How to Paraphrase in Research Papers (APA, AMA)

Summary

This video explains the concept of paraphrasing, highlighting its importance in academic writing as a method of expressing another's ideas in your own words, distinct from direct quoting. It contrasts paraphrasing with quoting, detailing when each method is appropriate. The video outlines a step-by-step process for effective paraphrasing, provides examples, and emphasizes the importance of citations. It also discusses how to use paraphrasing to demonstrate understanding, and offers strategies such as altering voice and using a thesaurus. The overall aim is to help maintain originality while incorporating external sources effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Paraphrasing is the process of putting someone else's work into your own words, instead of quoting directly.
• 😀 Paraphrasing helps condense complex information, making it easier to understand and saving space in research papers.
• 😀 A quote uses the exact wording of another researcher, requiring citations and quotation marks, while a paraphrase involves rewording and still requires citation but no quotation marks.
• 😀 Paraphrasing allows you to convey the main point of a source in a shorter, reworded form, while a quote preserves the original language exactly.
• 😀 Use quotes when the original language is impactful, well-known, or difficult to paraphrase effectively.
• 😀 Paraphrase when you want to show understanding, clarify difficult concepts, or emphasize original ideas in a more engaging manner.
• 😀 Balancing quotes and paraphrases in your work can maintain the authorial voice of your paper while providing supporting external information.
• 😀 When paraphrasing, ensure that you fully understand the source material and capture the main idea before rewording.
• 😀 Plagiarism occurs when paraphrasing too closely follows the original text without proper citation or quotation marks.
• 😀 Paraphrasing verbs like 'believe', 'propose', or 'argue' can show a neutral stance, while verbs like 'show' or 'confirm' demonstrate agreement, and verbs like 'neglect' or 'disregard' show disagreement with the original work.

Q & A

What is the primary difference between paraphrasing and quoting?

The primary difference is that when you quote, you copy the exact words of another researcher and use quotation marks, whereas in paraphrasing, you express the same idea in your own words without using quotation marks.

When should you choose to paraphrase instead of quoting?

You should paraphrase when you want to show that you understand the main ideas, explain complex concepts, or provide a clear voice in your paper. It’s also useful when the original language is not engaging or when you want to change the emphasis to align with your own argument.

What are the key elements to include when paraphrasing?

Key elements include understanding the original source, taking notes on key terms, writing the paraphrase without looking at the original, ensuring that the meaning is preserved, and adding an in-text citation.

How can you paraphrase effectively?

To paraphrase effectively, you should read the source material thoroughly, take notes on key terms, rewrite the content in your own words, and double-check that the paraphrase captures the original meaning. Also, always include a citation.

What role do quotations play in academic writing?

Quotations are used when the original wording is strong, well-known, or difficult to paraphrase. They also provide authoritative support for your arguments and are useful for presenting detailed methods or findings.

How can paraphrasing help with understanding complex research material?

Paraphrasing helps distill complex information into simpler terms, making it easier to understand. It allows you to break down complicated ideas without losing the original meaning, thus making the material more digestible for your audience.

What is plagiarism in the context of paraphrasing?

Plagiarism occurs when you closely replicate someone else’s language or structure without using quotation marks or properly citing the source. Even if some words are changed, the meaning or grammar structure being too similar to the original can still lead to plagiarism.

Why is it important to strike a balance between paraphrasing and quoting?

It’s important to maintain a balance because excessive paraphrasing may dilute the original content's impact, while too many quotes can diminish your own voice and authority in the paper. A mix of both provides clarity and strengthens the arguments with external support.

What are some examples of verbs you can use when paraphrasing to show your position?

Examples include using neutral verbs like 'believe' or 'argue,' agreeing verbs like 'show' or 'demonstrate,' and disagreeing verbs like 'neglect' or 'overlook.' These help convey your stance on the information you’re paraphrasing.

What are the steps for paraphrasing the example from the journal source text?

The steps include understanding the main ideas, noting key terms, and then writing a paraphrase using your own words, as shown in the example where a detailed journal passage about cognitive and motivational effects was summarized more concisely while preserving its meaning.