The research
paper as a form of exploration
Personal essays and
research papers
During your school career,
you have probably written many personal essays that presented your thought, feelings,
and opinions and that did not refer to any other source of information or
ideas. Some subjects and assignments, however, require us to go beyond our
personal knowledge and experience. We undertake
research when we wish to explore an idea, probe, an issue, solve a problem, or
make an argument that compels us to turn to outside help. We then
seek out, investigate, and use materials beyond our personal resources. The
findings and conclusions of such an inquiry appear in the research paper. The term research paper describes a presentation of student
research that may be in a printed, an electronic, or multimedia format.
Types of
research
The research paper is
generally based on primary research, secondary research, or a combination of
the tow. Primary research is
the study of a subject through firsthand observation and investigation, such as
analyzing a literary or historical text, a film, or a performance; conducting a
survey or an interview; or carrying out a laboratory experiment. Primary sources
include statistical data, historical documents, and works of literature or art. Secondary research is
the examination of studies that other researches have made of a subject.
Examples of secondary sources are books and articles about political issues,
historical events, scientific debates, or literary works.
Purpose of
research
1.
To agree with research already done.
2. To disagree with
research already done.
3. To present a new
conclusion/view point.
Combining
research and original ideas:
-
- Sometimes research will confirm
your ideas and opinions; sometimes it will challenge and modify them. However,
almost always it will help to shape your thinking.
-you
should look for sources that provide new information,
that help fully survey
the various positions already taken on specific subject.
-always
remember that the main purpose of doing research is not to summarize the work
of others but to assimilate and to build on it and to arrive at your own
understanding of the subject.
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