Writing Research Paper 1

Definition (#f7aeae)

Important (#edcae9)

Extra (#fffe9d)

Literature Review: A structured summary, critical discussion and synthesis of past research.

Importance:

1. Shows gaps in research.

2. Establishes a theoretical framework. (Perspective)

3. Justifies your research question.

1. Theoretical framework:

   • It is a structured explanation of the theories, models, and key concepts that guide your research.

   • It acts like the “lens” through which you understand your topic and interpret your findings.

2. Research Question/Research Objective:

   • It is the central question that your research seeks to answer. It guides your entire study — from literature review and methodology to data collection and analysis. It helps focus your research and gives you a clear direction.

3. Problem Statement:

   • Problem Statement is a clear, concise description of the issue that your research aims to address. What’s the problem? Why it matters? Who is affected?

   • It sets the foundation for your research by highlighting the gap in current knowledge, practices, or understanding and justifies why your study is necessary.

Finding and Evaluating Sources:

• Start with keywords and boolean search (AND, NOT, OR).

• Use databases: PsycINFO, Google Scholar, PubMed etc.

• Peer-reviewed journals vs non-scholarly sources.

• Evaluate using CRAAP:

  • Currency

  • Relevance

  • Authority

  • Accuracy

  • Purpose

Boolean Search:

Structuring a Literature Review:

Intro:

• Define the topic, explain the purpose of the review.

Body:

• Organize thematically, chronologically or methodologically.

• Discuss patterns, debates.

Conclusion:

• Summarise findings, point out research gaps.

• Justify your research.

Synthesis vs Summary:

Summary:

• Listing findings.

Synthesis:

• Connecting, comparing and contrasting ideas.

• Argumentative style of writing.

Avoiding Plagiarism and APA Citations:

1. Alway cite sources: In-text and in reference list.

2. Paraphrase with your own voice.

3. APA in-text citation format: (Author, Year)

4. APA reference ex:

   Smith, J.A (2020). “Title of the article”. Journal name, 35(4),123-135.

Common Mistakes:

• Dumping information without organization.

• Ignoring opposite views.

• Not linking the review to you research question.

• Poor citation practices.