JohnWriter 13 | - Freelance Writer
Jul 26, 2017 | #1
Research and writing go hand-in-hand particularly in the academic world. What better way to illustrate your valuable research than good writing, and what's the use of brilliant writing when your research holds no significance. For a student often, if not both, either one of these skills need to be cultivated until they get embedded into the scholastic chromosomes.
Before the writing comes the research. The first lesson is to frame a strong research question. From the surface, drill down to most microscopic levels.
Simultaneously explore the breadth of the situation. For example, 'Micro-organisms in drinking water' could instigate questions on the sequence of steps from drinking water sources to you cup. It could trigger questions on types of micro-organisms, their nature, extent of harm to human health etc. The second lesson is to look around every nook and corner. Read or get in touch with experts in the field to understand the current situation before you remove the obvious and converge on the relative unknowns. Leverage on what is known to form a strong case for your research. In the example, if there are established studies on the types of micro-organisms present in drinking water, turn your question to stages of water processing. Your case is ready and you are ready for lesson three.
Lesson three is to design the study based on statistical data. You require a minimum and a maximum number of sample to come to a conclusion. It is important to devise a strategy, based on the research question you will have to define parameters such as geographies, collection methods, analysis of samples, logistics, etc. First timers will have to reach out to their teachers or experienced researchers. From here on, just follow what you conceived and designed with your eyes on the goal. Research is almost always time-bound and a lesson on time management is a must. Documentation is key. Never miss jotting down anything that you observe, that's why it's research, you never know what changes the game and ultimately the results. A piece of advice that helps, if the study permits, halfway through your research, stop and make a brief analyzes of our findings. This will help you make amendments to the journey you are yet to take.
Once the research is down, it comes down to put all your hard work into a palatable form - writing. The writing lesson is about gathering authentic information on the research question. As you walk through existing sources of information establish the gravity of the research and assertively stage reasons for undertaking such a study. Do not hesitate to bring out existing solutions if any, but strike a strong balance to highlight the gap in the existing studies, that your research fills up. Lesson six, the rules of writing are the same be it for research or a book. Keep it simple, easy to understand, and spell checked. Quality matter over quantity. Stay focused on the kind of information that you provide, that the next lesson. Lesson eight is all about numbers. Nothing talk louder than an easy math of the problem and the solution. Of course, if the research is on Mathematics, it'll be math all the way.
In many ways, it's the conclusion that clinches the paper. This is the grand combination of research and writing. This is the place you compare your findings and articulate why and how you stand out with something new to say to the world. If it's not new why should anyone give you a hearing.
Before the writing comes the research. The first lesson is to frame a strong research question. From the surface, drill down to most microscopic levels.
Simultaneously explore the breadth of the situation. For example, 'Micro-organisms in drinking water' could instigate questions on the sequence of steps from drinking water sources to you cup. It could trigger questions on types of micro-organisms, their nature, extent of harm to human health etc. The second lesson is to look around every nook and corner. Read or get in touch with experts in the field to understand the current situation before you remove the obvious and converge on the relative unknowns. Leverage on what is known to form a strong case for your research. In the example, if there are established studies on the types of micro-organisms present in drinking water, turn your question to stages of water processing. Your case is ready and you are ready for lesson three.Lesson three is to design the study based on statistical data. You require a minimum and a maximum number of sample to come to a conclusion. It is important to devise a strategy, based on the research question you will have to define parameters such as geographies, collection methods, analysis of samples, logistics, etc. First timers will have to reach out to their teachers or experienced researchers. From here on, just follow what you conceived and designed with your eyes on the goal. Research is almost always time-bound and a lesson on time management is a must. Documentation is key. Never miss jotting down anything that you observe, that's why it's research, you never know what changes the game and ultimately the results. A piece of advice that helps, if the study permits, halfway through your research, stop and make a brief analyzes of our findings. This will help you make amendments to the journey you are yet to take.
Once the research is down, it comes down to put all your hard work into a palatable form - writing. The writing lesson is about gathering authentic information on the research question. As you walk through existing sources of information establish the gravity of the research and assertively stage reasons for undertaking such a study. Do not hesitate to bring out existing solutions if any, but strike a strong balance to highlight the gap in the existing studies, that your research fills up. Lesson six, the rules of writing are the same be it for research or a book. Keep it simple, easy to understand, and spell checked. Quality matter over quantity. Stay focused on the kind of information that you provide, that the next lesson. Lesson eight is all about numbers. Nothing talk louder than an easy math of the problem and the solution. Of course, if the research is on Mathematics, it'll be math all the way.
In many ways, it's the conclusion that clinches the paper. This is the grand combination of research and writing. This is the place you compare your findings and articulate why and how you stand out with something new to say to the world. If it's not new why should anyone give you a hearing.