RESEARCH WRITINGCHAPTER 1: WRITING FROM RESEARCHLECTURE NOTESBASED ON LESTER & LESTER, JR. 2007. WRITING RESEARCH PAPERS: A COMPLETE GUIDE

WTUC

Research writing grows from… Investigation A clear purpose For a variety of topics

Why do research? Research teaches methods of discovery-

reading, interviewing, observation, and experimentation

Research teaches investigative skills—evaluating sources in the library , on the Internet, and in the field

Research teaches logic- decisions about the issues and wisdom gained

Research teaches the basic elements of argument- using evidence to support a viewpoint

See p. 3

Terminology Evaluation

How important is the criteria to the process or situation?

Interpretation What does the data tell us?

Definition What are the scientific and technical terms

associated with the condition? Proposal

What can and should be done about the circumstance in question?

Terminology 2 Causal Argument

What are the cause and effects of the problem? Comparison and Analogy

In what ways are the items related? Precedence

What is the standard or customary explanation?

Implications What do the findings or conclusions mean?

Evaluation How important is the criteria to the

process or situation? Your first step is to create your criteria.

Ex. What makes a good movie? In many ways, every research paper is

an evaluation

Interpretation You must usually answer: What does it

mean? What are the implications of these

results? What does this data tell us> Can you explain your reading of the

problem to others?

Definition Provide an extended definition to show that your

subject fits into a selected and well-defined category

Example: A low fat diet reduces the risk of coronary diseases. (You will need to define “low-fat” by describing foods that make up a low-fat diet and naming the benefits from this type of diet.

A good definition includes 3 elements: subject (modern day hero), the class to which the subjects belong (public servant), and the differences between others in this class (fire fighters and police officers)

Definition 2 Define terms that are subjective in

nature e.g. inhumane, cruel Define scientific terminology

Thus, Most writers build their paper on an

issue that gives a reason for inquiry and investigation of their own attitudes and beliefs as well as ideas from written sources, interviews, observation, and other research methods.

Proposal It tells the readers, “We should do something.” This paper has practical applications. The proposal argument calls for action- a

change in policy, a change in the law, etc. First, convince readers that a problem exists

and is serious enough to merit action. Second, explain consequences to convince the

readers that your proposal has validity Address any opposing positions, competing proposal,

and alternative solutionsHow important is the criteria to the process or situation?

Causal Argument Show that a condition exists because of

specific circumstances—that is something that has caused or created this situation- and we need to know why?

Types of research methods you could use: Interviews, surveys, critical reading,

accumulated tests results

Comparison, Including Analogy You compare one topic to another

related topic Analogy is a figurative comparison that

allowed the writer to draw several parallels of similarity e.g. human circulatory system is like a transportation system with a hub, a highway system, and a fleet of trucks to carry the cargo.

Precedence Refers to well-established conventions or

customs Requires past event that establishes a

rule of law or a point of procedure. E.g. chipping mill. If the researcher can

prove that another mill in another part of the country ruined the environment, then the researcher has a precedent for how damaging such an operation can be.

Implications If you conduct any kind of test or

observation, you will make field notes in a research journal and tabulate your results at regular intervals.

Explain your findings, arrive at conclusions

Discuss the implications of your scientific inquiry

Your Research Project’s Argument Types Evaluation Interpretation Definition Proposal Causal argument Analogy Precedence Implications