Research Paper Writing 1

P.M.AGATON

What is research?

A purposive, systematic and scientific

process of
gathering
analyzing
classifying
organizing,
presenting and
interpreting data for the
solution of a problem, for prediction, for invention,
for the discovery of truth, or for the expansion or
verification of existing knowledge, all for the
preservation and improvement of the quality of
human life (Calderon & Gonzalez, 1993, p.4)

What is a research paper?

A piece of academic writing that requires a more
abstract, critical, and thoughtful level of inquiry.
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Writing a research paper involves

(1) familiarizing with the works of "experts”
(2) comparing their thoughts on the topic with
your own.

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!

Types of Research Papers

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Argumentative
 The student may take a stand on an issue and
then research others who agree and disagree
with the stand and cite them (quote them in the
paper).
 In this type of paper, it is generally expected that
students will learn how to anticipate the
objections of others and make concessions.

About an existing problem

 may deal with a particular problem
encountered in any field of study, such as
health care or social and environmental issues
 state the problem and write about its
relevance to the field.
 A history of the problem may be written,
along with possible solutions. Outside sources
are used for support. They might show the
seriousness of the problem, for instance.
A report
 This is a type of individual study which
indicates how well a student has learned to
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conduct research, think critically (determine

what is important and what is not) and
organize information into a clearly defined
statement.
(OWL, Roane State Community College)

When writing an argumentative research paper, it

is helpful to include two important writing
strategies: anticipating objections and making
concessions.
 

If you cannot find any objections or

concessions, then you are probably not
writing an argumentative paper.

Analytical
"To analyze means to break a
topic or concept down into its
parts in order to inspect and
understand it, and to restructure
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those parts in a way that makes sense to you. In an

analytical research paper, you do research to become
an expert on a topic so that you can restructure and
present the parts of the topic from your own
perspective."

Your task is to survey the

information and views
already out there--both
before and once you become
familiar with the topic.
That will require critical
thinking and reading, plus
evaluation of the resources.