9.1: Researching a writing assignment
- Page ID
- 251578
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Research in Academic Writing
In this book, we focus on incorporating research into academic writing. Doing research means using external support for your arguments, typically through logic or data, which are widely recognized as reliable forms of proof. This data is obtained through the rigorous and time-tested scientific method.
Argumentative writing and academic subjects often require research. In contrast, genres like memoirs, poems, or opinion pieces usually need little to no research. The amount of research you need will depend on your audience and the nature of your assignment.
Understanding Your Assignment
When you receive a writing assignment, the requirements may vary. For instance:
- Specific Academic Topic: "Write a 5-6 page essay describing the purposes of Benjamin Franklin’s various trips to Europe before the American Revolution and their effects on the Revolution itself."
- Personal Reflection: "Write about a misconception others have about you and why they’re wrong."
- Workplace Task: "Write a report explaining what the IT department has been up to in the past year."
- Broader Assignment: "Write an argumentative essay that effectively utilizes ethos, pathos, and logos, along with two scholarly sources, to make three to four salient points in support of your argument, including at least one counterargument that is then refuted."
Starting Your Research
When faced with an assignment, it's tempting to immediately search the internet for ideas. While this can be helpful, relying too heavily on external sources can overshadow your original thoughts. Here’s why:
- Maintaining Control: If you start with an internet search, you risk letting others' ideas shape your planning, potentially influencing your own thoughts unconsciously.
- Developing Your Ideas: To improve your critical thinking and writing skills, it’s essential to form your own ideas first. Your essay should be a reflection of your thoughts, enriched by external sources.
Crafting Your Own Ideas
Before diving into research, take the following steps:
- Generate Your Ideas: Follow the advice in Chapter Two to brainstorm and develop your own ideas. This ensures clarity and originality in your writing.
- Free Writing: Spend some time free writing on your chosen topic. This helps you uncover your thoughts and identify areas where you need more information.
- Identify Knowledge Gaps: Determine where you need additional information or support. These are the areas where research can be most beneficial.
Conducting Effective Research
Once you have a clear idea of your topic and the gaps in your knowledge, begin your research:
- Use Reputable Sources: Look for scholarly articles, books, and credible websites to gather data and support your arguments.
- Integrate Research Thoughtfully: Use research to fill in the gaps and strengthen your arguments without letting it dominate your essay.
The Ultimate Rule for Research:
Don't let the research drive your ideas. YOU drive your ideas.