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Writing the Modern Research Paper
Chapter one:
Doing research and the research paper
Research Is. ..Research Is. ..
Observation and critical study: it is collecting information in order to make judgements and gain truth.
Research is. ..Research is. ..
Learning something NEW
Avoid the “old hat”
Learning how to learn on your own.
Learning!
What is a Research Paper’s Purpose?
To inform the reader about the research topic.
To demonstrate the validity or
reasonableness of the author’s conclusions
about the topic.
Elements of the Research Paper:
The Research Topic:– A particular aspect of a larger field of
knowledge.– Subject > Topic > Research Question > Thesis
A Respectable Length:– Longer than most papers you have had to write
before.– Text says 10 to 12 but we will expect 8 to 10
pages.– Dr. Rearick prefers 12 font in Time Roman
style (he does not know why).
Continuing Elements of the Research Paper: Overall Organization
– Title page– Thesis and Outline– Text– Notes– Works Cited / References– Appendix
Continuing Elements of the Research Paper: Textual Organization
– Introduction– Body– Conclusion– Works Cited or References
Although these sections should all exist in MLA they are not overtly indicated by a heading. APA does divide by heading.
Doing Research for Your PaperTo research a subject is to “see it
another way”
Gather original information Evaluate from your own point of view and experience
Finding Sources
Primary Sources Your own experiences Field observations Interview Laboratory report Diaries Literary Works Letters
Secondary Sources Encyclopedias Magazines Books Newspapers Online sources Computer database
Documenting Sources means acknowledging. . . Who was the source of the information.
– The author
– The editor
Where the scholar found the information– The Work
– The Book
– The publisher
– The date
– The page
Planning a Research Schedule
Investigating one or more potential research subject.
Selecting a topic and framing a research question.
Establishing a preliminary bibliography Devising an outline and tentative thesis
statement.
The Research Schedule Continued: Writing the paper Listing the works cited REVISING and editing
– (get another outside reader!)
Keeping a Research Notebook
Dedicate a single notebook for the task Use pencil or ink to record ideas and
information--write clearly. Record names, titles and other bibliographic
data accurately and fully to avoid errors. Use as many heading or subtitles in the
notebook as need to keep your entries organized
Date each entry.
Once the Process is started, it can not be altered.
Wrong!
Plan on your mind going in different directions.