Writing the Initial Parts of a Research Paper~GM Lectures

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide on writing the initial parts of a research paper. It covers essential steps like determining a research topic, formulating a research title, and writing the background of the study. The script emphasizes the importance of narrowing down a broad topic into a specific research question, conducting initial readings, and formulating research problems and questions that align with the research design. Additionally, it discusses the characteristics of a well-structured research title and the rationale behind choosing and defining variables. Overall, the video serves as a valuable resource for researchers starting their academic projects.

Takeaways

• 😀 Research begins with a clear question you want to answer or a problem you want to solve.
• 😀 It's essential to choose a research topic that aligns with your personal interests to stay motivated throughout the process.
• 😀 A research topic should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-focused, and Timely.
• 😀 Determining the research topic involves several steps: identifying a general topic, narrowing it down, and specifying variables to study.
• 😀 A working title is tentative and can change as you narrow down your research focus.
• 😀 Conducting initial readings helps you understand what has already been studied, methodologies used, and results achieved, guiding your research direction.
• 😀 When writing a research title, it should summarize the main idea, show relationships between variables, and mention the participants and setting.
• 😀 The background of the study should answer key questions, such as why the research is necessary, the study's setting, and its potential impact.
• 😀 The research problem statement is a general overview of the study’s objectives, while research questions are specific areas the study aims to clarify.
• 😀 Research questions should be clear, defined, testable, and aligned with the research design and variables.
• 😀 Writing a research paper requires a structured approach, beginning with the research title, background, problem statement, and questions, ensuring a smooth progression to later sections.

Q & A

What is the first thing a researcher should consider when starting to write a research paper?

The first thing a researcher should consider is the research question. The researcher needs to identify an issue or question they are interested in answering.

Why is it important to select a topic based on personal interest?

Selecting a topic based on personal interest is crucial because it makes the research process more engaging and manageable. If a researcher chooses a topic they are passionate about, they are more likely to stay motivated and committed to the study.

What does SMART stand for in relation to identifying a research topic?

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-focused, and Timely. A research topic should be focused, measurable with data, achievable within the researcher's timeframe, capable of yielding meaningful results, and relevant to current issues.

How does a researcher narrow down a general topic to something more specific?

To narrow down a general topic, a researcher begins by adding specificity through initial readings. This helps to refine the focus and identify more specific aspects of the topic that are of interest, such as choosing a particular issue or perspective to study.

What is the role of conducting initial readings in the research process?

Conducting initial readings provides the researcher with background information, an understanding of the current state of research, insight into methodologies used by others, and inspiration for designing their own study. It helps avoid redundancy and informs the researcher about gaps in existing knowledge.

What key elements should a research title include?

A research title should summarize the main idea of the study, be concise, show the relationship of variables, include the main task of the researcher, and mention the participants, while also being general enough to be adaptable.

What should researchers avoid when formulating a research title?

Researchers should avoid using redundant words like 'methods,' 'results,' 'study,' or 'investigation,' as these do not add meaningful information. The title should be a clear and direct reflection of the research problem.

What is the rationale of the research problem in the background of the study?

The rationale of the research problem answers the question of 'why' the study is being conducted. It explains the importance and relevance of the research problem and justifies the need for the study.

What distinguishes research questions from the research problem statement?

Research questions are specific areas or concepts derived from the research problem statement. While the problem statement provides a general overview, the research questions focus on the more specific aspects of the study that need to be investigated.

What are the characteristics of a good research question?

A good research question should be in question form, define the population and sample, identify the variables being tested, be empirically testable, and align with the selected research design.