1. Research and the English Class How do I develop a research question?

2. What is research?  When you write an extended literary essay, often one requiring research, you are essentially making an argument. You are arguing that your perspective - an interpretation, an evaluative judgment, or a critical evaluation - is a valid one.  Research is a disciplined attempt to address questions or solve problems through the collection and analysis of primary data for the purpose of description, explanation, generalization and prediction (Anderson 1998, p 6)  The nature of the subject matter determines what kind of research is valid or relevant (Pring 2000, p 6)

3. Research: What it is A research paper is the culmination and final product of an involved process of research, critical thinking, source evaluation, organization, and composition. It is a living thing, which grows and changes as you explore, interpret, and evaluate sources related to a specific topic. The research paper serves not only to further the field in which it is written, but also to provide you with an exceptional opportunity to increase your knowledge in that field. https:// owl.english. purdue.edu

4. Research: What it is not A research paper is not simply an informed summary of a topic by means of primary and secondary sources. It is neither a book report nor an opinion piece nor an expository essay consisting solely of one's interpretation of a text nor an overview of a particular topic. Instead, it is a genre that requires one to spend time investigating and evaluating sources with the intent to offer interpretations of the texts, and not unconscious regurgitations of those sources. The goal of a research paper is not to inform the reader what others have to say about a topic, but to draw on what others have to say about a topic and engage the sources in order to thoughtfully offer a unique perspective on the issue at hand. https:// owl.english. purdue.edu

5. A debatable thesis statement  Like any argument paper you have ever written, you must have a specific, detailed thesis statement that reveals your perspective, and, like any good argument, your perspective must be one which is debatable.  A research paper is no different. You must have a claim that you will argue and prove by using your research – both primary and secondary – as evidence. https:// owl.english. purdue.edu

6. Examples You would not want to make an argument of this sort:  Shakespeare's Hamlet is a play about a young man who seeks revenge.  That doesn't say anything-it's basically just a summary and is hardly debatable. A better thesis would be this:  Hamlet experiences internal conflict because he is in love with his mother.  That is debatable, controversial even. The rest of a paper with this argument as its thesis will be an attempt to show, using specific examples from the text and evidence from scholars, (1) how Hamlet is in love with his mother, (2) why he's in love with her, and (3) what implications there are for reading the play in this manner. https:// owl.english. purdue.edu

7. Examples Cont. You also want to avoid a thesis statement like this:  Spirituality means different things to different people. King Lear, The Book of Romans, and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance each view the spirit differently.  Again, that says nothing that's not already self-evident. Why bother writing a paper about that? You're not writing an essay to list works that have nothing in common other than a general topic like "spirituality." You want to find certain works or authors that, while they may have several differences, do have some specific, unifying point. That point is your thesis. A better thesis would be this:  Lear, Romans, and Zen each view the soul as the center of human personality.  Then you prove it, using examples from the texts that show that the soul is the center of personality. https:// owl.english. purdue.edu

8. Analytical Research Paper  The analytical research paper begins by asking a question (a.k.a. a research question) without taking a stance. Such a paper is often an exercise in exploration and evaluation. For example, perhaps you are interested in the Old English poem Beowulf. You’ve read the poem intently and want to offer a fresh reading of the poem to the academic community. Your question may be:  How should one interpret the poem Beowulf?  Your research may lead you to the following conclusion:  Beowulf is a poem whose purpose it was to serve as an exemplum of heterodoxy for tenth- and eleventh-century monastic communities.  Though his topic may be debatable and controversial, it should not be your intent to persuade the audience that your ideas are right while those of others are wrong. Instead, your goal is to offer a critical interpretation of primary and secondary sources throughout the paper – sources that should buttress your particular analysis of the topic. https:// owl.english. purdue.edu

9. Analytical Research Paper Cont.  Once you have developed a question and done some preliminary research on that topic, you must develop a thesis (one that is not too narrow but also not to broad).  Example thesis statement:  Though Beowulf is often read as a poem that recounts the heroism and supernatural exploits of the protagonist Beowulf, it may also be read as a poem that served as an exemplum of heterodoxy for tenth- and eleventh-century monastic communities found in the Danelaw.  This statement does not negate the traditional readings of Beowulf; instead, it offers a fresh and detailed reading of the poem that will be supported by the student's research. https:// owl.english. purdue.edu

10. Primary Source  A primary source is a document or physical object which was written or created during the time under study. These sources were present during an experience or time period and offer an inside view of a particular event. Some types of primary sources include:  ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (excerpts or translations acceptable):  Diaries  Speeches  Manuscripts  Letters  Interviews  Documentary film footage  Autobiographies,  Official records  A primary source for example might include:  The Diary of Anne Frank  A journal article reporting new research or findings  Weavings and pottery - Native American history  Ender’s Game CREATIVE WORKS: Poetry Drama Novels Music Art RELICS OR ARTIFACTS: Pottery Furniture Clothing Buildings

11. Secondary Sources  A secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources. These sources are one or more steps removed from the event. Secondary sources may have pictures, quotes or graphics of primary sources in them. Some types of secondary sources include:  PUBLICATIONS:  Textbooks  Magazine articles  Histories  Criticisms  Commentaries  Encyclopedias  A secondary source for example might be a:  journal/magazine article which interprets or reviews previous findings  A history textbook  A book about the effects of WWI

12. lit·er·ar·y crit·i·cism  Noun: the art or practice of judging and commenting on the qualities and character of literary works.  According to Encyclopedia Britannica:  Literary criticism, the reasoned consideration of literary works and issues. It applies, as a term, to any argumentation about literature, whether or not specific works are analyzed. Plato’s cautions against the risky consequences of poetic inspiration in general in his Republic are thus often taken as the earliest important example of literary criticism.

13. Now What?  While reading, and when finished reading your book, think about the following:  What am I interested in exploring more?  Why is the author doing this?  What did the author intend?  What have others said about this passage, this chapter, this book? Then, start to focus in on one big question you want to explore, and do some preliminary research on Google or Wikipedia (these will not be sources you should cite when writing your research paper, but they are a good place to start when you are just trying to see what others have thought about or written about your book).

14. So…Go Forth and Do!  Take some time with your classmates that have read the same book as you and:  Discuss the themes and plot of your book  What questions do you have that are unanswered (write out a list)?  Do a little poking on the internet and see what others have said about your book and your author…share your findings with your group and again, keep a list! Try to put the sources/answers you find with the original questions you posed.  Then, develop 1-3 essential (big) questions that you would like to explore in more depth…Do NOT develop a thesis yet. You have to do research in order to determine your thesis first.

15. Helpful Links  Developing a research topic  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og4B GyZr_Nk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og4B GyZr_Nk  MLA and Research strategies  https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resourc e/658/02/ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resourc e/658/02/