Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
The Nuts and Bolts of Writing an Academic
Research Paper
Dr. Ryan Allen
Assistant Professor of English & Writing
Director, Writing Center
Briar Cliff University
712-279-5211
What are the basics in research writing?•Research-based thesis•Strong and clear introduction•Providing contextual information for essay and for each topic•Developing organizational strategies•Providing evidence from research to support topics and thesis•Effective use of paraphrasing and quotations•Conclusion•Reference List
Research-Based Thesis
Research Based Thesis
Avoids first person perspective or opinionProvides an assertion about the topicDifferent from informative or persuasive thesisSpeak through the research, and let it guide your work!
Research Based ThesisTopic: Acupuncture for dressage horsesInformative: There are many types of holistic treatments for dressage horses, including acupuncture, acupressure, and massage.Persuasive: If you own a dressage horse, it is imperative that you treat his withers, back, and leg joints with acupuncture.Research-based: Studies show that dressage horses benefit from acupuncture because it effectively relieves wither and back pain, joint stiffness, and improves their overall circulation.
Research Based ThesisTopic: Acupuncture for dressage horses
Research-based: Studies show that dressage horses benefit from acupuncture because it effectively relieves wither and back pain, joint stiffness, and improves their overall circulation.
Preview of points built in:•Acupuncture effectively relieves wither and back pain in dressage horses•Acupuncture also relieves joint stiffness.•Acupuncture also improves a dressage horse’s overall circulation.
Developing Organizational Strategies for the Essay:Introduction, Context,Body Paragraphs, and Conclusion
Organizational Strategies for the Whole Essay:•Thesis with preview of points built in
•Forecasts what topics you will cover and use to support your thesis
•Develops the main body sections of your paper
•Creates the continuity needed in a thesis-driven paper
•Develops a scaffolding for the whole paper
Developing Organizational Strategies: Whole Essay and ScaffoldingThesis: Studies show that dressage horses benefit from acupuncture because it effectively relieves wither and back pain, joint stiffness, and improves their overall circulation.
Supporting point 1:Careful research has revealed that dressage horses benefit from acupuncture primarily because it relieves pain in their withers and back, which in turn impacts the quality of their performance.Supporting point 2:Acupuncture also relieves joint stiffness in dressage horses, which allows for cleaner transitions in the arena.Supporting point 3:Leading experts agree that acupuncture also improves dressage horses’ overall circulation, which can prolong their careers and lives.
Introductions
IntroductionsInverted triangle
Broad introduction to the main topicMove to more focused information
End with main focal point: the thesisAssume an “unknowing” readerAvoid first personNo need for quotations
INTRODUCTIONSSample 1
Introduction SampleDressage is one of the most physically demanding horse sports. Horses are judged on their athleticism, grace, and mental acuity as they “dance” across and around an arena. Dressage requires quick foot movement, transitions, and halts. Although it is a beautiful sport and art form, it requires intense physical dexterity, and as such, subjects horses to many bodily ailments. Many treatments have been developed to try to alleviate the pain central to these ailments, from traditional treatments by oral medications and cortisone injections, but recent studies have also shown that there are non-traditional ways to treat the aches and pains associated with dressage horses, such as massage, acupressure, and acupuncture treatments. Of these treatments, studies show that dressage horses benefit most from acupuncture because it effectively relieves wither and back pain, joint stiffness, and improves their overall circulation.
Contextual Information
Contextual Information
Assume an “unknowing” readerWhat does your reader need to know first?Logical progression1-2 paragraphs (not majority of essay!)Informative aspect of your paper
Contextual InformationWhat kinds of questions might I need to address and answer for my reader?What is dressage?When did it start?What makes a good dressage horse?What impact does it have on a horse’s body?What is acupuncture?How long has it been practiced?How is it effectively practiced on horses?What areas of the body might it benefit?What makes it ideal for dressage horses?
Organizational Strategies within a Body ParagraphOrganizational pattern for a body paragraph
(or two)Topic sentenceBrief explanation of contextual information needed to understand topic sentence/supporting pointSupporting evidence from researchEngage and link quotations to topic sentenceTie up any loose ends[Transition to next topic]
Supportive Evidence from Research in a Body Paragraph
Supportive Evidence from Research Paraphrase
◦Rely most heavily on this◦Remote paraphrase was the best
Quotations◦Use sparingly!◦Avoid block quotations (more than 1)
Citations!◦Avoid plagiarism!◦Demonstrate research!
DEVELOPING ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGIES AND USING RESEARCH EVIDENCE IN BODY PARAGRAPHS
Example 2
Body Paragraph Sample (APA example)
Acupuncture relieves joint stiffness in dressage horses, which allows for cleaner transitions in the arena and helps to prevent premature lameness. Joint stiffness is common to performance horses, as is lameness. Lameness occurs when a horse is unable to remain stable on their feet and “founder,” which ends their careers and compromises their health (Hackett, Spitzfaden, May, Savoldi, & Dodd, 1997). Due to the amount of work stress developed through repetitive and intense motion in the arena, stiffness and lameness are issues frequently met by dressage horses. Acupuncture offers relief to over-worked joints and feet by opening up the “chi,” or energy flow, through a horse’s musculature and skeletal systems (Schoen, 2000; DeRock, n.d.). By creating “chi” flow throughout the horses legs, hip and shoulder joints, and feet, acupuncture also increases a horse’s flexibility and mobility, thereby allowing them to make cleaner transitions in the arena. The “chi” flow also decreases a horse’s chance of becoming lame (Schoen, 2000; Brennan and Ekroate, 2004).
Body Paragraph Sample(APA example)
Acupuncture relieves joint stiffness in dressage horses, which allows for cleaner transitions in the arena and helps to prevent premature lameness. Joint stiffness is common to performance horses, as is lameness. Lameness occurs when a horse is unable to remain stable on their feet and “founder,” which ends their careers and compromises their health (Hackett, Spitzfaden, May, Savoldi, & Dodd, 1997). Due to the amount of work stress developed through repetitive and intense motion in the arena, stiffness and lameness are issues frequently met by dressage horses.
Acupuncture offers relief to over-worked joints and feet by opening up the “chi,” or energy flow, through a horse’s musculature and skeletal systems (Schoen, 2000; DeRock, n.d.). By creating “chi” flow throughout the horses legs, hip and shoulder joints, and feet, acupuncture also increases a horse’s flexibility and mobility, thereby allowing them to make cleaner transitions in the arena. The “chi” flow also decreases a horse’s chance of becoming lame (Schoen, 2000; Brennan and Ekroate, 2004).
Conclusion
The Dreaded Conclusion!
Some sources will suggest to ask a question that has not yet been answered, but avoid this in a
research-based paper!•Reiterate main point/thesis•Review the supporting points covered in the paper•Keep it simple and straightforward!
THE DREADED CONCLUSION
Sample 3
The Dreaded ConclusionFrom the introduction:[Dressage is one of the most physically demanding horse sports. Horses are judged on their athleticism, grace, and mental acuity as they “dance” across and around an arena. Dressage requires quick foot movement, transitions, and halts. Although it is a beautiful sport and art form, it requires intense physical dexterity, and as such, subjects horses to many bodily ailments. Many treatments have been developed to try to alleviate the pain central to these ailments, from traditional treatments by oral medications and cortisone injections, but recent studies have also shown that there are non-traditional ways to treat the aches and pains associated with dressage horses, such as massage, acupressure, and acupuncture treatments. Of these treatments, studies show that dressage horses benefit most from acupuncture because it effectively relieves wither and back pain, joint stiffness, and improves their overall circulation.]
It is precisely because dressage takes such a physical toll on a horse’s body that effective treatments are needed to both prolong a horse’s quality of life, both in the arena and in life. Although traditional treatments lead toward medication as a cure-all, studies have shown that holistic treatments, such as acupuncture, are even more effective than medication. Since a dressage horse’s work in the arena creates stress on their musculature and circulatory system, acupuncture’s unique ability to create energy movements, or “chi,” throughout the horse’s body provides a more holistic and long-lasting treatment and prevention of joint and wither pain, injuries that create lameness, and poor circulation.
Tidying Up: Reference List
Reference ListDouble check formatting, whether
it’s APA, MLA, or Chicago style. ◦OWL at Purdue◦Check all source types used
Double check one-to-one correlation with in-text citations!oRun “Find” search for each of your
reference list authors/titles as authors.oMake sure they come up at least
ONCE in the paper as in-text citations!
Questions?Concerns?
Complaints?Criticisms?
Please contact the Writing [email protected]
712-279-5520 Heelan Hall 050
