What is a Research Paper?

A research paper is a piece of academic writing that requires a more abstract, critical, and thoughtful level of inquiry than you might be used to. But not to worry, you'll gradually pick up that mindset the more you envelop yourself in tutorial discussions and lectures at the college level, and of course, the more you write. Not just research papers but any paper, period.

Writing a research paper involves
  1. First familiarizing yourself with the works of "experts"--for example, on the page, in cyberspace, or in the flesh through personal interviews--to build upon what you know about a subject and then

  2. Comparing their thoughts on the topic with your own.
You'll end up using relevant information--facts and/or opinions--from these expert sources, these "others," to support the topic you have been given or chosen to explore. Then, as our subsequent steps will outline, the final product will be a unique and appropriate integration of evidence you have located outside yourself and personal insights generated from your own internal think tank--your mind!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Research Paper Format

Image
Recommendations here are based on the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. It is important to note, however, that individual instructors and institutions or departments may vary from these recommendations somewhat and that it is always wise to consult with your instructor before formatting and submitting your work. Paper: Use white, twenty-pound, 81/2- by 11-inch paper. Erasable paper tends to smudge and should be avoided for a final draft. If you prefer to use erasable paper in the preparation of your paper, submit a good photocopy to your instructor. Margins: Except for page numbers (see below), leave one-inch margins all around the text of your paper -- left side, right side, and top and bottom. Paragraphs should be indented half an inch; set-off quotations should be indented an inch from the left margin (five spaces and ten spaces, respectively, on standard typewriters). Spacing: The MLA Guide says that "the research paper must be double-spaced," including quot
Read more

Techniques for Custom Research Paper Writing

Image
Custom Research Paper writing is more than just gathering information; it requires to exercise critical thinking skills 1).Topic choosing 2).Focusing on a proper thesis 3).Investigating the subject thoroughly 4).Analyze valid information & Reporting the results. For the majority of students the most perplexing part of Custom Research Paper writing is not formulating good ideas, but finding words and phrases to express them. Consider the following guidelines to know about Custom Research Paper writing: 1).Try to select a topic that is of your interest so that you may like the process during which you are conducting your research. Present your personal perspective on the topic. Although you will extensively rely on the information presented in books, journals, and newspapers, try to generate your own thoughts and ideas. 2). Assemble all the details in one place and keep in consideration your research strategy. You are doing quantitative research means; you have to get informati
Read more

Guidelines for Writing a research paper or research-based article:

Image
* Research Smartly and Efficiently. Find several reliable sources, but not too many. Look for authoritative published books, both recent ones that present the most up-to-date information and, where appropriate, those from the period in which your topic first came to prominence. Academic journal articles can be very useful, both for article writers and for students; but don't get too bogged down in academic thought, either. * Use the Internet Discriminatingly. The Internet can be a tremendous research tool if you use it wisely. Note, however, that many editors and many teachers smartly limit how many Internet sources or how much web research you can use a reflection of the fact that anyone can publish pretty much anything they want on the Internet without regard for accuracy or truth. Aim to use only verifiably reputable sources. * Outline. Particularly for a subject about which you started out knowing very little, an outline will help you organize your material coherently. It wi
Read more