Writing Medical Research Papers in English: The Perspective of a Language Researcher ( 醫學研究論文英文寫作：從語言研究者 的角度談起 ) Jun-min Kuo Assistant Professor The English Languages Center Tunghai University

Multiple Identities for Studying English 1. Business 2. Education 3. Communication (May I help you? Then what?) a. Daily Life b. Tourism c. Culture Further Thought: 1. Re-examine you as an English learner 2. Think about why you are here (academic / research / credits / nothing else to do)

Types of Research (1) Quantitative Research The collection of numerical data in order to explain, predict and/or control phenomena of interest. The numerical data can be durations, scores, counts, counts of incidents, ratings, or scales. Quantitative data can be collected in either controlled or naturalisitc environments, in laboratories or field studies, from special populations or from samples of the general population. The defining factor is that numbers result form the process, whether the initial data collection produced numerical values, or whether non-numerical values were subsequently converted to numbers as part of the analysis process, as in content analysis.

Types of Research (2) Qualitative Research In recent years, nonquantitative approaches to educational research have emerged and attracted many advocates. These methods of research are generally called qualitative. They are based on the collection and analysis of nonnumerical data such as observations, interviews, and other more discursive sources of information. Qualitative research methods are based on different beliefs and purposes than quantitative research methods. For example, qualitative research does not accept the view of a stable, coherent, uniform world. It argues that meaning is situated in a particular perspective or context, and, since different people and groups often have different perspectives and contexts, there are many different meanings in the world, none of which is necessarily more valid or true than another.

Further Thought on Different Types of Research 1. Quantitative (objective / evidence-based) (validity and reliability) (generalization) 2. Qualitative (uniqueness vs. scientific) (triangulation and trustworthiness) 3. Mixed (the best type of research?) 4. He says, she says. 5. What do you want to get? (case reports vs. original articles)

Writing a Paragraph/Essay 1. Topic Sentence 2. Supporting Ideas/Sentences (Body) 3. Concluding Sentences Example 1: Jay Chou is my favorite singer. I like all his songs, especially “Dad, I’m Home!” (incoherent / incoherence) Example 2: Jay Chou is my favorite singer. He is so talented that he has created a lot of popular songs. For instance, I like the way he puts together two different music styles in “ 千里之 外 ”. Another example is seen in the song “I’m Wanted” in which he uses American country music and some rap stuff. Jay Chou is so cool that he will always be my number-one idol. (organization / 段落分配 ) Example 3: (See Handout 1)

The Elements of Academic Writing 1. Abstract 2. Introduction (Rationale) 3. Purpose of the Study 4. Research Questions / Statements of the Hypothesis 5. Literature Review 6. Methodology / Method a. Research Type b. Setting and Participants / Informants / Subjects c. Data Sources d. Data Analysis 7. Discussion and Findings 8. Conclusions and Implications / Limitations / Suggestions 9. References 10. Appendixes / Appendices (01 & 02)

Academic Writing Tense and Sample Readings 1. Citation and Tense (Handout 2) 2. Abstract Samples (03) 3. Medical Research Paper 1 (04) 4. Medical Research Paper 2 (05)

Translation of Medical Research Papers 1. From Chinese to English (more difficult?) 2. From English to Chinese (easier?) a. coherence (macrostructure) (transition / logics) b. cohesion (microstructure) (grammar, words, etc.) c. organization (Beginning / Body / Conclusion) d. professional knowledge

Recommendations 1. Be a researcher who is serious about academic work a. Sacrifice b. Devotion c. Enthusiasm d. Generosity ^-^ 2. Be a learner who can make English studying part of your life a. Perseverance (e.g. newspaper clippings / editorials) b. Curiosity (What are you studying now?) (06)

The End  Thanks for listening!  Questions???