Conceptualizing writing an original research paper Prof. (Dr). S. Chandrashekara MD, CRICR

Original article A form of academic writing, usually between five and fifteen pages long, A research paper (also known as a term paper) requires students to locate information about a topic (that is, to conduct research), take a stand on that topic, and provide support (or evidence) for that position in an organized report. A scholarly article that contains the results of original research or an evaluation of research conducted by others. Most scholarly articles must undergo a process of peer review before they can be accepted for publication in an academic journal.

Original work Any thing done by the researcher Primary source Not necessary a new idea Not necessary an out of the box concept Invention discovery and expalination

Writing the Research Report/paper is… Having done that…… Writing the Research Report/paper is… The purpose of the original paper is to present the results of your research, but more importantly to provide a persuasive argument to what you have found and not to argue what you believed right.

Components of an original Paper Title Abstract Table of Contents Introduction and Literature Survey Theoretical Analysis Empirical Testing Conclusions References

Introduction The purpose of the introduction to the research report is to provide the rationale for the research. This rationale should address four issues: What is the nature of the issue or problem the research investigates? Why is this worthy of investigation?

Introduction What have previous researchers discovered about this issue or problem? What does your research attempt to prove?

General Strategies for Writing the Introduction Use the literature review to Establish importance of research area Explain logic behind hypothesis State your hypothesis Outline your introduction. Outline should include headings such as: Overview of past research Hypotheses

Specific Strategies for Writing Introduction Sections for Different Types of Studies Exploratory study* Direct replication* Systematic replication* Conceptual replication* Replication and extension* Theory testing study*

Exploratory study Show that despite the fact that the area has not been researched, the area is important Spell out the reasoning for your hypotheses

Direct replication Spell out importance of original study Explain why results might not replicate

Systematic replication Explain why your study is better than the original

Conceptual replication Explain why your study is better than the original May be helpful to cite literature that backs your assertion

Replication and extension Same arguments as for replication + Explain predictions for moderating or mediating variables

Theory testing study Don’t attack a straw theory Spell out how your prediction follows from theory

DATA or AUDIT report Why data collected The objective of audit Adding to data Difference in data

Writing the Method Section Participants--who, how many, how recruited Procedure--what happened from the participants’ perspective. If applicable, include Differences between conditions Sample items from questionnaire

Subject selection Inclusion and exclusion Random or sequential Addressing bias if any done If chart review- method of selecting chart Completeness of chart Criteria to be used with any modification

Test and investigation New non routine tests or investigation should be briefly mentioned of its method eg as per manufacturer. Batch no and source of provider Regular tests if there are methods should be mentioned like ELISA vs IF in ANA. Remember only if it is critical in your study…

Survey instrument.. Patients fills it or interview based Standardized to population in question Earlier done reference If new instrument procedure to standardise should be mentioned

Nutshell.. Should convey in brief as it is done a mention the reference from where already standardized methods used

Statistical method used if any..

Writing the Results Section This is the heart of the work This should faithfully represent your observation and results Use both tabular column, text and graphs and picture to bring them into the view of the readers

Writing the Results Section Start off simple Don’t report results--analyze them Only include analyses, numbers, and statistics that make a point Tell the reader what the point is--Explain why the analysis was done and what the results mean Focus on the hypothesis

Writing the Discussion Section Did the results support the hypothesis? What do the results mean in terms of the points you brought up in your introduction? What are the limitations of your study or alternative explanations for your results? What explanations do you have for any unexpected findings? What directions do you see for future research? What are the practical or theoretical implications of your findings?

Writing the Discussion Section Relate predicted results to the hypothesis Relate predicted results to previous research and theory Discuss limitations of study Discuss follow-up studies Stress importance of remembering or building on study’s main findings

Final Touches Title page- Simple title is best Abstract--Brief summary of the paper, 6 sentences summarizing introduction, method, results, and discussion References--Organization can avoid accusations of plagiarism Review paper to ensure that it is in APA style

Writing the Research Report What stays the same or changes very little from the research proposal* Writing the results section* Writing the discussion section*

What Stays the Same or Changes Very Little Title page and References No changes Abstract Add sentence to describe main results Method section Reflect changes in procedure Reflect number and type of participants Change to past tense

Conclusions The purpose of this part of the research report is to summarize your findings, that is, to restate your argument and conclude whether or not it is valid. In light of the statistical results, what can you infer about your hypothesis? To what extent did your empirical testing confirm your analysis?

The Most Frequently Asked Question! Students frequently ask how many sources should be included in the literature survey.

The Answer It depends on how many major studies have been completed on the topic. If you only report one or two sources, readers may suspect that you have not put enough effort into searching the literature. You don’t want to miss a major study, since at best it will make you look careless and at worst it may weaken the rationale for your research.

First Paragraph and Introduction Yes Needs Work Introductory sentence is interesting The thesis sentence is specific The thesis statement makes a clear declaration that I back up with examples Body Paragraphs Does each paragraph begin with a good topic sentence? Do I provide clear evidence to support my thesis? Have I used examples with citations evenly throughout the work? Do my paragraphs flow in a logical manner? Have I used clear transition sentences? Paper Format Title page meets assignment requirements Page numbers are in the right location on the page Page numbers start and stop on the right pages Each citation has a bibliography entry In-text citations checked for proper formatting Proofreading I've checked for confusing word errors I've checked for logical flow My summary restates my thesis in different words Meeting the Assignment I mention previous research or positions on this topic My paper is the right length I've used enough sources I've included the required variety of source types

First few steps are the reason for your long successful journey