Posts Tagged ‘RESEARCH’

Research Consultations at the Journalism Library

Friday, February 17th, 2012

Need some research assistance with your project or thesis second draft?  We can help!  Come to the Journalism Library, meet with Cristina Ergunay (who is back from leave and available on Wednesdays and Thursdays) or one of her colleagues.  Send email to journalism@libraries.cul.columbia.edu to set up a research consultation.  Have a quick question and need [...]
Journalism Library Blog

Parts of a Research Paper: Integral Elements of the Mechanism

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

Academic process includes a set of different tasks of all levels of difficulty aimed at facilitating and mentoring the process of your knowledge acquisition. As a rule, students encounter necessity of writing different types of academic papers at school.
 
The first experience develops logic and reasoning skills: comparison and contrast of various objects, solutions on a problem, and discussion of a story read in class, or description of a person or weather. In this respect, children are taught certain things used further in writing. Every academic year brings a new curriculum and a new challenge. Finally, students are required to write all parts of a research paper.
 
Integral Elements of the Mechanism
 
Students should know the essence and basic parts of a research paper writing process. The first thing to do while writing a research paper is to choose a topic. Then you start searching for relevant information and creating a rough draft of the paper.
 
Write, proofread, edit, and again proofread all parts of a research paper.
 
The second element to consider concerns the parts of a research paper as they appear in the writing process:

  1. Introduction, main body, and conclusion ARE NOT basic parts of a research paper.
  2. The basic parts of a research paper are abstract, introduction with a thesis statement, background for research including historic context and theoretical explanation for readers to evaluate, analysis or argument (regarding the genre of the paper), conclusion, and bibliography.
  3. Besides, one of the parts of a research paper may be a recommendation section where you can evaluate the effectiveness of the current research and make some plans for the next one.
  4. All parts of a research paper should be neatly written and well organized.
  5. You should proofread and edit these parts of a research paper.
  6. Do not try to skip the procedure of editing the parts of a research paper. Even the slightest error can be readily detectable.

A+ Homework Assignment: Essay, Term Paper, Dissertation

Literature Research Papers: Four Ways to Write Perfectly

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Literature research papers are usually the most interesting home assignments a student may get. Hopefully, all students like American and foreign literature in order to get pleasure from literature research paper writing.
 
Hereby, you must be aware of all rules and requirements literature research paper writing presupposes. However, we are going to remind you everything you already know adding some new information.
 
Literature Research Papers Guidelines for Proper Writing:

  1. First, you have to be well aware of what the book or books are about. Definitely, your literature research paper will look funny if the only thing you have read was the book’s summary.
  2. When reading the initial piece of literature, please, take notes of the brightest events of the book, citations you liked the most, and just explicitly explained things that will enrich your literature research paper.
  3. Your own impressions are not enough in order to make a good literature research paper. Use direct quotations and make sure you follow the citation format requirements properly.
  4. Follow the thesis statement made at the beginning of your paper. Be concise but descriptive in your literature research paper.

Literature research paper writing is a perfect opportunity to show one’s writing talents and abilities. If you are able to read thoroughly and have various emotional ups and downs then, most likely, your literature research paper will be vivid and creative.
 
Put all possible efforts into your research paper on literature: conduct a wonderful research, follow all stylistic and format requirements, and use brainstorming. Please, do not hesitate to search for other materials on literature research paper writing at this information resource.

A+ Homework Assignment: Essay, Term Paper, Dissertation

Format of a Research Paper: Emphasis on the Formal Side

Sunday, November 27th, 2011

Balancing the format of a research paper with its content
 
It is generally accepted that meeting the format requirements is important for improving the learners’ writing skills. It is helpful for collecting one’s thoughts and organizing one’s paper logically. Some learners are inclined to underestimate the importance of the format of a research paper.
 
Focusing on the content of their researches, they might sacrifice design of their papers, regarding it to be a mere trifle. It might result in students’ fines and following discouragement. Paying attention to the format of a research paper, a learner is expected to improve the logical structure of one’s work and to make its language more accessible for potential readers.
 
It is really important to strike the right balance between form and content. Students should allot enough time to both parts of the assignment. It might seem that a learner could think about the format of a research paper after completing it.
 
Still, it is just a widely spread misconception complicating the students’ task. It is advisable to consider the format of a research paper from the very beginning of one’s research process. It could economize one’s efforts significantly.
 
Appropriate format of a research paper

  1. Notwithstanding the students’ complaints that the format of a research paper limits their flight of thought, it could improve the logical structure of their reports.
  2. A learner might even take advantages of format of a research paper. For example, being short of ideas, a student might devote time to formatting the paper and thinking the research problem over at the same time.
  3. Students will not have problems with the format of a research paper paying attention to it from the very beginning. Citing the sources in a proper format from the first try economizes learners’ time.

A+ Homework Assignment: Essay, Term Paper, Dissertation

Computer Science Research Papers: The Efficient Way to Write Them

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

Computer science students have to undertake computer science research papers as a part of their completion of their study program.
 
Computer science research papers are very important as they have a strong influence on the grades received by the students.
 
Tips to write a computer science paper effectively
 
These tips will assist computer science students to enhance the quality of their computer science research papers

  • The title of a computer science has to describe what the paper holds in the fewest words possible.
  • In the title page it is also necessary to provide the name and address of the student and the date of submission. There may be other requirements of the tutor to be satisfied.
  • The abstract may be taken as the summary of the contents of a computer science research paper. Below the abstract it is useful to provide the key words and a summation of the abbreviations.
  • The body of a computer science paper starts with the introduction. The introduction serves the purpose of stating the nature of the problem being investigated and the importance of the problem.
  • The background follows which is a summation of the work already done on the problem.
  • This is followed by the research methods section in a computer science paper. This section describes how the problem was studied.
  • The results section follows, which provides what the study found.
  • The discussion section of a computer science paper comes next. The purpose of this section is to explain the meaning of the findings.


The conclusion is the end of the report on the research undertaken. These tips will ease the writing of computer science research papers.

A+ Homework Assignment: Essay, Term Paper, Dissertation

Argumentative Research Paper: Arranging Arguments and Facts

Saturday, May 14th, 2011

Different kinds of research papers suggest different approaches to their writing. Indeed, depending on the topic, tone, style of writing research papers can have various forms. That is why, argumentative research papers can be viewed as a separate kind of writing task.
 
Due to this fact, in order to write a successful argumentative research paper, one should know its basic features. Their list is given below:
 
Argumentative
 
Obviously, the most important requirement for an argumentative research paper is the presence of arguments. Thus, one should try to state clearly their point of view about a certain issue in an argumentative research paper.
 
Scientifically supported
 
Another important feature of an argumentative research paper is its scientific sustainability. Make sure that every given argument of your argumentative research paper is supported by one or several facts.
 
Academically valuable
 
Indisputably, an argumentative research paper is to be academically valuable. This means that there should be some discovery in an argumentative research paper, which can contribute to the sphere studied.
 
Well structured
 
The last requirement to an argumentative research paper is having a clear structure. Traditionally, papers of such kinds should have such sections, as introduction, literature review, methodology, several chapters, discussion of results, conclusion, and reference list.
 
Besides the mentioned rules, there are some informal requirements for the argumentative research papers. The main one is that the author should be interested in the sphere of research. It is inadvisable to develop a topic, which is not interesting or too complicated for you. That is why, think of the subject you like, find the unexplored spheres in it, form arguments and write a paper. The final result will be called a good argumentative research paper.

A+ Homework Assignment: Essay, Term Paper, Dissertation

Academic Research Paper: Developing a Good Research Idea

Friday, April 15th, 2011

Academic research paper writing always begins with choosing a topic. Or, it will be more precise if we say, developing a topic, as you will hardly have a list to choose, but you will have to generate an academic research paper idea on your own. In this article, we discuss what criteria a good academic research paper topic should meet.
 
It is often said that an academic research paper topic should be “interesting”. Sounds great, but not too specific. Let us go a bit further and specify this issue. There are 4Is that you should embrace when developing an idea for your academic research paper:

  1. Interesting for you. It is all simple: when you like what you work on, you work better and get better results. Evaluate your background and choose a subject which you know much about. This will be a good subject for your academic research paper.
  2. Interesting for your teacher. Try to amaze your teacher with an interesting approach to academic research paper writing. Choose an interesting dimension for your research. On the one hand, your academic research paper should be relevant to what your teacher has explained. On the other hand, you should do your own investigation and expand your notion about a subject of your academic research paper.
  3. Interesting for a potential reader. Imagine that you are a reader of your academic research paper. Will your work be interesting and helpful for those who have an opportunity to read it? Orientation on a reader in writing is a very helpful habit, try to develop it while you are studying, and it will help you in your professional life.
  4. Interesting for scholarship. Since you are a student involved into academic writing, you can be considered a scholar.


On the other hand, the aim of any academic writing is not only demonstration of your research and writing skills and getting a grade, but, first of all, contributing to scholarship. Evaluate whether your academic research paper topic is important and worth working on.

A+ Homework Assignment: Essay, Term Paper, Dissertation

History Research Papers: Peculiarities and Hints on Writing

Monday, March 14th, 2011

History is always about research: each minor fact becomes a subject of the detailed investigation. Though History research papers should be written according to the basic rules, writing them has its peculiarities. This article describes how to make your History research paper bright and of high quality.

Use Primary Sources

The following sources are considered primary:

  • diaries
  • letters
  • periodicals
  • public speeches
  • official reports
  • photos etc.

Such sources will make your History research paper much more interesting. Many primary sources are available online.

Write Lively

When writing your History research paper, try not to forget that History is about the people. Though the events from the pages of your books took place many years ago, your task is to make them lively on the pages of your History research paper:

  1. Avoid using clichés and giving shallow estimations.
  2. Provide quotations.
  3. Add interesting details.

Consider Different Opinions

History is not the exact science: speaking figuratively, when studying this subject, you cannot be sure that 2 multiplied by 2 equals 4. The historical events get different interpretations, which makes this science difficult and interesting at once.

Try to reflect the different opinions about the historical events you investigate in your History research paper. Give the references to the authors and their works which you used in your History research paper, even if you did not provide the word-by-word quotes: the sources of the ideas also require referencing.

Analyze

History research papers are not just about retelling the content of your books and articles. You can give your estimation to the facts and their interpretations. However, do not be too subjective: when expressing opinions in your History research paper, support them with the facts and the opinions of the other researchers.

“History is still in large measure poetry to me”, said Jakob Burckhardt. “History is not melodrama, even if it usually reads like that”, argued Robert Penn Warren. When writing your History research paper, find the golden mean between these points of view and make your writing interesting and objective.

A+ Homework Assignment: Essay, Term Paper, Dissertation

Controversial Research Topics

Thursday, March 3rd, 2011

Dealing with Controversial Research Topics

Controversial Research TopicsControversial research topics as the term itself suggests, are there to provoke controversy and debate. The basic idea is to present a topic which addresses an issue about which people have different and strong opinions. Argumentative topics or controversial topics often address a political, environmental, religious or a humanitarian issue.

Writing about a controversial topic can be difficult sometimes since strong opinions and emotions are involved. If you are inexperienced regarding controversial research topics then contact us at essaywritingblog.com. Our professionally trained writers can help you with your essay topic.

How to Find a Controversial Research Topic

Researching for controversial research topics is the easy part. One can easily find issues people fight over and use it in a productive manner thus resulting in your essay. Here are a few ways to look for controversial topics:

  • You can look for such issues in newspapers.
  • Books and magazines can be equally helpful.
  • Online libraries, blogs and other databases can be a good source of information.
  • Try reading through essays previously written on controversy and argument.

Choosing the Right Controversial Research Topic

Finding argumentative research topics is not a problem, choosing the right one is. Since it is a matter of strong opinion, one must focus on a topic that the writer personally cares about. Choose a productive controversial research topic that is academically significant, pick a side from the two controversies presented by the topic and then stick to it.

Involve your sentiments and strong opinions in the essay. This is to ensure that a strong argument is built from all the aspects of the chosen controversial topic.

A Few Controversial Research Topics

It is advised that you research and acquire a controversial research topic on your own. Nonetheless, to give you an idea of what type of topic is required from you; following are a few instances for your review:

  • Does the attack on the world trade center on September the 11th, 2001 justify the attack on Iraq?
  • Are behavioral problems caused by violent video games and cartoons?
  • Is the information we receive from media true?
  • Morality in media.
  • Prayer in public schools.
  • Is Hollywood a negative influence?
  • Should executions be televised?
  • Is it okay for the Danish Cartoonists to mock Muhammad and completely atrocious for the Iranian Cartoonists to mock the Holocaust?

The above stated are only a few examples of what issues a controversial research topic can address and how the topic should be devised to maximize its effect on the reader.

Related Posts

  • No Related Post

Essay Writing Blog

Research For Dissertation Writing

Thursday, February 17th, 2011

Perhaps the most critical element of your entire dissertation will be your research and research analysis. Without these components, your dissertation is nothing but a literature review with many more pages. There are many ways you can make the research for dissertations simpler and easier.

Beginning

When you begin your research for your dissertation, make sure you know exactly where you are coming from. You want to have a clear central question in mind so that you can approach it with as much clarity as possible. Conducting research without your central question in mind can lead to too broad an investigation, without the depth necessary for your dissertation.

Your Central Question

As discussed above, your central question is positively integral to creating a successful dissertation. When you are making a dissertation outline, you will want to keep this question in mind.

How do you choose such a query to guide your research for dissertation writing? Here are some hints.

  • Aim for “encompassing,” not broad. There’s a distinction — an encompassing question allows for multiple hypotheses and analysis, a broad question leaves a dissertation open to unhelpful diversions, which distract from your main thesis.

    Compare these central questions: “What causes addictive behavior?” and “what social/economic pressures contribute to addictive behavior in group x?”

  • If you can answer this question with yes or no, it’s not your central question.
  • What other questions does your central question raise? Make use of bullet-points. You’ll probably want a master outline, annotated and printed on a large piece of paper, so you can make notes on this as you go. Research for dissertations is as much about thought as it is about writing.
  • Try to choose a central question that will allow you to pilfer ideas and content from papers you have already written.
  • Utilize everything at your disposal — libraries, peers, professors, experts in your chosen field. This is also part of researching your dissertation, even though it’s not as interesting as conducting your own research.

Conducting Your Own Research

You may have to conduct field experiments in order to get the information you need. This is especially true with psychology dissertations and the like, as they may require more original material.

Never fear!

  • Plan ahead. If you will need to use space, get in contact with an organization, or utilize a resource, make sure to clear it months in advance.
  • Have something to show for your work. Don’t show up empty-handed to any interview. Even an abstract is preferable to nothing. You might want a letter from your advisor, too (see point above!)
  • Begin early.
  • Keep careful notes in multiple locations. If Little Women taught us anything, it’s that you want more than one copy of everything.
  • Examine your own bias regularly — how involved have you become? Are you still objective? Do you even need to be objective?

Research for dissertations can be extremely taxing, but it is also integral to the success of your dissertation. With this in mind, soldier on with only minor trepidation. Everything will be fine.

Related Posts

Dissertation Writing Blog | Dissertation Help, Dissertation Topics and Sample Dissertations