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.