Technique 19

<Previous ………. Next Technique >

Research a Topic

External resources:

  • FastEssay Seven steps in writing a research paper
  • WikiHow How to begin writing a research paper
  • WikiHow How to write an outline for a research paper
  • WikiHow How to write a research paper
  • WikiHow How to write a conclusion for a research paper
  • Wikipedia Description of case competition


Types of Research Papers

Explanatory Case Study

Present data and descriptions of an observed or researched phenomena. These report show and describe data from research of an experiment, project, or event.  (Explanatory).

Definition paper

Describe assigned topic from a factual standpoint. Omit emotion or opinions. Define and describe a topic similar to a lesson, or “the-teaching-of” a topic. (Factual).

Analytical paper

Focus on the findings, methodology or conclusions of other researchers. Include information from a range of viewpoints represented from a factual rather than opinionated standpoint. Conclude with a summation of the findings and suggestions for how best to conduct further study on the idea or issue. (Factual)

Argumentative paper

Present two sides of a controversial issue. Include in-text citations. Conclude with analysis of pros and cons of each argument.  (Factual with concluding opinion).

Case Competition

In a case competition, participants strive to develop the best solution to a business or education-related case study within an allocated time frame, typically with teams of two or more individuals pitted against each other in a head-to-head or broader relative ranking.

 


Typical Research Requirements

  • Delivery format (document, presentation, verbal).
  • The length of the paper/number of slides.
  • How many sources and what types must be used.
  • The appropriate topic. Has your instructor assigned a specific topic, or do you choose your own? Does he or she have any suggestions? Are there any restrictions on your choice of topic?
  • The due date.
  • Whether you have to turn in any pre-writing tasks. For example, your instructor might ask that you submit a rough draft for peer review or turn in your outline along with your finished paper.
  • What kind of format you will use. Does the paper have to be double-spaced? Do you need APA format? How are you supposed to cite your sources?
  • If you are unclear about any of these important details, be sure to ask your instructor.

Related Pages on this Site