1. Research Paper Writing
Mavis Shang
97年度第二學期 1
Section VIII

2. Writing the Research Paper
Chapter I: Introduction (Problem Statement)
A. Area of Study: Provide a general introduction to the
topic; outline the problem
B. Definition of Terms: Define important terms and
concepts
C. The purpose of the study
D. Assumptions: Make hypotheses for the proposed
study 2

3. Writing the Research Paper
Chapter 2: Literature Review
A. History: Provide a review of the historical
background
B. Current Literature: Include a review of current
relevant literature with the analysis of pros and
cons
C. Research Problem: Provide research questions 3

4. Writing the Research Paper
Chapter 3: Methodology
A. Research Questions and Hypotheses: Propose them
based on literature review (major points)
B. Research Design:
* Quantitative research: Use a survey (three design
considerations; discuss how to design questionnaire)
* Qualitative research: Use interviews (present a
rationale for the design of choice) 4

5. Writing the Research Paper
C. Sample:
* Quantitative research: Describe sampling
techniques and rationale for the method used for
selecting the sample and sample size
* Qualitative research: Describe the criteria for the
selection of the participants and setting 5

6. Writing the Research Paper
D. Data Collection Procedures:
* Quantitative research: Describe the procedures that
the data will be collected by using a survey
* Qualitative research: Describe the use of
audiotapes, note-taking
E. Pilot Testing: Describe the pilot study procedures
and any adjustments 6

7. Writing the Research Paper
F. Data Analysis Procedures:
* Quantitative research: Describe how you handled
the data; provide statistical procedures (e.g.,
compute mean score or frequency)
* Qualitative research: Describe data analysis
strategies; explain multiple sources of data
G. Limitations of the Study: Explain anticipated
limitations of the study 7

8. Writing the Research Paper
Chapter 4: Results: Just report what the data say (you
may give the subheading based on each hypothesis)
A. Findings from the quantitative results (% or mean)
B. Findings from the qualitative results (3 excerpts)
C. Fit into your hypotheses or not
(e.g., broadly/partially/do not fit) 8

9. Writing the Research Paper
Chapter 5: Discussions and Conclusion
A. Interpret the meanings of data (discuss “why” your
participants would think/say so)
B. Discuss whether the findings fit into the literature or not
C. Form any grounded theory?
D. The results will be useful to “whom”?
E. Any limitation to reach the generalizability
F. Draw conclusions and suggestions (about improvement)
based on your or minority’s opinions 9

10. Writing the Research Paper
Outline of Research Paper 10