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Figure 17.1[\/caption]\n\nWriting a good research paper takes time, thought, and effort. Although this assignment is challenging, it is manageable. Focusing on one step at a time will help you develop a thoughtful, informative, well-supported research paper.<\/p>\n
Your first step is to choose a topic and then to develop research questions, a working thesis, and a written research proposal. Set aside adequate time for this part of the process. Fully exploring ideas will help you build a solid foundation for your paper.<\/p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_68\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"200\"] Figure 17.1[\/caption]\n\n
When you choose a topic for a research paper, you are making a major commitment. Your choice will help determine whether you enjoy the lengthy process of research and writing\u2014and whether your final paper fulfills the assignment requirements. If you choose your topic hastily, you may later find it difficult to work with your topic. By taking your time and choosing carefully, you can ensure that this assignment is not only challenging but also rewarding.<\/p>\n
Writers understand the importance of choosing a topic that fulfills the assignment requirements and fits the assignment\u2019s purpose and audience. Choosing a topic that interests you is also crucial. You instructor may provide a list of suggested topics or ask that you develop a topic on your own. In either case, try to identify topics that genuinely interest you.<\/p>\n
After identifying potential topic ideas, you will need to evaluate your ideas and choose one topic to pursue. Will you be able to find enough information about the topic? Can you develop a paper about this topic that presents and supports your original ideas? Is the topic too broad or too narrow for the scope of the assignment? If so, can you modify it so it is more manageable? You will ask these questions during this preliminary phase of the research process.<\/p>\n\n
Sometimes, your instructor may provide a list of suggested topics. If so, you may benefit from identifying several possibilities before committing to one idea. It is important to know how to narrow down your ideas into a concise, manageable thesis. You may also use the list as a starting point to help you identify additional, related topics. Discussing your ideas with your instructor will help ensure that you choose a manageable topic that fits the requirements of the assignment.<\/p>\n
In this chapter, you will follow a student, who is studying health care administration, as he prepares a research paper. You will also plan, research, and draft your own research paper.<\/p>\n
This student was assigned to write a research paper on health and the media for an introductory course in health care. Although a general topic was selected for the students, the student had to decide which specific issues interested him. He brainstormed a list of possibilities.<\/p>\n\n
Possible Topics<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n
Exercise 17.1<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n
Once you have a list of potential topics, you will need to choose one as the focus of your essay. You will also need to narrow your topic. Most writers find that the topics they listed during brainstorming or idea mapping are broad\u2014too broad for the scope of the assignment. Working with an overly broad topic, such as sexual education programs or popularized diets, can be frustrating and overwhelming. Each topic has so many facets that it would be impossible to cover them all in a college research paper. However, more specific choices, such as the pros and cons of sexual education in kids\u2019 television programs or the physical effects of the South Beach diet, are specific enough to write about without being too narrow to sustain an entire research paper.<\/p>\n
A good research paper provides focused, in-depth information and analysis. If your topic is too broad, you will find it difficult to do more than skim the surface when you research it and write about it. Narrowing your focus is essential to making your topic manageable. To narrow your focus, explore your topic in writing, conduct preliminary research, and discuss both the topic and the research with others.<\/p>\n\n
\"How am I supposed to narrow my topic when I haven\u2019t even begun researching yet?\" In fact, you may already know more than you realize. Review your list and identify your top two or three topics. Set aside some time to explore each one through freewriting. (For more information about freewriting, see \"The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?\".) Simply taking the time to focus on your topic may yield fresh angles.<\/p>\n
The student above knew that he was especially interested in the topic of diet fads, but he also knew that it was much too broad for his assignment. He used freewriting to explore his thoughts so he could narrow his topic. Read the student's ideas.<\/p>\n\n
Another way writers may focus a topic is to conduct preliminary research. Like freewriting, exploratory reading can help you identify interesting angles. Surfing the web and browsing through newspaper and magazine articles are good ways to start. Find out what people are saying about your topic on blogs and online discussion groups. Discussing your topic with others can also inspire you. Talk about your ideas with your classmates, your friends, or your instructor.<\/p>\n
The student above's freewriting exercise helped him realize that the assigned topic of health and the media intersected with a few of his interests\u2014diet, nutrition, and obesity. Preliminary online research and discussions with his classmates strengthened his impression that many people are confused or misled by media coverage of these subjects.<\/p>\n
The student decided to focus his paper on a topic that had garnered a great deal of media attention\u2014low-carbohydrate diets. He wanted to find out whether low-carbohydrate diets were as effective as their proponents claimed.<\/p>\n\n
Writing in Process<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n
Exercise 17.2<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n
Your freewriting and preliminary research have helped you choose a focused, manageable topic for your research paper. To work with your topic successfully, you will need to determine what exactly you want to learn about it\u2014and later, what you want to say about it. Before you begin conducting in-depth research, you will further define your focus by developing a research question, a working thesis, and a research proposal.<\/p>\n\n
In forming a research question, you are setting a goal for your research. Your main research question should be substantial enough to form the guiding principle of your paper\u2014but focused enough to guide your research. A strong research question requires you not only to find information but also to put together different pieces of information, interpret and analyze them, and figure out what you think. As you consider potential research questions, ask yourself whether they would be too hard or too easy to answer.<\/p>\n
To determine your research question, review the freewriting you completed earlier. Skim through books, articles, and websites and list the questions you have. (You may wish to use the 5WH strategy to help you formulate questions. See \"The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?\" for more information about 5WH questions.) Include simple, factual questions and more complex questions that would require analysis and interpretation. Determine your main question\u2014the primary focus of your paper\u2014and several subquestions that you will need to research to answer your main question.<\/p>\n
Here are the research questions the student will use to focus his research. Notice that his main research question has no obvious, straightforward answer. The student will need to research his subquestions, which address narrower topics, to answer his main question.<\/p>\n\n
Exercise 17.3<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n
A working thesis concisely states a writer\u2019s initial answer to the main research question. It does not merely state a fact or present a subjective opinion. Instead, it expresses a debatable idea or claim that you hope to prove through additional research. Your working thesis is called a working thesis for a reason\u2014it is subject to change. As you learn more about your topic, you may change your thinking in light of your research findings. Let your working thesis serve as a guide to your research, but do not be afraid to modify it based on what you learn.<\/p>\n
The student began his research with a strong point of view based on his preliminary writing and research. Read his working thesis statement, which presents the point he will argue. Notice how it states the student's tentative answer to his research question.<\/p>\n\n
Exercise 17.4<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n
A research proposal is a brief document\u2014no more than one typed page\u2014that summarizes the preliminary work you have completed. Your purpose in writing it is to formalize your plan for research and present it to your instructor for feedback. In your research proposal, you will present your main research question, related subquestions, and working thesis. You will also briefly discuss the value of researching this topic and indicate how you plan to gather information.<\/p>\n
When the student's began drafting his research proposal, he realized that he had already created most of the pieces he needed. However, he knew he also had to explain how his research would be relevant to other future health care professionals. In addition, he wanted to form a general plan for doing the research and identifying potentially useful sources. Read the student's research proposal.<\/p>\n\n
Writing In Process<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n
Writing a good research paper takes time, thought, and effort. Although this assignment is challenging, it is manageable. Focusing on one step at a time will help you develop a thoughtful, informative, well-supported research paper.<\/p>\n
Your first step is to choose a topic and then to develop research questions, a working thesis, and a written research proposal. Set aside adequate time for this part of the process. Fully exploring ideas will help you build a solid foundation for your paper.<\/p>\n When you choose a topic for a research paper, you are making a major commitment. Your choice will help determine whether you enjoy the lengthy process of research and writing\u2014and whether your final paper fulfills the assignment requirements. If you choose your topic hastily, you may later find it difficult to work with your topic. By taking your time and choosing carefully, you can ensure that this assignment is not only challenging but also rewarding.<\/p>\n Writers understand the importance of choosing a topic that fulfills the assignment requirements and fits the assignment\u2019s purpose and audience. Choosing a topic that interests you is also crucial. You instructor may provide a list of suggested topics or ask that you develop a topic on your own. In either case, try to identify topics that genuinely interest you.<\/p>\n After identifying potential topic ideas, you will need to evaluate your ideas and choose one topic to pursue. Will you be able to find enough information about the topic? Can you develop a paper about this topic that presents and supports your original ideas? Is the topic too broad or too narrow for the scope of the assignment? If so, can you modify it so it is more manageable? You will ask these questions during this preliminary phase of the research process.<\/p>\n Sometimes, your instructor may provide a list of suggested topics. If so, you may benefit from identifying several possibilities before committing to one idea. It is important to know how to narrow down your ideas into a concise, manageable thesis. You may also use the list as a starting point to help you identify additional, related topics. Discussing your ideas with your instructor will help ensure that you choose a manageable topic that fits the requirements of the assignment.<\/p>\n In this chapter, you will follow a student, who is studying health care administration, as he prepares a research paper. You will also plan, research, and draft your own research paper.<\/p>\n This student was assigned to write a research paper on health and the media for an introductory course in health care. Although a general topic was selected for the students, the student had to decide which specific issues interested him. He brainstormed a list of possibilities.<\/p>\n Possible Topics<\/p>\n<\/header>\n Exercise 17.1<\/p>\n<\/header>\n Set a timer for five minutes. Use brainstorming or idea mapping to create a list of topics you would be interested in researching for a paper about the influence of the Internet on social networking. Do you closely follow the media coverage of a particular website, such as Twitter? Would you like to learn more about a certain industry, such as online dating? Which social networking sites do you and your friends use? List as many ideas related to this topic as you can.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Once you have a list of potential topics, you will need to choose one as the focus of your essay. You will also need to narrow your topic. Most writers find that the topics they listed during brainstorming or idea mapping are broad\u2014too broad for the scope of the assignment. Working with an overly broad topic, such as sexual education programs or popularized diets, can be frustrating and overwhelming. Each topic has so many facets that it would be impossible to cover them all in a college research paper. However, more specific choices, such as the pros and cons of sexual education in kids\u2019 television programs or the physical effects of the South Beach diet, are specific enough to write about without being too narrow to sustain an entire research paper.<\/p>\n A good research paper provides focused, in-depth information and analysis. If your topic is too broad, you will find it difficult to do more than skim the surface when you research it and write about it. Narrowing your focus is essential to making your topic manageable. To narrow your focus, explore your topic in writing, conduct preliminary research, and discuss both the topic and the research with others.<\/p>\n “How am I supposed to narrow my topic when I haven\u2019t even begun researching yet?” In fact, you may already know more than you realize. Review your list and identify your top two or three topics. Set aside some time to explore each one through freewriting. (For more information about freewriting, see “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?”.) Simply taking the time to focus on your topic may yield fresh angles.<\/p>\n The student above knew that he was especially interested in the topic of diet fads, but he also knew that it was much too broad for his assignment. He used freewriting to explore his thoughts so he could narrow his topic. Read the student’s ideas.<\/p>\n Another way writers may focus a topic is to conduct preliminary research. Like freewriting, exploratory reading can help you identify interesting angles. Surfing the web and browsing through newspaper and magazine articles are good ways to start. Find out what people are saying about your topic on blogs and online discussion groups. Discussing your topic with others can also inspire you. Talk about your ideas with your classmates, your friends, or your instructor.<\/p>\n The student above’s freewriting exercise helped him realize that the assigned topic of health and the media intersected with a few of his interests\u2014diet, nutrition, and obesity. Preliminary online research and discussions with his classmates strengthened his impression that many people are confused or misled by media coverage of these subjects.<\/p>\n The student decided to focus his paper on a topic that had garnered a great deal of media attention\u2014low-carbohydrate diets. He wanted to find out whether low-carbohydrate diets were as effective as their proponents claimed.<\/p>\n Writing in Process<\/p>\n<\/header>\n At work, you may need to research a topic quickly to find general information. This information can be useful in understanding trends in a given industry or generating competition. For example, a company may research a competitor\u2019s prices and use the information when pricing their own product. You may find it useful to skim a variety of reliable sources and take notes on your findings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Exercise 17.2<\/p>\n<\/header>\n Review the list of topics you created in Exercise 17.1 and identify two or three topics you would like to explore further. For each of these topics, spend five to ten minutes writing about the topic without stopping. Then review your writing to identify possible areas of focus.<\/p>\n Set aside time to conduct preliminary research about your potential topics. Then choose a topic to pursue for your research paper.<\/p>\n Collaboration<\/strong><\/p>\n Please share your topic list with a classmate. Select one or two topics on his or her list that you would like to learn more about and return it to him or her. Discuss why you found the topics interesting, and learn which of your topics your classmate selected and why.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Your freewriting and preliminary research have helped you choose a focused, manageable topic for your research paper. To work with your topic successfully, you will need to determine what exactly you want to learn about it\u2014and later, what you want to say about it. Before you begin conducting in-depth research, you will further define your focus by developing a research question, a working thesis, and a research proposal.<\/p>\n In forming a research question, you are setting a goal for your research. Your main research question should be substantial enough to form the guiding principle of your paper\u2014but focused enough to guide your research. A strong research question requires you not only to find information but also to put together different pieces of information, interpret and analyze them, and figure out what you think. As you consider potential research questions, ask yourself whether they would be too hard or too easy to answer.<\/p>\n To determine your research question, review the freewriting you completed earlier. Skim through books, articles, and websites and list the questions you have. (You may wish to use the 5WH strategy to help you formulate questions. See “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” for more information about 5WH questions.) Include simple, factual questions and more complex questions that would require analysis and interpretation. Determine your main question\u2014the primary focus of your paper\u2014and several subquestions that you will need to research to answer your main question.<\/p>\n Here are the research questions the student will use to focus his research. Notice that his main research question has no obvious, straightforward answer. The student will need to research his subquestions, which address narrower topics, to answer his main question.<\/p>\n Topic: <\/strong>Low-carbohydrate diets<\/p>\n Main question:<\/strong> Are low-carbohydrate diets as effective as they have been portrayed to be by media sources?<\/p>\n Subquestions:<\/strong><\/p>\n Exercise 17.3<\/p>\n<\/header>\n Using the topic you selected in Exercise 17.2, write your main research question and at least four to five subquestions. Check that your main research question is appropriately complex for your assignment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n A working thesis concisely states a writer\u2019s initial answer to the main research question. It does not merely state a fact or present a subjective opinion. Instead, it expresses a debatable idea or claim that you hope to prove through additional research. Your working thesis is called a working thesis for a reason\u2014it is subject to change. As you learn more about your topic, you may change your thinking in light of your research findings. Let your working thesis serve as a guide to your research, but do not be afraid to modify it based on what you learn.<\/p>\n The student began his research with a strong point of view based on his preliminary writing and research. Read his working thesis statement, which presents the point he will argue. Notice how it states the student’s tentative answer to his research question.<\/p>\n Main research question:<\/strong> <\/span>Are low-carb diets as effective as they have sometimes been portrayed to be by the mass media?<\/p>\n Working thesis statement:<\/strong><\/span> Low-car diets do not live up to the media hype surrounding them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Exercise 17.4<\/p>\n<\/header>\n Write a working thesis statement that presents your preliminary answer to the research question you wrote in Exercise 17.3. Check that your working thesis statement presents an idea or claim that could be supported or refuted by evidence from research.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n A research proposal is a brief document\u2014no more than one typed page\u2014that summarizes the preliminary work you have completed. Your purpose in writing it is to formalize your plan for research and present it to your instructor for feedback. In your research proposal, you will present your main research question, related subquestions, and working thesis. You will also briefly discuss the value of researching this topic and indicate how you plan to gather information.<\/p>\n When the student’s began drafting his research proposal, he realized that he had already created most of the pieces he needed. However, he knew he also had to explain how his research would be relevant to other future health care professionals. In addition, he wanted to form a general plan for doing the research and identifying potentially useful sources. Read the student’s research proposal.<\/p>\n Jorge Ramirez<\/p>\n March 28, 2011<\/p>\n Health care 101<\/p>\n Research Proposal<\/p>\n In recent years, topics related to diet, nutrition, and weight loss have been covered extensively in the popular media. Different experts recommend various, often conflicting strategies for maintaining a healthy weight. One highly recommended approach which forms the basis of many popular diet plans, is to limit consumption of carbohydrates. Yet experts disagree on the effectiveness and health benefits of this approach. What information should consumers consider when evaluating diet plans? In my research, I will explore the claims made by proponents of the “low-carbohydrate lifestyle.” My primary research question is: Are low-carbohydrate diets as effective for maintaining a healthy weight as they are portrayed to be? My secondary research questions are:<\/p>\n My working thesis is that low-carbohydrate diets do not live up to the media hype surrounding them. For this assignment, I will review general-interest and scholarly articles that discuss the relationship between low-carbohydrate diets, weight loss, and long-term health outcomes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Writing In Process<\/p>\n<\/header>\n Before you begin a new project at work, you may have to develop a project summary document that states the purpose of the project, explains why it would be a wise use of company resources, and briefly outlines the steps involved in completing the project. This type of document is similar to a research proposal. Both documents define and limit a project, explain its value, discuss how to proceed, and identify what resources you will use.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nChoosing a Topic<\/h1>\n
\nIdentifying Potential Topics<\/h1>\n
\n\n\n
\n\n\nNarrowing Your Topic<\/h1>\n
\nExploring Your Topic in Writing<\/h1>\n
Our instructors are always saying that accurate, up-to-date information is crucial in encouraging people to make better choices about their health. I don’t think the media does a very good job of providing that, though. Every time I go on the Internet, I see tons of ads for the latest “miracle food.” One week it’s acai berries, the next week it’s green tea, and then six months later I see a news story saying all the fabulous claims about acai berries and green tea are overblown! Advice about weight loss is even worse. Think about all the diet books that are out there! Some say that a low-fat diet is best; some say you should cut down on carbs; and some make bizarre recommendations like eating half a grapefruit with every meal. I don’t know how anyone is supposed to make an informed decision about what to eat when there’s so much confusing, contradictory information. I bet even doctors, nurses, and dietcians have trouble figuring out what information is reliable and what is just the latest hype.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nConducting Preliminary Research<\/h1>\n
\n\nTIP:<\/strong> The reliability of online sources varies greatly. In this exploratory phase of your research, you do not need to evaluate sources as closely as you will later. However, use common sense as you refine your paper topic. If you read a fascinating blog comment that gives you a new idea for your paper, be sure to check out other, more reliable sources as well to make sure the idea is worth pursuing.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nA Plan for Research<\/h1>\n
\nFormulating a Research Question<\/h2>\n
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\n\n\nConstructing a Working Thesis<\/h2>\n
\nTIP:<\/strong> One way to determine your working thesis is to consider how you would complete sentences such as I believe<\/em> or My opinion is<\/em>. However, keep in mind that academic writing generally does not use first-person pronouns. These statements are useful starting points, but formal research papers use an objective voice.<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nCreating a Research Proposal<\/h2>\n
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\n\nText Attributions<\/h3>\n
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Media Attributions<\/h3>\n