Research

Writing
What is a Research Paper?
A research paper is a piece of academic
writing based on its author’s original
research on a particular topic, and the
analysis and interpretation of the research
findings.
It can be either:
•a term paper
•a master’s thesis
•a doctoral dissertation
HOW TO START A
RESEARCH PAPER?
Parts of a Research Paper
Title/Cover Page
– Composes of title of the research, full name of the
researcher, the subject for which the research is
presented. Also, it includes the college and
department of the institution to which the research
is presented and the month and year in which the
research is submitted.
Abstract
– Contains that brief discussion of the background
and objectives of the problem, statement of the
problem, short discussion of research design as well
as findings, conclusion and recommendations.
– Often only 100 to 300 words , it provides a broad
overview and is never more than a page
Acknowledgement
– Mention the people who guided in the completion
of the research.
Table of Contents
– Lists the chapter headings of the research such as
the preliminaries, chapter number, chapter titles
and page citations, sub-headings of main headings,
bibliography, appendix(ces) with corresponding
page.
List of Figures and
Illustrations
– Includes graphs, charts and other illustrations
used in the research. It shows the numbers of
figures and illustration, captions or title, and pages
in the research where the figures/illustrations
appear.
List of Tables

– Demonstrate the presentation of the captions of

the tables with the number of tables, caption of
titles and pages in the research where the table is
located.
Main Parts of a
Research Paper
Introduction
– Background of the study, statement of the
problem, statement of the hypothesis, theoretical
and conceptual framework, definition of terms,
importance of the study and scope and delimitation
of the study are included in the introduction.
A good introduction answers the following
questions:
• What precisely are you studying and why is it
important?
• How original is it?
• Will it fill a gap in other studies?
Limitations of Study
• Indicate as soon as possible what you intend to do,
and what you are not going to attempt. You may
limit the scope of your paper by any number of
factors, for example, time, personnel, gender, age,
geographic location, nationality, and so on.
Methodology
– Presents the procedures in data gathering such as
the design of the study, variables and measures,
sources of data, instrumentation, procedure, and
treatment of research and data.
Discuss your research methodology. Did you employ
qualitative or quantitative research methods? Did
you administer a questionnaire or interview people?
Any field research conducted? How did you collect
data? Did you utilize other libraries or archives? And
so on.
Review of Related
Literature
– Presents what has and has not been researched on
the problem by explaining the basis of the
theoretical framework.
Presentation, Analysis and
Interpretation of Data
– Presentation and analysis of data as well the
interpretation are included in this section.
Summary, Conclusions and
Recommendations
– Summarizes findings to answer the research
questions. Also, include conclusions or
generalizations from the collected data as well as the
recommendation and implications for further
research and policy implementation.
Appendices
– An appendix contains material that is appropriate for enlarging the
reader's understanding, but that does not fit very well into the main
body of the paper.
• might include
• Tables • Pictures
• Charts • Photographs
• Summaries • Lists of Terms
• Questionnaires • Glossaries
• Interview questions • Survey instruments
• Lengthy statistics • Letter
• Maps • Copies of historical documents
• and many other types of supplementary material
How to Write a
Research Paper
 Choose Your Topic

Choose a topic which interests

and challenges you. Your attitude
towards the topic may well
determine the amount of effort
and enthusiasm you put into your
research.
 Choose Your Topic

1. Ask yourself important questions.

2. Pick something you love.
3. Stay original.
4.Get advice.
5. Don’t be afraid to change your topic.
 Find Information

For general or background

information, check out useful URLs,
general information online, almanacs
or encyclopedias online such as
Britannica.
 Find Information
1. Begin your research.
2. Look for empirical research.
3. Visit the library.
4. Look online.
5. Use academic databases.
6. Get creative with your research.
 Make an Outline
An outline might be formal or informal.
- An informal outline (working outline) is a tool
helping an author put down and organize their
ideas.
- In a formal outline, numbers and letters are used to
arrange topics and subtopics.
Sample Outline
 Make an Outline
1. Annotate your research.
2. Organize your notes.
3. Construct a preliminary bibliography/references page.
4. Identify the goal of the paper.
5. Determine your audience.
6. Develop your thesis.
7. Determine your main points.
8. Consider formatting guidelines.
9. Finalize your outline.
 Writing your Paper
•Write your first draft
• Write your body paragraphs.
• Write the conclusion.
• Write the introduction.
• Document your paper.
Writing your Paper
Writing your Paper
 Writing your Paper
•REVISE YOUR OUTLINE AND
DRAFT
•Edit your rough draft.
•Create the final draft.
 Type your Final Paper
• All formal reports or essays should be
typewritten and printed, preferably on a good
quality printer.
• Proofread final paper carefully.
• Aim to have your final paper ready a day or two
before the deadline.
 The paper won't
write itself, but by
planning and preparing
well, the writing
practically falls into
place. Also, try to avoid
plagiarism.