4: Writing a Research Paper
- Page ID
- 6731
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 4.1: The Purpose of Research Writing
- This page emphasizes the importance of the research process for answering questions and sharing findings in personal and professional contexts. It outlines the steps to writing a research paper, such as topic selection, planning, and revision, while highlighting the significance of clear communication and critical thinking in various careers. The text encourages viewing the challenges of research writing as opportunities for personal growth and expertise in one's field of study.
- 4.2: Choosing Your Topic
- This page emphasizes the importance of selecting an effective research topic that aligns with personal interest and assignment criteria. Key steps include brainstorming, refining topics through discussions, and conducting preliminary research. It highlights the significance of crafting strong research questions and a working thesis, using low-carbohydrate diets as an example. Questions should be analyzable, and the working thesis needs to express a debatable claim that can evolve.
- 4.3: Managing Your Research
- This page highlights the significance of meticulous planning in writing research papers, focusing on topic selection, scheduling, and organization. It advocates for an equal division of time between research and writing, with realistic planning for interruptions. Organizational tools like calendars and checklists support adherence to timelines. Anticipating challenges and having backup strategies are essential for overcoming obstacles.
- 4.4: Gathering Your Sources (Part 1)
- This page discusses efficient research processes, focusing on locating and evaluating reliable sources through tools like search engines and library catalogs. It distinguishes between primary and secondary sources, popular and scholarly periodicals, highlighting the reliability of academic journals. The text warns against solely relying on open web sources due to quality concerns and emphasizes the importance of utilizing varied library resources.
- 4.4: Gathering Your Sources (Part 2)
- This page presents a systematic method for effective research, highlighting the use of specific keywords and Boolean operators to refine searches in library databases. It encourages consulting reference librarians for personalized assistance and suggests strategies for improving search results. Exercises are included to engage students in practical searching to locate relevant sources for their research topics.
- 4.5: Evaluating and Processing Your Sources
- This page highlights the importance of evaluating the relevance and reliability of research sources, categorizing them into high-quality, varied, and questionable. Key evaluation criteria include author credibility, publication reputation, and potential biases. It stresses the necessity of critical thinking skills in assessing information quality.
- 4.6: Applying Your Research
- This page explores transitioning from research to writing, highlighting the need for critical reflection on findings and alignment with the thesis. It emphasizes analyzing notes, acknowledging contradictions, and assessing source reliability. The text discusses synthesizing research into a structured format while maintaining critical thinking and organization.
- 4.7: Writing Your Draft
- This page offers guidance for writing research papers, stressing structural elements like engaging introductions and reflective conclusions. It discusses effective source integration, distinguishes between primary and secondary sources, and encourages drafting body paragraphs first. The text also highlights the use of strong verbs and techniques for summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting, emphasizing thoughtful representation of ideas.
- 4.8: Documenting Your Source Material
- This page emphasizes the importance of citing sources in research writing to acknowledge original ideas, prevent plagiarism, and enhance credibility. It highlights that while common knowledge may not need citation, detailed discussions do. The text discusses fair use, examples of over-reliance on sources, and the need for clear structure and paraphrasing.
- 4.9: Revising Your Draft (Part 1)
- This page emphasizes the importance of thorough revision and editing in academic writing, focusing on enhancing organization, cohesion, style, and tone. Suggestions include using checklists, peer feedback, and addressing citation significance. It highlights the need for a consistent voice and offers examples of achieving gender neutrality.
- 4.9: Revising Your Draft (Part 2)
- This page discusses a research evaluation of low-carbohydrate diets, highlighting their popularity and mixed long-term health impacts, particularly concerning cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes management. While they can result in quick weight loss, there are concerns about health risks linked to saturated fat and cardiovascular health, suggesting they may not be suitable for everyone.