To make an acknowledgement in a research paper, a writer should express thanks by using the full or professional names of the people being thanked and should specify exactly how the people being acknowledged helped. The acknowledgement should come at the beginning of a paper, after the table of contents and before the body of the article begins. It should use professional language that is consistent with the tone of the rest of the paper.
Acknowledgments are different than references. References are typically in-text citations of people or works that influenced the actual content of the paper. Acknowledgments are a simple expression of gratitude for support and inspiration throughout the research and writing process itself.