Writing a Good - Research Paper Example

? Writing a Good Research Paper Writing a Good Research Paper Introduction Contrary to what most people think, writing a research paper is not easy. It needs a lot of time, resources, and diligence to ensure that one results in writing a research paper that is of the best quality based on actual facts that have been sampled. This being the case, it is of great importance for students to understand on what a research paper entails and to comprehend the steps involved in writing a research paper. This is of at most importance especially for people undergoing courses in the field of psychology or even those practicing professionally in psychology. In the field of psychology, trends, theories and approaches have changed and new ones emerged from time to time. In fact, new approaches to various issues in psychology have emerged in almost every decade. This being so, there has been the need for scholars and professionals in the field to undertake research on the ground in order for them to identify problems or test whether these new approaches really work. As a result this has created the crucial need for research papers in the field of psychology. This paper will identify and discuss the key elements of a good research paper which are introduction, literature review, hypothesis, methodologies, results, discussion, conclusion, and references (Garbato 2005). It will also discuss further on the process of writing a god research paper. 1) Introduction When writing a research paper, one should start of by generally describing and introducing the topic. This should be done by establishing how the topics in question fit and relates to the field of study (Kearl, 2004). For instance, if one is intending to write a research paper on the effects of substance and drug abuse among law enforcement personnel, then one should explain what is drug and substance abuse and how it is related with law enforcement. After describing and introducing the issue, one should establish the environment and the conditions that characterize the environment. This can be done by focusing on a particular area in law enforcement. For instance, in the case of drug abuse one can opt to focus of the Drug enforcement agency of a particular state and describing the conditions that characterize the field. Before carrying out the actual research it is of utmost importance for one to acquire permission from the relevant authorities for them to carry out the research. I the above example, one should get permission from the officer in charge of the specific police department. Describing the purpose of the research paper follows by illustrating and the problem and showing its significance. This is best done by using an interesting example. The problem should be presented in form of a question which is to be answered by the final outcome of the research paper. After describing the purpose of the research paper, it is important to define complex terms, vocabulary, and concepts that will be used throughout the paper since the research may be used by people who are not familiar with such terms. For instance, one can use clearly defined foot notes when giving definitions. This helps to maintain the structure and the flow of the research paper. Before continuing with the research paper, it is advised for students to review the scene, topic and problem with their supervisor or teacher by showing them their introduction in order to very if they are on the right course. 2) Literature Review Literature review involves analyzing of secondary sources that touch on the issue being raised by the research paper. When approaching literature review one should use credible academic journals, scholarly article, reports, books, and other research papers that touch on the field of study that one is about to write a research paper on (Online Writing Lab 2004). There is no one definite way of carrying out literature review when writing a research paper. It depend on the referencing style n which on is using that is American Psychology Association (APA), Modern Language Association (MLA), Harvard referencing, and Chicago Turbian referencing styles among others. For lowing the requirements the given protocols of literature review using wither one of the mentioned writing styles is important since it protects the research paper being written from being termed as plagiarized which can cost a student their academic life. 3) Hypothesis A hypothesis is ones proposed explanation in which the research will determine whether it is true or false. This means that one has an expected outcome of the research. However, it does not necessarily mean the outcome of the research will agree with ones hypothesis. When developing a hypothesis one c should come up with variables that can be measured which will bring out results that can be compared from each other. These variables should be easily manipulated or changed. This part of writing a research paper should end with a thesis statement. 4) Methodologies One should follow by writing the methodologies used during the research. hi is where one provides information such that if someone else was to carry out the same research, the they too would end up with the same results. In this part of the paper one should describe the procedure undertaken clearly, define the sample used and the aspects that characterize the sample, list the variables that were manipulated and changed during the research, and finally one should conclude this part by citing the flaws that accompanies the techniques used during the research. 5) Results After writing on methods used one allows by presenting the results of the research which has been carried out. The results should be sampled in an orderly and formal manner which can be easily understood and interpreted. Findings should be presented in a numerical and descriptive data. 6) Discussion In this part of the research paper, one should develop an argument on the issue in question based on the data presented on the results of the research. Despite the fact that the data presented is self explanatory, it is important to interpret the data in this part of the research paper. This part shows how the research undertaken supports your hypothesis and whether there is need for further research in the field of study undertaken by the research. 7) Conclusion The summary part of the research paper involves summarizing the findings of the research. This is essential since it allows those who skip the other part of the research to understand what the research involved and the outcome the research ended in (Shewan E 2000). 8) References The reference part of the research involves listing the sources which one used during the previous parts of the research paper. This section will mainly include materials used in the literature part of the research paper. Just as in the literature part of the paper. One should follow the formatting guidelines of the writing style used from the beginning of the paper to the end. However, referencing styles to be used are usually indicated by the supervisor or teacher Conclusion As seen above writing a research paper is complex. However, when one follows the above structure then it becomes less difficult for one to come up with a research paper. It is import to understand that a research paper is not an essay. Hence, the given format must be followed in order for one to illustrate the research undertaken for others to understand and comprehend. In psychology, research papers have helped prove theories, emerging trends, and new approaches to dealing with issues in the field. This being so it is important for research and research papers to be undertaken seriously since they result in huge impacts in the field of psychology. References Garbato K (2005). 13 Lucky Steps to Writing a Research Paper. New York. Hot Dog LLC. Print Kearl, M (2004). The Research Paper. Trinity University. San Antonio. Print Online Writing Lab (2004). Writing a Research Paper. Purdue University. West Lafayette Shewan E (2000). Writing a Research Paper. Chicago. Christian Liberty Press Read More