Research paper - Edith Cowan University

Edith Cowan UniversityResearch paperAcademic Tip SheetThis academic tip sheet:• explains what a research paper is;• outlines what is expected in a researchpaper; and• provides guidelines for developing eachsection within a research paper.What’s a research paper?The term ‘research paper’ refers to aparticular genre of academic writing, in whichthe writer’s own interpretation, evaluation,or argument on a specific issue is givenprominence). There are some similaritiesbetween a research paper and a literaturereview; for instance both require an extensivestudy of the literature.A research paper involves surveying a field ofknowledge in order to find the best possibleinformation in that field. Such information isthen utilised to present a competent argumenton a topic. Hence a research paper requires apresentation of your own thinking backed upby others’ ideas and information.In short, a research paper is:• focused on a specific issue/problem;• a presentation of facts that are basedupon extensive reading and extraction ofinformation from several sources; and• original in selection of literature,evaluation, expression and conclusion.CRICOS IPC 00279B 01/08

What is in a research paper?When writing a research paper, you areexpected to:• identify and briefly describe the works youhave consulted;• analyse and interpret relevant literature;• frame the literature as evidence to supportyour argument; and• make conclusions.This may be achieved by:• defining and clarifying the ‘problem’;• summarising previous studies to inform thereader of the state of current knowledge;• identifying agreements and disagreementsin the literature, examining contradictions,inconsistencies and gaps in the literature;• drawing conclusions based upon youranalysis; and• suggesting the next step/s towards solvingthe ‘problem’.Organising a research paperThe following structure is recommended whenwriting a research paper.• Title page.• Contents page.• Abstract.• Introduction.• Discussion (this section may be furtherorganised into subheadings if the paper isextended in length).• Reference list.Structural guidelines1. The abstract• Describe the topic (in one sentence).• State the purpose/thesis/organisingconstruct of the paper.• Outline the scope of the paper.• Identify the key sources of evidence thatsubstantiates the argument (i.e., publishedliterature).• State the key conclusions.2. The introduction• Introduce the specific ‘problem’ understudy.• Summarise relevant arguments and datato give the reader a firm sense of the issue(in a couple of sentences).• Develop the background.- Discuss the literature without giving adetailed historical account.- Assume the reader is knowledgeableabout the field.- Cite only works that have directrelevance to the topic.- Demonstrate a logical continuitybetween earlier and current work (thishelps to develop breadth and scope ofyour work).- Note controversial issues whereapplicable (treat opposing viewpointsfairly).- State the purpose and rationale(i.e., your approach to solving the‘problem’).- Define the variables and state yourthesis).3. The discussion• Organise the subheadings to reflecttheoretical relationships (i.e., grouprelated ideas together).• Under each subheading summarise andsynthesise relevant information from theliterature.• Analyse and discuss (evaluate andinterpret) the information.• Consider the implications in terms of yourthesis (i.e., support vs non support for yourposition on the issue).• Based on conclusions you make, considerinferences that may be drawn (whereapplicable).• Acknowledge limitations and addressalternative explanations.• To conclude, comment on the importanceof your findings.4. The references• Ensure technical correctness in all citationsand reference list entries as per the APAreferencing system conventions.• Proofread carefully to avoid plagiarismand technical errors.Common difficultiesThe most common difficulties experienced bystudents include:• failure to research the general topic beforedeciding on a thesis statement;• failure to construct an appropriate thesisstatement;• failure to provide a connection between thethesis statement and the topic sentencesin the paper;• failure to support the paper with adequateinformation that is relevant to the specificfocus of the paper; and• failure to correctly cite all sources.How to avoid common difficultiesCarefully read the assessment instructions andguidelines. Then preview relevant literature todevelop an overall understanding of the topic.Use this basic knowledge to construct yourargument/thesis; exercise caution to ensurethat your thesis statement is neither toobroad nor too narrow to effectively enable youto fulfil the assessment requirements (e.g.,length of the paper).Develop a working thesis statement, andrevise this to improve clarity and specificity asyour paper begins to take shape. Your thesisstatement should be sufficiently compellingto persuade the reader to a particular pointof view if you are adopting an argumentativeapproach, or clearly express the gist of yourposition if you are adopting an informativeapproach within your paper.It is also important to provide adequateand relevant support for the assertions youmake within your research paper as thiswill strengthen your argument. You shouldinsert research findings that are appropriateto specific points you make, throughout thepaper, rather than simply providing overallsummaries of sources (or inserting referencesthat are weakly integrated).Research paper checklist• Have you read your assessmentinstructions and guidelines?• Have you reviewed the relevantliterature to develop an overallunderstanding of the topic?• Have you used this basic knowledgeto construct your argument/thesis?• Have you developed a working thesisstatement?• Have you strengthened your argumentby providing adequate and relevantsupport for your arguments?• Have you submitted your researchpaper on time and in the correctformat?• Have you kept a copy of your researchpaper?ReferencesMarkman, R. H., Markman, P. T., & Waddell,M. L. (2001). 10 Steps in writing theresearch paper (6th ed.). Long Beach,CA: Barons.Rozakis, L. E. (1999). Writing great researchpapers. San Francisco: MacGraw-HillProfessional.Sorenson, S. (2002). How to write researchpapers (3rd ed.). Sydney: Thompson.Winkler, A. C. & MacCuen, J. R. (2003).Writing the research paper: Ahandbook. New York: ThomasWadsworth.AcknowledgementsThis material was modified from sourcedocuments prepared by Kuki Singh, ECU, 2007.Editor: Trevor Bennett.