Goal: The goal of this assignment is to help students write a good research paper by helping them come to a solid understanding of the nature and function of the major components of a standard research paper.
Objectives: Students identify the major components of a thesis-based research article.
- Students construct a framework of a thesis driven research article.
- Students identify the purpose of a literature review.
- Students identify likely literature categories for a hypothetical research topic.
- Students construct a framework of an effective concluding section/paragraph.
Constructing the Standard Research Paper
Before your start : The Research Proposal:
In some courses, especially Geography 490, you will be asked to turn in a short document that outlines what you intend to do for a research project. Called a research proposal, this short document can range from only a page to 10 pages or more, depending on the scope of the project you are planning. Generally research proposals include:
- your rationale for the project,
- the research question (broad)
- your hypothesis, or thesis statement (more specific)
- your data source(s),
- the methodology or methodologies you plan on using,
- the anticipated outcomes, and frequently
- a discussion of anticipated troubles.
- Specific requirements for a research proposal vary by course and instructor, so be sure to consult with your instructor before beginning a research proposal.