Writing out the research Research methodology
Writing as a continual process Self-aids: Research proposal (keep it up-to-date) Summaries (of articles, conference presentations etc.): always add a full reference of the source always mark which research it is connected to Make notes of your ideas (research, methods, anything) even if they are not useful right now Self-memos, research diary, research notebook Make draft even if cannot complete them right now (for chapters, models, methods etc.)
Writing as a continual process Write out parts of your research: If your research is ‚large’, it may not be possible publish as one single article. Train yourself from easier to harder publications (writing can be improved only by doing) But keep your ‚main contribution’ safe! (until cannot publish it in a defendable level)
Some hints for the writing process Writing is not only a must: it helps you to clarify your thinking Create time for writing (it needs concentration and warm-up periods) Write when you are creative (right when you feel the inspiration) A regular writing place can help Writing requires a structure (create the macro-structure first ad then fill it) Set goals and achieve them Complete a unit before stopping your writing session to avoid loosing ideas Keep multiple copies of your work Get friends to read your work
The traditional structure of a research report Abstract Introduction Literature review Methodology Results Discussion References Appendices
Reporting approaches Linear-analytical: follows the logic of the research process (this is the traditional approach) Comparative approach: the structure is designed to allow analytical comparisons to be made (eg. comparing the results of different analytical methods) Chronological approach Theory building: present the research as an emergent process leading to a convincing story nd compelling explanation Suspense approach: allows the reader to understand how an explanation has been built
Abstract A short summary of the COMPLETE content of the research. It is short, self-contained, reflects the content, adequately informs the reader, objective, precise and easy to understand.
Introduction Provides a clear idea about the central issue of concern and its value. A full statement of the research questions,aims and objectives. Some general infirmation about the background. A ‚route map’ for the reader
Methods
Discussion Interpreting the results Their relations to the research questions The implications of the results for the relevant theories Strength, weakness, limitations of the study Demonstrates the originality and importance of the study
Conclusion No new materials are presented here It reflect to the whole research not only to the results
The length of a project report Do stick to the guidelines Exceeding the limit is not a virtue but a sign that you did not spent on writing a shorter one (or that you do not really understand your own research).
How to get successful with your report/manuscript It is also an art and a profession to write good articles Title: short and describes the content accurately (and also draw attention) Clear, simple and straightforward storyline: what is the conclusion, what (results) it is built on, how did you get to that results, why the research is interesting/important and to whom Help the reader: Structure Previewing and summarizing parts Tables, graphics, illustrative examples Develop the appropriate writing style Clarity, simplicity Simple language (avoiding jargon) Avoid quotation if possible (that is not your contribution) Spelling and grammar Person, tense and gender: Scientific tradition: impersonal, past tense, passive voice Anonymity Continual revision