The structure of the research paper
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This document discusses the structure and process of writing a research paper. It covers the typical sections of a research paper - introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should provide context and an overview, while the body contains the main arguments or analysis. The conclusion restates the thesis and discusses implications. Choosing a good research topic is also addressed, noting it should be verifiable, interesting, and manageable in scope. Brainstorming different topic ideas from categories like people, events, trends and controversies can help identify a focus. Asking questions like who, what, when, where, why and how further narrows the topic.
The structure of the research paper
- 1. Part 1: The structure of the research paper. Presentation made by: Pamela M. Veroy RN, MAN Source: Manlapaz, Edna Z. & Francisco, Ma. Eloisa. (2005). The new Anvil Guide to research paper writing. Pasig City, Philippines: Anvil Publishing Inc.
- 2. The structure of research paper • There is no difference between an ordinary expository composition and a research paper in that both are composed of an; • -Introduction • - Body • - Conclusion
- 3. Introductory paragraph • It runs approximately one-tenth the length of the entire paper • Provide the context and overview of the topic • Discusses how you like to deal the issues or subject whether you are; • exploring • arguing • presenting facts and theories • synthesizing the ideas of others
- 4. Continuation…. • Providing, proving or disproving a point • Providing insights on the matter • Or any other combination of ways Note: - Argumentative paper: the introduction usually culminates in a statement of your paper’s main idea or thesis - Analytical paper’s introduction- usually tapers off by giving the general direction that the paper will take.
- 5. The body • The longest section of the paper • The meat of the paper • It can run for several pages and provides ample space for you to make your case, either to analyze or defend an issue
- 6. The concluding paragraphs • Usually summarize the main points in the paper • Reiterate the thesis statement using different words. • It also contains some implications and a discussion of consequence.
- 7. What is a research paper? A research paper A research paper is not a - Uses documentation - Piece of exploratory writing -Acquaints you with a cross section of materials - Personal essay -analyzes, discusses, and debates ideas - Reflection paper -engage you in a critical, not creative reading and writing -Mere reporting of facts and/or opinions - Review of academic literature -Library information hunt
- 8. The research process • Step 1 – choose a topic and gather background information • Step 2 – narrow down the topic • Step 3 – develop a research strategy • Step 4- evaluate and compile a preliminary bibliography • Step 5- take down notes • Step 6- create a preliminary thesis statement/outline
- 9. Continuation – the research process • Step 7- Write the first draft • Step 8- revise the paper • Step 9- submit the paper • Writing a research paper is a process involving the 3 R’s • Reviewing • Revising • Rewriting
- 10. The research writing process diagram nono yesyes nono yesyes yesyes nono yesyes yesyes nono
- 11. Choosing a topic • Factual & exploratory questions - This section, you saw the distinction between an analytical paper and an argumentative paper - Examine a concept by breaking it up into parts and exploring it critically in order to come up with an informed personal opinion about it.
- 12. Continuation……(choosing a topic) - When writing argumentative paper, start off with an opinion about an issue or a concept - Present both sides of the issue, you eventually build up an argument favoring one side, using evidence to back it up. • Make sure that the topic you will choose can be verified or supported by research.
- 13. Example topic • What stereotype of women abound in the telenovelas shown on primetime television today? • Seeks an answer than can be provided by the techniques of the research and documentation • You need to do the survey of telenovelas & the role of women play in each of these • Research on existing stereotypes of women play in each of these • Draw your conclusion after examining each pieces of information
- 14. Another example of topic • You will write an argumentative paper that argues for the lack of laws to solve for problems of software piracy in the Philippines • You may need to gather information about existing laws • Describe the unbridled practice of software piracy, etc., to support your stand
- 15. Example topics • 1. Seeking answers to factual questions • Ex. How were the Tasadays discovered? • 2. Exploratory question • Ex. Is the Philippines a matriarchal society? • 3. Advocating a particular position • Ex. Grade 7 should be restored to the elementary curriculum in the Philippines? - Note: you need to back these up by research data and information
- 16. Which of these list of questions can be verified by research? • Are leaders born or made? • Was Andres Bonifacio murdered? • Do women make better president? • Do black hole really exist in space • Why are Filipinos hooked on telenovelas? • Who is the most beautiful woman in the world? • What is the intent of influence of the so-called Civil society groups on political affairs in the country? • Is euthanasia moral? • Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? • Is there life in another planets?
- 17. Points to consider in choosing a research topic • 1. The topic should be of importance, otherwise, it will not be worth the time & effort you put into your research paper. • 2. The topic should be of personal interest to you, otherwise, you may not be able to sustain your interest in it long enough to even complete the paper. • 3. The topic should be interesting & intelligible to the general reader
- 18. Continuation… • 4. The topic should acquaint you with a cross- section of source materials (How can you formulate a fair or logical argument if you only know 1 side of it). • 5. The topic should be relatively new and recent. • 6. The topic should be manageable scale, i.e. it can be satisfactorily completed under the conditions & constraints prescribed by the syllabus
- 19. Brainstorming… • Begin making a list of what you know & what you are interested of in the following categories • people, • places, • events, • trends, • controversies, • developments)
- 20. No. 1 Brainstorming… People Places Events Trends Controversies Develppments -Gloria Arroyo -Efren “Bata” Reyes -George W. Bush - MILF -- Al Queda -Afghanistan - North Korea -Maguinda- nao -Iraq - Manila -Outbreak of SARS -Rising Case of AIDS in Davao City -F4 and other Boy Band -Manga “Anime” -Reality Television --Pinoy Big Brother -Pinoy Survivor - North Korea’s nuclear arsenal -MMDA drive to solve the traffic problem - Maguinda- nao Massacre - Visconde Massacre -Genetic engineering -Robotics -Cloning -Herbal supplements
- 21. No. 2 Brainstorming … • Choose an entry for each category and identify interesting angles. Topic Interesting angle -Efren “Bata” Reyes Technique in playing billiards - Afghanistan After the fall of Taliban - Call centers The proliferation of call centers in the country - Reality television shows What makes them sell - MMDA drive to solve the traffic problem Legal or not?
- 22. No. 3 Brainstorming… • - Check if the angle you have chosen is researchable. • Asking W-H questions • Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? Are important tools to find a focus or angle to explore more thoroughly in your research. Topic Important to general reader? Interesting to you? Interesting to general reader Verifiable by a variety of sources? Relatively new? Manage- able?
- 23. Now you have chosen a research title… • We can move forward to Part 2: Narrowing down the research topic.