Creating an awesome title is like bending a straight line into a circle. You see, titles are the first thing your readers see, and yet they are often the last aspect of preparing a document that you consider. It is also often  given the least attention. Guides on writing scientific documents often recommend that you start with the Methods section, followed by Results, Discussion, Introduction, Abstract, and (finally) the Title. Here are some tips for crafting a compelling title:

Be Clear and Concise

• Clarity is key to helping potential readers quickly understand the subject of your paper. Avoid jargon or overly complex language unless absolutely necessary.
• Keep the title short and to the point. Ideally, it should be 12 to 15 words or fewer.

Example: “Impact of Vitamin D on Immune Function in Elderly Patients” is clearer than “Exploring Potential Immunomodulatory Pathways of a Common Nutrient.”

Accurately Reflect the Content

• The title should give a precise reflection of the article’s main findings or purpose. Readers should be able to grasp the core subject just by reading the title.
• Include key variables or methods if they are central to the paper’s contribution. This makes the title more informative.

Example: “Effects of High-Dose Vitamin C Supplementation on Recovery Rates in Post-Operative Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.”

Highlight the Main Findings or Contribution

• If possible, incorporate the main finding or the central argument of the paper in the title. This adds value for readers who are scanning through multiple articles and are looking for specific results.

Example: “Meta-Analysis Confirms the Positive Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Anxiety Reduction.”

Use Relevant Keywords

• Include keywords in the title that are relevant to your field, as these are often the terms readers will search for when looking for research on the topic.
• This not only improves the chances of your article being found in search engines and databases but also makes your work more recognizable within the context of current research.

Example: “Genome Editing Techniques in CRISPR-Cas9: Ethical Considerations and Future Applications.”

Consider a Two-Part Title (Colon Title)

• A two-part title—where the first part presents a broad topic and the second part narrows it down or explains specifics—can be effective for creating intrigue while providing clarity.

Example: “Digital Health in Chronic Disease Management: A Review of Telemedicine Solutions in Diabetes Care.”

Avoid Ambiguity

• While creative titles can grab attention, it’s important that they aren’t ambiguous or misleading. Avoid overly vague or metaphorical language that may confuse the reader about the article’s subject.

Example: Instead of “Unlocking the Mysteries of the Mind,” a clearer title could be “Neuroimaging Techniques and Their Role in Understanding Cognitive Function.”

State the Research Type if Relevant

• If your paper is a systematic review, meta-analysis, or clinical trial, consider stating the study type directly in the title to immediately communicate the nature of the work.

Example: “A Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Antioxidants in Cancer Prevention.”

Use Active Voice and Avoid Redundancy

• Titles in the active voice are usually more engaging and easier to read. Avoid unnecessary words or phrases like “A Study of” or “An Investigation into,” as these can make the title overly long without adding meaning.

Example: “Reducing Hospital Readmissions Through Coordinated Care Programs” is more direct than “A Study of Coordinated Care Programs and Their Impact on Reducing Hospital Readmissions.”

Target the Audience

• Consider your audience when crafting the title. For a highly specialized journal, it might be appropriate to use technical terms that would be well-understood by peers. However, for interdisciplinary or broader audience journals, opt for more accessible language.

Example: A technical title might be “Proteomic Analysis of Glycosylation Pathways in Cancer Cells,” while a more general title for a broader audience could be “How Sugar Molecules Affect Cancer Progression: A Proteomic Study.”

Check for Journal Guidelines

• Journals often have specific guidelines for titles, including length restrictions or formatting preferences (e.g., capitalization rules). Be sure to review the journal’s guidelines before finalizing your title.

Example Titles Based on Guidelines:

• Too Broad: “Health in the Elderly”
• Improved: “The Role of Exercise in Reducing Cardiovascular Risk in Elderly Patients: A Systematic Review”
• Too Vague: “New Insights into Cancer”
• Improved: “Novel Biomarkers for Early Detection of Breast Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study”

There is an undeniable logic to this approach, authors generally have notes and documentation on the methods they used, what they observed and how they interpret the results. It might be considered that the purpose of any research work established at the outset might simply morph into the title as the circle closes and your manuscipt is submitted for consideration. However, your title must reflect your final destination – which may not reflect the object you had at the start. It must draw from all sections of the paper to become its advocate in the big, wide world. It will serve as your 3-second to connect with potential readers. So it is important to make it count. In our present Insider's Insight we provide a guide from our Medical Writing team [1]. Filled with useful resources we hope readers will find it helpful next time they consider a title for their work.

By following these strategies, you can create a title that is engaging, clear, and informative, ensuring it captures the attention of your target audience while reflecting the essence of your research.

References

1. Putting you best foot forward: An Insider's Insight into what makes a great title. Niche Science & Technology Ltd., 2017.