Conclusion First: A Modest Proposal to Reorganize the <scp>IMRaD</scp> Structure of Research Articles

Key Points The IMRaD format remains the dominant structure for reporting scientific research. In this format, the main message of a study often appears late in the article. Modern researchers frequently read under time constraints and must scan large numbers of papers. Cognitive research suggests that information presented early in a sequence is more likely to be remembered. A ‘conclusion‐first’ article structure may provide faster access to the key message of a study.