Research: Writing Like a Scholar
A research paper is an expanded essay that presents your own interpretation,
evaluation, or argument, using what knowledge is already available on the
subject. This type of paper involves studying a topic in order to find the best
possible information in that field. Your paper must present your own opinions
and ideas supported by your research, correctly credited to the original authors
and organizations.
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Basic Requirements:
Length: 900-1,500 words. A minimum of 900 words is required in order for your
essay to be substantial. What is important is that you get your point across.
Organization: Introduction, supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Language: Use formal language and avoid the use of first and second person -avoid references to yourself (NO "I believe, in my opinion" etc.), no personal
anecdotes, and do not address the reader (avoid "you" altogether).
Documentation: five correctly documented quotes or paraphrases from five
adequate sources.
Style: APA style is usually used for the type of research you will be doing.
Continue in that style unless otherwise stated by your professor.
Cross-referencing: You must use in-text citations (also known as in-text
references) or signal phrases each time you use the words or ideas of your
sources in the essay. Cross-reference your work as explained in your handbook.
The handbook is especially necessary for this essay.
Support: You'll need a minimum of five sources. Support your ideas with expert
opinion, facts, statistics, and other information you find in your research. It is a
mistake to create a Frankenstein research paper by copying and pasting.
Collect Five Articles/References
For the milestone research paper due for this module, you will need a minimum of five
(5) references (articles, books, government documents, etc.) from
five different sources/containers (journals, organizations, anthologies etc). As you
collect the articles and other references you plan to use, remember to keep the
information you will need necessary to prepare a correct References page. View the
YouTube video on APA References page below so that you can start collecting your
sources in the right format from the beginning.
Also, refer to the pages in your handbook, Rules for Writers, 8th Edition.
1.
Read: "Search efficiently," pages 402-406 and "Evaluating sources you find on
the web" page 425
2.
Refer to the Tab on APA style (page 527) while writing your essay
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The following are acceptable sources (including Internet versions):
Reputable News Media (Time, Newsweek, New York Times)
Serious Popular Magazines (New Yorker, National Geographic)
Government Publications
Scholarly periodicals
Scholarly books
Reputable translations of foreign works
Student dissertations or theses
Research forums on the Internet
Internet periodicals by reputable organizations
News media are acceptable only if the story is so recent that there are no
scholarly publications on the subject. In other words: Use the news media
sparingly.
Serious popular magazines occasionally have articles by authorities, interviews, or
summaries of current topics of interest. Acceptability depends on how reputable
the authors are and how thoroughly the publication checks its facts.
Government publications are acceptable if they are research or technical
publications, but generally not if they are popular brochures or pamphlets. Note
the .gov ending for online work.
General tips for finding valid sources:
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Use the most original source possible.
Use the most up-to-date and reliable source available.
Never cite your class notes, your textbook, encyclopedias, or study sites such as
SparkNotes. Find acceptable sources through databases.
Never use out-of-date sources. Cite the most recent materials you can find.
Always use accepted documenting styles. Do NOT make it up as you go along. For
all courses you take that require writing a research paper, ask the professor
which documentation style he or she prefers.
Always ask if the sources you choose are relevant, reliable, and recent.
In-Text Citations APA
It is highly recommended that you keep your handbook (or your online
source) handy when writing your essay. All necessary information can be found
in the APA tab (page 527) in your textbook, Rules for Writers, 8th edition. Pay
particular attention to: "Integrating Sources" page 537, and "APA in-text
Citations" on page 547.
Texting: The dangers of texting and talking on the phone while driving are well documented.
How do we as a society address the use of electronic devices while driving in order to put the
brakes on the fatalities that these distractions are causing on the roads? Will regulations
interfere with citizens' individual freedom? Choose a position.