Writing the Modern Research Paper Chapter one: Doing research and the research paper

Research Is... Observation and critical study: it is collecting information in order to make judgements and gain truth.

Research is... Learning something NEW Avoid the “old hat” Learning how to learn on your own. Learning!

What is a Research Paper’s Purpose? 4 To inform the reader about the research topic. 4 To demonstrate the validity or reasonableness of the author’s conclusions about the topic.

Elements of the Research Paper: 4 The Research Topic: –A particular aspect of a larger field of knowledge. –Subject > Topic > Research Question > Thesis 4 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: 4 Overall Organization –Title page –Thesis and Outline –Text –Notes –Works Cited / References –Appendix

Continuing Elements of the Research Paper: 4 Textual Organization –Introduction –Body –Conclusion –Works Cited or References 4 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 Paper To research a subject is to “see it another way” 4 Gather original information 4 Evaluate from your own point of view and experience

Finding Sources Primary Sources 4 Your own experiences 4 Field observations 4 Interview 4 Laboratory report 4 Diaries 4 Literary Works 4 Letters Secondary Sources 4 Encyclopedias 4 Magazines 4 Books 4 Newspapers 4 Online sources 4 Computer database

Documenting Sources means acknowledging... 4 Who was the source of the information. –The author –The editor 4 Where the scholar found the information –The Work –The Book –The publisher –The date –The page

Planning a Research Schedule 4 Investigating one or more potential research subject. 4 Selecting a topic and framing a research question. 4 Establishing a preliminary bibliography 4 Devising an outline and tentative thesis statement.

The Research Schedule Continued: 4 Writing the paper 4 Listing the works cited 4 REVISING and editing –(get another outside reader!)

Keeping a Research Notebook 4 Dedicate a single notebook for the task 4 Use pencil or ink to record ideas and information--write clearly. 4 Record names, titles and other bibliographic data accurately and fully to avoid errors. 4 Use as many heading or subtitles in the notebook as need to keep your entries organized 4 Date each entry.

Once the Process is started, it can not be altered. Wrong! Plan on your mind going in different directions.