Research Paper Writing Mavis Shang 97年度第二學期 1 Section VIII

Writing the Research Paper Chapter I: Introduction (Problem Statement) A. Area of Study: Provide a general introduction to the topic; outline the problem B. Definition of Terms: Define important terms and concepts C. The purpose of the study D. Assumptions: Make hypotheses for the proposed study 2

Writing the Research Paper Chapter 2: Literature Review A. History: Provide a review of the historical background B. Current Literature: Include a review of current relevant literature with the analysis of pros and cons C. Research Problem: Provide research questions 3

Writing the Research Paper Chapter 3: Methodology A. Research Questions and Hypotheses: Propose them based on literature review (major points) B. Research Design: * Quantitative research: Use a survey (three design considerations; discuss how to design questionnaire) * Qualitative research: Use interviews (present a rationale for the design of choice) 4

Writing the Research Paper C. Sample: * Quantitative research: Describe sampling techniques and rationale for the method used for selecting the sample and sample size * Qualitative research: Describe the criteria for the selection of the participants and setting 5

Writing the Research Paper D. Data Collection Procedures: * Quantitative research: Describe the procedures that the data will be collected by using a survey * Qualitative research: Describe the use of audiotapes, note-taking E. Pilot Testing: Describe the pilot study procedures and any adjustments 6

Writing the Research Paper F. Data Analysis Procedures: * Quantitative research: Describe how you handled the data; provide statistical procedures (e.g., compute mean score or frequency) * Qualitative research: Describe data analysis strategies; explain multiple sources of data G. Limitations of the Study: Explain anticipated limitations of the study 7

Writing the Research Paper Chapter 4: Results: Just report what the data say (you may give the subheading based on each hypothesis) A. Findings from the quantitative results (% or mean) B. Findings from the qualitative results (3 excerpts) C. Fit into your hypotheses or not (e.g., broadly/partially/do not fit) 8

Writing the Research Paper Chapter 5: Discussions and Conclusion A. Interpret the meanings of data (discuss “why” your participants would think/say so) B. Discuss whether the findings fit into the literature or not C. Form any grounded theory? D. The results will be useful to “whom”? E. Any limitation to reach the generalizability F. Draw conclusions and suggestions (about improvement) based on your or minority’s opinions 9

Writing the Research Paper Outline of Research Paper 10