Research Paper ELS Laverne

What is a research paper?  Research papers place an emphasis on the development of a student's critical thinking and writing skills.  To write an effective paper, students must be able to incorporate the ideas of others with their own ideas and analysis.  A successful paper is logically organized, fully developed, and free of error.  Outside sources should be used properly.

Types of research papers  A research paper may be argumentative in nature. – In other words, the student may take a stand on an issue and then research others who agree and disagree with the stand and cite them (quote them in the paper). –In this type of paper, it is generally expected that students will learn how to anticipate the objections of others and make concessions.anticipate the objections of others and make concessions.

Types of research papers  A research paper may also deal with a particular problem encountered in any field of study, such as health care or social and environmental issues. –In this case, the student will state the problem and write about its relevance to the field. –A history of the problem may be written, along with possible solutions. –Outside sources are used for support. They might show the seriousness of the problem, for instance.

Types of research papers  Or a research paper may simply be a report. –An instructor may give a student a topic and ask that the student write a research paper on the topic. –This is a type of individual study which indicates how well a student has learned to conduct research, think critically (determine what is important and what is not) and organize information into a clearly defined statement.

How do I decide on a topic?  As you think about your topic, look for a subject that: 1.Interests you * It is difficult to write a good research paper if the topic bores you 2. Is covered in a number of sources *You will need a variety of sources to give your paper depth.

How do I decide on a topic?  As you think about your topic, look for a subject that: 4. Can be written in the time you have available *Realistically assess how long it will take you to find your information, organize your paper, and write it. 5.Is appropriate for your level of knowledge *Choosing a topic that is too technical will take a lot of extra time.

Developing Ideas for Topics  Here are some places you may find good ideas for topics: –Classes –On-line debates –The Internet –Newspapers and Magazines –Your Experience

Narrowing a Topic  The subject of your research paper should be specific General TopicFocused TopicNarrowed Topic DogsDogs and humans Use of dogs in therapy SportsSnowboardingReasons for popularity of snowboarding ArchitectureJapanese architecture Influence of Buddhism on Japanese Architecture

Common Problems with Topics  There isn’t enough information available  Information is available, but… –Sources contain too much jargon –Sources are too technical for your level of knowledge  The topic is too broad

Idea Webs

Finding Sources  You will want to include information from several different kinds of sources to give our paper depth. –The Internet –Electronic Databases –Books –Newspapers –Interviews

Finding Sources  The Internet –Easy to access and read –May contain unreliable information List the most important keyword first –(stress and health effects) Use lowercase letters –(falconry rather than Falconry) Enter phrases in quotation marks –( “assisted suicide”) Use AND when looking for combined subjects –(marijuana AND “medical use”) Use AND NOT when excluding a subject –(marijuana AND NOT legislation)

Evaluating Sources  Is the source about the topic?  Is it enough information or too much?  What kind of information does it offer?  Is it up-to-date?  How is the information biased?

Evaluating Websites  Look at the web address to see where it comes from –Most reliable to least reliable.gov,.edu,.org,.com  Determine who wrote the page.  Consider whether the information is up-to- date.  Notice whether the format is easy to access.

Working Reference List  Your list should have 10 – 15 sources and contain the following information: –Title, author, and date –Where you found the source *Remember to use a variety of sources to give your paper depth.