, or additional information about the study.

Typically, subtitles are common in social sciences research papers. Here are some examples of research paper subtitles.

Main title : “Exploring Dark Matter in the Universe”

Subtitle: “Quantum Mechanics and Observational Evidence in the Search for Elusive Cosmic Components”

Main Title: “Neurobiological Mechanisms of Memory Formation”

Subtitle: “Examining the Role of Synaptic Plasticity and Neurotransmitter Release in Learning Processes”

Main Title: “Impact of Virtual Reality on Learning Outcomes”

Subtitle: “An Experimental Study Assessing the Effectiveness of Immersive Educational Environments in STEM Education”

Main Title: “Inclusive Design for Human-Computer Interaction”

Subtitle: “User-Centered Approaches and Accessibility Considerations in Crafting Technological Solutions for Diverse Populations”

Main Title: “Youth Civic Engagement in the Digital Age”

Subtitle: “A Comparative Study of Online Activism and Traditional Participation Among Urban and Rural Adolescents”

Research Titles in Different Styles

When writing a research paper, the title format may vary depending on the citation style you are using. Here's how to craft a research article title in three popular styles:

How to Write a Research Article Title in APA

  • Be Clear and Specific: The title should clearly reflect the main focus of your research.
  • Capitalization: Capitalize only the first word, the last word, and any major words in the title (e.g., "The Effects of Sleep on Cognitive Performance").
  • Conciseness: Keep the title brief, ideally under 12 words.
  • Avoid Abbreviations and Punctuation: Do not use abbreviations or unnecessary punctuation marks.

Research Paper Title in MLA Style

  • Be Descriptive and Focused: The title should provide a clear idea of the topic without being overly complex.
  • Capitalization: Capitalize the first and last words, as well as all principal words in the title (e.g., The Role of Gender in Early Childhood Development ).
  • Avoid Periods or Colons at the End: MLA typically doesn’t use punctuation at the end of the title unless it’s part of the title itself.

Research Paper Title in Chicago Style

  • Be Clear and Concise: The title should encapsulate the research's subject and focus.
  • Capitalization: Capitalize the first and last words of the title and subtitle, as well as all major words in between.
  • Use a Subtitle: Chicago style often uses a subtitle to give more detail about the paper's focus.

Additional Tips on How to Write a Good Research Paper Title

Although we have covered every writing step in crafting a research paper title, keeping in mind some tips is a good idea as well. Follow these tips to make sure your title is as perfect as it can be:

  • Always mold your title toward the target audience
  • Choose the language that aligns with the style and tone of your paper
  • Don’t end your title with a period (.), as it is not a sentence
  • Do not use overly complex words in the title
  • Make sure your title accurately represents the intent of your paper
  • Use active verbs to convey action or intent
  • You can also include a reference to the research paper thesis in your title 
  • Provide specific details about your focus, methodology, or findings

To wrap things up, writing a title for a research paper is considered one of the most challenging tasks in research writing. Choosing a title that accurately portrays your research work, its focus, and its aim isn’t an easy task. 

With our detailed guide on how to craft a captivating research paper title, you can give your research paper an edge. From the initial draft to the final polishing of the title, you can write a great title with a little effort.

However, if you still find it rather challenging to give your paper a suitable title, don’t worry, we have a solution for that as well. This is where our expert writers come to play.

You can reach out to our paper writer service and tell us exactly what you require. Our professionals have what it takes to craft winning papers. 

Get custom research papers from us at the most affordable rates today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i write a good scientific research paper title, abstract, and keywords.

Title : Clearly convey the main focus, be concise, use relevant keywords for searchability. Abstract : Summarize research objectives, methods, results, and conclusions concisely; emphasize significance; avoid jargon. Keywords : Identify core concepts, consider likely search terms, use accepted terminology, be specific to enhance discoverability.

How to write a research paper title page?

Follow these steps:

  • Center the title at the top.
  • Include author names and affiliations below
  • Add a running head if needed.
  • Place the page number in the top right
  • Use a readable font and follow citation style guidelines

How to write a science report title?

Crafting a science report title involves clearly stating the subject, being concise with key terms, considering audience and style, and adhering to formatting guidelines.

How to make a research paper title page in MLA style?

  • Place the title at the center, avoiding bold or underlining
  • Below the title, include your name, instructor's name, course, and date, aligned to the left
  • Use a readable font (e.g., Times New Roman) in 12-point size
  • Double-space all text
  • Do not use a separate title page unless instructed otherwise; include this information on the first page of your paper

How to write a title for a lab report?

Crafting a lab report title requires clarity and conciseness. Clearly state the experiment's focus, use key terms, and include relevant variables. Follow any provided formatting guidelines for precision.

What is the best title for a research paper?

There is no universal “best” title for a research paper, as it depends on the specific content and focus of the study. The title should accurately reflect the research topic, be concise, and spark interest.

How to Write a Term Paper Title?

Here are some key tips for crafting a great term paper title:

  • Be Clear and Specific: Reflect the main topic and focus of your paper.
  • Keep It Concise: Avoid unnecessary words, and make it brief.
  • Include Key Terms: Use relevant keywords to highlight your paper’s subject.
  • Use a Subtitle (if needed): Add a subtitle to clarify complex topics.
  • Avoid Jargon: Keep it understandable for a wider audience.

Donna C.

Donna writes on a broad range of topics, but she is mostly passionate about social issues, current events, and human-interest stories. She has received high praise for her writing from both colleagues and readers alike. Donna is known in her field for creating content that is not only professional but also captivating.

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Writing Clear Science

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How to write good research paper titles

how to make a title for research

Your title is the first and most important step in engaging your reader. It should be concise, interesting and summarise the essential content of the document. Any title that is lengthy, overly complex, ambiguous or misleading can turn away prospective readers. This writing guide gives an overview of the different types of titles and explains the essential steps in designing your title.

Title structure

Titles can be sentence fragments, complete sentences or compound sentences with the second sentence typically following a colon.

To help the paper appear in search results, it is common practice to place keywords in the title. Keywords used in the title should be placed in the beginning in case only a fragment of the title appears in the search results. 

Terms used to describe types of titles

Common terms used to describe different types of research paper titles are Descriptive, declarative, interrogative, suggestive, humorous and combination titles.

Descriptive titles or indicative titles

Descriptive titles state the subject, topic, design, purpose or methods of the project. For example:

  • ‘Effects of natural forest and tree plantations on leaf-litter frog assemblages in Southern Brazil.’ ( Cicheleiro et al. 2021 ).
  • ‘An efficient incremental learning mechanism for tracking concept drift in spam filtering.’ ( Jyh-Jian et al. 2017 ).

Declarative or Informative titles

These titles give the main findings or result of the study. For example:

  • ‘Novel flight style and light wings boost flight performance of tiny beetles.’ ( Farisenkov et al 2022 ).
  • ‘Cause of hypereosinophilia shows itself after 6 years: Loa loa.’ ( Hicks et al. 2022 ).

There is some concern that presenting the results or conclusions in the title of a paper will appear presumptive: that titles containing a definitive statement or final conclusion of a study, might prove problematic if that finding is later disproved.

how to make a title for research

Some journals prefer informative titles. For example, the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology has “… an editorial policy of “more informative titles” (MITs) that crisply and concisely tell our readers what our authors found in their research. A MIT states the study type and summarizes its key findings, using the past tense for individual studies and the present tense for systematic reviews .” The idea is that titles for small individual studies should be written in past tense to allow future studies to overrule or disagree with their findings, while titles should be written in present tense for studies that are unlikely to be over-ruled by later studies: i.e. literature reviews. Some research has also demonstrated that “articles with short titles describing the results are cited more often.” ( Paiva et al. 2012 ).

Interrogative titles

Interrogative titles or titles phrased as a question. The use of questions in titles can create interest by making the reader immediately wonder what the answer might be. It is also a concise way of presenting the research topic.

For example:  

  • ‘Does adding video and subtitles to an audio lesson facilitate its comprehension?’ ( Zheng et al. 2022 ).
  • ‘Microbial defenses against mobile genetic elements and viruses: Who defends whom from what?’ ( Eduardo et al. 2022 ).

Suggestive titles

These are titles that are slightly ambiguous or overly brief to hint or suggest what the findings might be, presumably to create suspense to entice the reader to find out what the answer is. For example:

  • ‘Drawing to improve metacomprehension accuracy’. ( Thiede et al. 2022 ).
  • ‘The puzzle of high temperature superconductivity in layered iron pnictides and chalcogenides.’ ( Johnston 2010 ).

how to make a title for research

Humorous or colloquial title

These are titles that hope to attract interest through humour or common-use sayings, colloquialism or metaphors. These types of titles can be used to good effect. However, be mindful that colloquialisms might not make sense to readers from different language or cultural backgrounds.

For example:

  • ‘miR miR on the wall, who's the most malignant medulloblastoma miR of them all?’ ( Wang et al 2018 ).
  • ‘One ring to multiplex them all’ ( Torres-Company 2017 ).
  • ‘Sauropod farts warmed the planet.’ ( Marshall 2012 ).

Combination titles

Combination titles are those that include a combination of different types listed above.

The following example uses a colloquialism in the key title with the findings mentioned in the sub-title:

  • ‘Standing out in a crowd: Intraspecific variability in dorsal patterning allows for photo-identification of a threatened anuran.’ ( Gould et al. 2021 ).

The following example has the following structure: ‘Topic: results of study’

  • Plastic Pollution in the World's Oceans: More than 5 Trillion Plastic Pieces Weighing over 250,000 Tons Afloat at Sea ( Eriksen et al. 2014 ).

Which type is better?

There are conflicting views which type of title is better. There are arguments for and against different types, with research findings presenting the pros and cons of different types of title. Before you decide which is best, first look at how titles are commonly structured in recently published journals within your discipline.

how to make a title for research

Essential steps in designing your title

The following steps will help you design your document title.

1. Read the Instructions to Authors

Once you have selected a journal, review the types of titles recently published and read the Instructions to Authors to learn what the journal requires for paper titles. Instructions regarding titles are often brief. For example:

- Elsevier’s Guide for Authors “Title - Concise and informative. Titles are often used in information-retrieval systems. Avoid abbreviations and formulae where possible.”

- Plos One Submission Guidelines state that titles should be “…Specific, descriptive, concise, and comprehensible to readers outside the field.” and “…written in sentence case (only the first word of the text, proper nouns, and genus names are capitalized). Avoid specialist abbreviations if possible. For clinical trials, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses, the subtitle should include the study design.”

2. Consider your audience

Although the expected audience is broadly set by the scope of the journal, you still need to identify who will be interested in your paper. Who is your target audience? Are they scientists who mostly work in your field or will they include researchers from other disciplines? Consider what aspects of your project would attract your target audience and whether or not you can include these in your title.

3. Decide what aspects of your study to include in your title

As outlined above (Types of titles) decide whether you want to describe the process (descriptive) the result (informative) the research question or problem (integrative) or a combination of these factors.

Description of methods and study design

Titles of research papers, reports and conference proceedings often contain standard research methods. For example:  

  • ‘Plant-based diets and incident cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in African Americans: A cohort study.’ ( Weston et al. 2022 ).
  • ‘Using scale modelling to assess the prehistoric acoustics of Stonehenge.’ ( Cox et al. 2020 ).
  • ‘The use of chronosequences in studies of ecological succession and soil development.’ ( Walker et al 2010 ).

Description of study subjects and location

Titles often just describe the key study subject, and also often including habitat or location. For example: 

  • ‘Making (remote) sense of lianas.’ ( van der Heijden 2022 ).
  • ‘The vulnerability of native rangeland plant species to global climate change in the West Asia and North African regions’ ( Ouled Belgacem & Louhaichi 2013 ).

how to make a title for research

How specific or general should your title be?

Your title should be unique to your project. Hopefully, no one else is writing a paper exactly the same as you, and your title should reflect this. If your title is too broad or general, then you may give the impression that the study is larger than it is or that it is a literature review.  This is when it is important to make a distinction between ‘topic’ (general) and ‘title’ (specific). Unless you are writing a literature review or presenting a large-scale study, don’t give your research topic as your title.

Including information on the scope of the study will also help the reader understand the magnitude of your study and from this, the importance and implications of the findings. In the following example, “in highway bridges” gives the scope of the study:

  • ‘Finite element based fatigue assessment of corrugated steel web beams in highway bridges.’ ( Wang & Wang 2015 ).

Avoid making your title too long with too much specific detail. For example, perhaps this title is too long:

  • ‘Use of open-text responses to recode categorical survey data on postpartum contraception use among women in the United States: A mixed-methods inquiry of Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data.’ ( Richards et al, 2022 ).

4. Consider your reader’s behaviour

Assume your reader only has a short time to decide if your title is relevant and that they will only review the abstract if the title interests them. Titles that include standard procedures, common cause-effect scenarios or well-known research topics, might be overlooked in preference for titles describing unique approaches or interesting findings.

5. Check that your title is clear and easy to read 

Your main message must be clear. Your titles don’t have to be grammatically-complete sentences, but make sure they make sense, especially if you have tried to shorten them by cutting out words. Don’t sacrifice clarity for brevity by making your title obscure.

Beware of using adjectival-noun strings in your titles. This is when authors try and be more concise by placing too many adjectives in front a single noun making it difficult to decipher whether each adjective is actually modifying the root noun or another word in the adjectival-noun string. Take an example from a student report: ‘ Australian insecticide control failure .’ (Anon.) This might be interpreted as:

  • The failure of insecticide to control something in Australia.
  • The failure of Australian insecticide to control something somewhere else.
  • The failure to control [the use of] Australian insecticide.

Another unclear example: ‘Post head emergence spring radiative frost damage of winter cereals.’ (Anon.) It could be made even longer: ‘Winter cereal post head emergence spring radiative frost damage.’ 

how to make a title for research

6. Check your title length  

The shorter the title, the easier it will be to read but only to a certain point. Too short and you risk sacrificing your meaning. Also, If you leave out too much detail, the title may appear too general and mislead the reader. If the reader has to guess what the meaning, you increase the chance of losing them. Check that your title is not too ambiguous, cryptic or inadvertently misleading. An ambiguous media release example:

  • ‘Lupins show healthy potential for increased human consumption.’ ( Australian Food News 2008 ).

7. Check that your title is concise

Titles can be made more concise by removing unnecessary repetition and detail. Common research phrases can be removed without affecting the meaning or structure of the title. Examples of these research phrases include ‘The influence of...’, ‘The role of..’, ‘Effects of..’, ‘Observations of..,’ ‘Studies on...’

For example: ‘Annual variation in the distribution of summer snowdrifts in the Kosciuszko alpine area, Australia, and its effect on the composition and structure of alpine vegetation.’  ( Edmonds et al. 2006 ) [25 words] could be reduced to: “Distribution of summer snowdrifts influences composition and structure of Kosciuszko alpine vegetation, Australia” [13 words].  

how to make a title for research

8. Ways to make your title more interesting

Ask a question

By writing a title in the form of a question you are immediately inviting the reader to think. For example:

  • ‘Whose shoulders is health research standing on? Determining the key actors and contents of the prevailing biomedical research agenda.’ ( Testoni et al. 2021 ).

Be humorous or focus on the unusual or unexpected

Mildly humorous titles immediately engage the reader while unusual or unexpected tiles create curiosity.

  • ‘On human odour, malaria mosquitoes, and Limburger cheese.’ ( Knols 1996 ).

Final considerations

My key advice is, ensure your title is concise, easy to read (for your target audience), not too long and adequately reflects your study’s design or purpose (not too general or too specific).

  • Is it hard to read?
  • If it is a question, does it make your reader wonder what the answer is?
  • If it is a summary of your methods, are these methods unique or reveal a fresh approach or are they just standard and well-known and therefore unlikely to stand-out?
  • If it is the answer or conclusion to your problem, are you risking letting the reader think they now don’t need to read the paper? Or might your conclusion-title be a way to hook your reader into finding out more about your study?
  • Does it create interest or curiosity?

© Dr Marina Hurley 2022 www.writingclearscience.com.au

Any suggestions or comments please email  [email protected] 

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how to make a title for research

How to Write a Research Paper Title

7 Tips to create the best research title for your paper

Knowing how to write a research paper title is an art that not every researcher possesses, and researchers often spend a lot of time skimming through articles to find the right research paper title.

According to an interesting estimate, researchers read more than 100 publications every year and spend long hours, weeks and months searching for and reading articles relevant to their field of study. 1 While open access publishing and online repositories have made it easier to find articles, researchers still need to browse through a sea of research, often using research paper titles, to find relevant information for their research study. Researchers also face the challenge of ensuring their work reaches a broader audience in order to get more citations. This is where the importance of a good title for a research paper becomes evident.

Your research paper title is one of the first things readers in your research paper and plays an important role in influencing whether they will actually go through the entire article. This makes it critical to have a good research paper title that captures the reader’s attention. In this article, we look at the key characteristics of a good research title and what to keep in mind to create a research title that works for you.

Generate outstanding research titles in a click with Paperpal. Try it now!  

What to keep in mind when writing a research paper title

  • Convey the key research findings: Before writing a research paper title, list down what your study is about, what you have achieved or discovered, and the methodology used. Try and identify the one or two key elements that make your study novel or significant in your subject area. Combine these elements to create the best research title that showcases your article accurately and effectively.
  • Choose a declarative research paper title : Declarative titles are more informative and help readers to quickly grasp what the body of the article may contain. Therefore, it is considered to be more impactful and more likely to attract the reader’s attention. Additionally, most editors agree that papers with declarative titles are more likely to be shared online, allowing researchers to reach a far wider audience. 2
  • A good research title must pique reader interest : Researchers browsing through online platforms during their literature search often spend only a few seconds to read the title and evaluate an article’s relevance. This makes it important to create a catchy title for your research paper that will spark curiosity in the minds of your audience, which may prompt them pause, read, share, and discuss your research paper.
  • Avoid making any unsubstantiated claims: This is an important aspect to keep in mind when creating research paper titles. While it may be tempting to write titles with claims that will immediately attract reader attention and get you more citations, your research should be able to back-up these claims with substantive, studied evidence. Failing to do so can create mistrust about the research and even hurt your reputation.
  • Keep it simple and avoid jargon: It’s tempting to use technical words in a research paper title when you know that your primary audience is most likely to be other researchers working in the same field. However, this can prove counter-productive as readers who are not familiar with these complicated words may end up skipping your article. Some early career researchers might also give your paper a pass as they may feel that it is too technical for them so avoid using jargon.

Let Paperpal generate a suitable title for your content in minutes. Try it now!

  • Use phrases to keep your research title concise: One mistake early career researchers make is using full sentences to write the research paper title. Avoid complex phrases and unnecessary details as it makes the title unnecessarily lengthy. Remember to ensure proper syntax when trying to rephrase the title to make it leaner. A good research paper title offers a concise summary of the paper’s content; keep your title to under 12 words as lengthy titles can be hard to understand and may seem unfocused and uninteresting.
  • Include keywords to make your article discoverable: Today most researchers turn to online databases and search engines like Google Scholar to find the right research. This makes it critical to identify and use the best keywords for your research subject/topic when creating a research title. The best research paper title is one that is easily discoverable, making it easy for your readers to find and read your article.

A review of more than 150,000 papers  submitted to UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) database found that the style of a research paper’s title impacted the number of citations it would typically receive. 3 Writing a good research paper title is worth the time and effort, and we’re sure the points listed above will help!

How to generate research paper titles with Paperpal?

A research paper title is the first impression for journal editors, reviewers, and readers to understand the aim and purpose of your research study. However, picking a research paper title that encapsulates your research’s content can be daunting. Your research paper title should accurately capture your work, contain highly searched keywords, and should also sound interesting to people who work on a similar topic.   

Paperpal’s secure generative AI helps you write research paper titles twice as fast, ensuring they align with your research topic. Follow these simple steps to create an impactful research paper title: 

  • Sign Up or Log In: Start by creating an account or logging into Paperpal . 
  • Paste your content: Once logged in, paste your research paper’s content or abstract onto the document. 
  • Generate your title: Click on ‘Templates’ in the side navigation pane, go to Titles, and select ‘Generate’ . 

Paperpal will analyze your content and propose a fitting research paper title. If it doesn’t quite hit the mark, simply click regenerate to get additional title options until you find the perfect one. Remember, while Paperpal provides a solid starting point, personalizing the title to capture the essence of your research is key to making it stand out.  

  • How Scientists Retrieve Publications: An Empirical Study of How the Internet Is Overtaking Paper Media. Journal of Electronic Publishing, December 2000. [Accessed November 3, 2022] Available at https://quod.lib.umich.edu/j/jep/3336451.0006.202?view=text;rgn=main
  • Di Girolamo, N. Health care articles with simple and declarative titles were more likely to be in the Altmetric Top 100. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, December 2016. [Accessed November 3, 2022] Available at https://www.jclinepi.com/article/S0895-4356(16)30853-8/fulltext
  • Hudson, J. An analysis of the titles of papers submitted to the UK REF in 2014: authors, disciplines, and stylistic details. Scientometrics, July 2016. [Accessed November 3, 2022] Available at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11192-016-2081-4

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It is generally recommended to avoid using a question to write a good research paper title. Titles should be concise and informative, conveying the main focus of the study. While questions can be used in the introduction or research objectives, a clear and declarative title is preferred to accurately represent the content and purpose of the research.

A research paper title should be concise and to the point. Ideally, it should be around 10 to 12 words or less. A shorter title is more effective in grabbing readers’ attention and conveying the main idea succinctly. However, it’s important to ensure that the title still accurately represents the research and provides enough information for readers to understand the scope of the study.

Including specific keywords related to the research topic can be beneficial. Keywords help in indexing and searching for relevant papers. However, it is not necessary to include all keywords in the title. Instead, focus on incorporating essential and relevant keywords that reflect the core aspects of the study. Use keywords that are commonly used and recognized in the field to increase the discoverability and relevance of your research.

Abbreviations or acronyms should generally be avoided in the research paper title. The title should be clear and easily understandable to a broad audience. If an abbreviation is commonly used in the field and is essential to convey the research focus, it can be included, but it’s important to provide the full term upon its first mention in the paper for clarity.

Whether you can change the research paper title after submission depends on the specific guidelines and policies of the journal or conference. Some publications allow minor revisions, including title changes, during the review process. However, it is best to ensure that the title is carefully chosen and reviewed before submission. If a change is necessary, it is recommended to contact the editor or conference organizers for guidance on whether it’s permissible to modify the title.

The preferred formatting style for research paper titles varies depending on the specific guidelines of the target journal or conference. Generally, sentence case is commonly used, where only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized. However, some publications may prefer title case, where the first letter of each major word is capitalized. It is important to carefully review the submission guidelines or consult the specific style guide recommended by the publication to ensure consistency with their preferred formatting style.

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Get accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance that delivers human precision at machine speed. Try for free or upgrade to Paperpal Prime starting at US$19 a month to access premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks to help you succeed.  

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COMMENTS

  1. How to Choose a Research Paper Title with Examples

    Aug 5, 2024 · Making a title for your research is one of the most important decisions when writing an article to publish in journals. The research title is the first thing that journal editors and reviewers see when they look at your paper and the only piece of information that fellow researchers will see in a database or search engine query.

  2. Research Paper Title – Writing Guide and Example

    Mar 26, 2024 · Attention-Grabbing: Choose engaging language to make the title stand out. Keyword-Rich: Use relevant terms to improve searchability and increase visibility. Writing Guide for Research Paper Titles Step 1: Identify Key Elements of the Study. Consider the main components of your study, including: Research Topic: The general subject or field of ...

  3. How To Write A Good Research Paper Title: Examples & Tips

    Tips for Writing an Effective Research Paper Title. Follow these tips to make your research paper title engaging and attention-grabbing: Add important words related to your research for better search results. Make your title brief and clear to convey your research focus effectively. Use words that grab attention and spark curiosity about your ...

  4. Research Title - 30+ Examples, Format, How to Write ...

    Jun 26, 2024 · A research title is a critical component of any research study or academic paper. It serves multiple important functions that contribute to the overall success and impact of the research. Here are key reasons why a research title is important: 1. First Impression. The research title is often the first element a reader encounters.

  5. How to Write Catchy Research Paper Titles with Examples

    Jun 27, 2024 · 2. Rules for Writing Good Titles. Rules for writing great titles are like rules for good writing in general. Let’s look at some basic rules to follow while crafting a fitting title for your research paper. 2.1 Be Specific and Avoid Being Generic. A generic title is broad, vague, and lacks specificity about the research findings.

  6. Title, Abstract and Keywords | Springer — International Publisher

    An effective title should: Convey the main topics of the study; Highlight the importance of the research; Be concise; Attract readers; Writing a good title for your manuscript can be challenging. First, list the topics covered by the manuscript. Try to put all of the topics together in the title using as few words as possible.

  7. How to Write a Good Research Paper Title | 5 Easy Steps

    Jan 8, 2024 · How To Write A Research Paper Title In 5 Steps . We have broken down the process of crafting strong research paper titles into 5 simple steps. Here are the research paper title writing steps: Step 1. Understand the Purpose of Your Research Paper. Making a title that catches attention and tells a story is important, and to do that, you need to ...

  8. How to Write a Good Research Paper Title - PapersOwl.com

    Jan 11, 2022 · Characteristics of a Good Title. To write a perfect research paper title, you’ll need to know about the different types of headings first: Interrogative; Suggestive; Humorous or colloquial; Combined; The key point for all these types is to make a catchy title that captures the tone and the essence of the topic with relevant keywords. If you ...

  9. How to write good research paper titles - Writing Clear Science

    Essential steps in designing your title. The following steps will help you design your document title. 1. Read the Instructions to Authors. Once you have selected a journal, review the types of titles recently published and read the Instructions to Authors to learn what the journal requires for paper titles.

  10. How to Write a Research Paper Title | Paperpal

    Nov 11, 2022 · A good research paper title offers a concise summary of the paper’s content; keep your title to under 12 words as lengthy titles can be hard to understand and may seem unfocused and uninteresting. Include keywords to make your article discoverable: Today most researchers turn to online databases and search engines like Google Scholar to find ...