Produção de textos técnicos e acadêmicos (minicurso - aula 3)

Summary

This lecture is an academic guide focusing on the process of planning and writing research papers. It highlights key steps such as choosing a relevant topic, conducting a thorough literature review, and structuring the paper with essential sections like introduction, methodology, and conclusions. Emphasis is placed on the importance of revision, peer feedback, and the iterative process of writing and editing. Additionally, the lecture provides useful resources and references to support the academic writing process, guiding students in producing clear, well-structured research papers.

Takeaways

• 😀 The third book in the series focuses on planning academic genres, emphasizing how to plan research and the academic texts used to disseminate findings.
• 😀 Research planning starts by choosing a research topic, which should be informed by personal interests but must also fill a gap in existing research to be relevant.
• 😀 The 'state-of-the-art' concept is introduced to assess whether a research topic is relevant by exploring what has already been studied and identifying gaps.
• 😀 Diaries of research and reading are valuable tools to record and connect ideas, making it easier to find relevant information when finalizing research.
• 😀 Understanding the academic sphere is crucial, as it includes various theories, methodologies, and ongoing debates, positioning research as part of these conversations.
• 😀 Crafting research questions requires balancing between being too broad (e.g., 'How is geography taught in Brazil?') and too specific to ensure both feasibility and relevance.
• 😀 The objective of the research should be clearly stated, with both a general objective and specific goals to guide the study and methodology.
• 😀 Different academic texts (such as research proposals, thesis drafts, or reports) require different approaches, depending on the target audience and the purpose of the document.
• 😀 Titles of academic papers evolve over time from initial broad ideas to more precise representations of the research focus, aiding the writing process.
• 😀 Reviewing and revising academic texts is essential. Taking time to 'rest' before revising, and having others read your work, helps clarify ideas and improve the writing quality.

Q & A

What is the focus of the third book in the collection discussed in the lecture?

The third book in the collection focuses on planning academic genres and texts, specifically how to plan a research study and the academic texts used to communicate research findings.

What is the significance of the 'scientific sphere' or 'academic sphere' as discussed in the lecture?

The 'scientific sphere' or 'academic sphere' is presented as a space filled with various theoretical and methodological approaches. It’s described as a 'battlefield' where ideas and research are debated, with different theories and methodologies competing within it.

How does the lecturer recommend selecting a research topic?

The lecturer suggests that selecting a research topic starts with personal interests, but it's crucial to investigate existing studies to ensure that the topic hasn't already been extensively researched. This process helps refine the topic into a more unique and relevant research question.

What is the 'state of the art' in academic research, and why is it important?

The 'state of the art' refers to the current knowledge and research on a specific topic. It's important because it helps researchers identify gaps in existing studies and position their research to contribute something new, addressing these gaps.

What role do keywords play in academic research?

Keywords are crucial for searching academic databases and repositories. They help researchers find relevant studies and determine whether their research topic has been explored in-depth by others.

How should research questions be formulated?

Research questions should be neither too broad nor too narrow. They should be specific enough to guide the research and answerable through the proposed methodology, often framed as 'operational questions' that lead directly to the research methodology.

What is the difference between 'general objectives' and 'specific objectives' in academic research?

The 'general objective' is the overarching goal of the research, while 'specific objectives' break this down into smaller, more focused aims. Specific objectives are related to concrete actions and steps to answer the research questions.

What are some key considerations when writing an academic text?

When writing an academic text, it's essential to consider the purpose of the text (e.g., project proposal, thesis, article for publication), the target audience, and the specific requirements of the genre. Understanding the context, tone, and expectations is key to producing an effective piece.

What are some of the sections typically included in academic texts, and how do they vary?

Common sections include abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, data analysis, conclusion, and references. The exact sections and their content can vary depending on the field of study and the type of research, with terminology differing between disciplines.

What is the purpose of the 'methodology' section in an academic paper?

The 'methodology' section explains the research materials and methods used to collect and analyze data. It provides transparency, allowing readers to understand how the research was conducted and how the results were derived.