Research works are necessary in every educational field. Scholars and educationists use different approaches to conduct their researches. A researcher should understand the issues associated with the targeted topic before undertaking his or her study. Academic studies are useful because “they help scholars predict different events, behaviors, and social problems” (Davies 18). Scholars undertake various studies in order to produce new models and theories. Such models are useful towards addressing different social problems. This paper describes the aspects of a research paper.
Aspects of Doing Research
Scholars must understand the major aspects of doing research. They should use appropriate methods depending on the targeted topic. A researcher can use a qualitative or quantitative method for his or her study. These two methods are effective whenever conducting different studies. Qualitative methods “make it easier for researchers to understand different motivations or occurrences” (Kumar 27). On the other hand, “quantitative methods are useful whenever analyzing or quantifying data” (Kumar 43). Some data collection methods include questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups (Davies 28). Researchers must also formulate the best hypotheses for their studies. Scholars should also use quality sources to support their discussions and arguments. Some of these sources include “books, journal articles, videos, documentaries, and newspaper articles (Kumar 46).
Primary and Secondary Sources
Students can use both primary and secondary sources for their research papers. Primary sources “are written by individuals within the targeted study period” (Davies 48). Primary sources give accurate details of an event or scenario. They include diaries, journal articles, works of art, and speeches. A “secondary source usually analyzes the issues and facts presented in different sources” (Kumar 98). Some examples include books, magazine articles, and encyclopedias. Some secondary sources “contain graphics, direct quotes, and pictures” (Kumar 104). These sources are useful whenever undertaking different studies.
Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
Quoting is the practice of copying texts, sentences, or data from different sources. It “is appropriate to cite quoted information in order avoid plagiarism” (Clough and Nutbrown 54). Students must reference or cite every direct quote whenever writing their scholarly papers. Paraphrasing is similar to quoting. However, the researcher replicates an argument or idea without using the exact words. According to Rosenshine (36), “summarizing is a useful concept whenever completing a study”. The practice makes it easier for a researcher to give brief descriptions of different arguments. These approaches make it easier for researchers to borrow ideas from different sources.
Citing Different Information
As mentioned above, students must cite direct quotes in order to produce professional research papers. It is also appropriate “for authors and researchers to cite every paraphrased sentence” (Clough and Nutbrown 83). Citations should include page numbers depending on the required referencing method (Rosenshine 29). Scholars must cite every summary in order to produce quality pieces of work.
Presenting Parenthetical Notes for Printed Materials vs. Websites
Researchers should follow specific guidelines whenever using parenthetical notes. Parenthetical notes “are small descriptions placed strategically within the body of a research paper” (Davies 56). Such “notes acknowledge the source of the presented information” (Davies 104). Writers should use a superscript number for every printed material. Scholars should also place the sources at the bottom of the page (Davies 75). A researcher might also decide to use endnotes. This means that the scholar will have to place the endnotes at the end of the research paper. The superscripts in the paper should coincide with the sources. The author should also indicate the page where he or she obtained the presented information. Parenthetical citations “should be placed at the end of every quoted or paraphrased sentence” (“Secondary Research: Evaluating Secondary Sources” par. 24). Authors should give the author’s name whenever citing an internet source. The student should use the name of the website if it has no author.
Scholarly Websites vs. Common Websites
Researchers can use information and data from different websites. Such websites can offer useful ideas and concepts in order to make every research paper informative. Many institutions and organizations maintain different scholarly websites in an attempt to promote research. A scholarly website “contains useful materials approved my experts in a particular field” (Rosenshine 35). Such websites contained peer-reviewed journal articles and books. A good example of a scholarly websites is ProQuest. On the other hand, “different individuals maintain common websites” (“Secondary Research: Evaluating Secondary Sources” par. 32). This situation explains why scholars must analyze the worthiness of the information presented in such websites. A researcher must also make appropriate decisions about the information obtained from a common website.
Other Information for Research and Documentation
Students and researchers should be ready to complete their studies in a professional manner. This fact explains why students must be familiar with different data collection methods. Students can collect their data using questionnaires, focus groups, and interviews. Such students must also be familiar with different referencing methods or styles. For instance, students and researchers must use the American Psychological Association (APA) format for their sociological papers. Students can also use the Modern Language Association (MLA) format whenever completing tier researcher papers (Rosenshine 33). Every citation style has its unique rules and requirements. This knowledge will ensure every student produces quality research papers.
Works Cited
Clough, Peter and Cathy Nutbrown. A Student’s Guide to Methodology. New York: Sage Publications, 2012. Print.
Davies, Martin. Doing a Successful Research Project: Using Qualitative or Quantitative Methods. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2007. Print.
Kumar, Ranjit. Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. New York: Sage Publications, 2010. Print.
Rosenshine, Barak. “Principles of Instruction: Research-Based Strategies that all Teachers Should Know.” American Educator 1.1 (2012): 11-39. Print.