Writing Process Introduction for Publication and Proposal

Introduction The steps involved for writing an Introduction for Publication and Proposal are similar in many ways, so the first part of this presentation will discuss how to write an Introduction for Publication In the second part of this presentation the unique differences for how to write an Introduction for a Proposal will be discussed

Introduction Hourglass (purpose: What is the hypothesis?) ► Prior/Published research – appropriate discussion in relation to hypothesis? ► Present research – purpose and definition of your research clearly stated? ► Hypothesis/Predictions – all hypotheses must be well-articulated and valid?

Writing is the FLIP SIDE of Evaluating All information that follows is presented as questions you should ask yourself while writing and revising your paper Notice that these are the same questions that reviewers (committee members) will be asking themselves while reading your paper

Is the topic and prior literature… –Clearly stated? –Integrated within larger literature? –Adequate review? –Overlooked or not cited? –Current state of topic? –Problems or gaps in literature? –Concepts well-defined and accurate? –Lead logically to next section? Prior Research 1

Is the present research… –Purpose stated? –Clear and concise? –Within context of previous research? –Improvement upon previous research? –If problem/gap, does it address it? –Clearly stated what is new and original? –Appropriate support? –Definitions? –If topic is new, what is conceptualization? Present Research 2

Is the present research… (cont) –Important Theoretical Practical “Why should I care?” Advance our understanding? Original or novel? –Theory If theoretically based, is rationale clear? Strong and coherent theory? Is the paper refining or updating theory? Does theory lead to hypothesis? Present Research 2

Are the hypotheses… –Clear? –Precise and Specific? –Testable and Falsifiable? –Parsimonious? –Consistent? –If multiple hypotheses, how do they relate? –If Relational Research… Nature and scope of the relationship? Why each variable is being tested? Any other reasons for relationship? Hypotheses/Predictions 3

Are the hypotheses… (cont) –If Moderators Strengthen or Weaken effect? Why? Fit within theory? Any other reasons for moderating effect? Any other variables? –If Causal Research… Why should IV cause DV? Fit within theory? Any other reasons for causal effect? Any other variables? If causal modeling… Hypotheses/Predictions 3

Introduction for Proposal Purpose of a Proposal –inform your committee about your Hypotheses and Methodology Purpose of Introduction in Proposal –Hypotheses –What information does your committee need to know in order to evaluate your planned study? –What information is superfluous for the proposal and would be better placed in the full Thesis later? –If you were an (overworked) committee member, what would you want to read in a thesis?

How to write it for Proposal Same Opener and mini-hourglass But then go right to major topics Clear and concise As many citations as possible Few pages of background, theory, support Few pages of present research, hypotheses Clearly state purpose, novelty, importance Include Reference section