There are several steps involved with writing a research paper. As this was our final project for this course, chapter eight of the text is critical. The academic research paper involves several steps that aid to both inform the audience of the researched topic as well as educate them. As with most forms of writing, the first step begins by understanding one’s purpose and audience. A paper is nothing without a definitive purpose and direction. Without these aspects, readers become bored and lost in random, pointless information. Having a purpose sets the foundation and allows the writer to begin the process of construction.

           The text states that writing research papers indicates the writer is attempting to find answers (Terryberry, 2001). Thus, to find answers, they must begin with a question. This formulates the purpose of the research paper. This also helps narrow the subject and give the paper a path to follow. A large part of this concept is developing a strong thesis. Once again, the thesis of a paper is critical. The next step involves gathering research. For the purpose of our final project, we were to use scholarly sources such as journal articles. Using such sources heightens the integrity of the research. It is important to evaluate the sources used in order to provide actual support. Some sources are misconstrued and should be avoided.

            After gathering necessary information, writers then have to prove their ideas in their paper. The supporting material gathered through research can be expressed as: explanation, statistics, examples, and testimony. Explanation provides answers to what, how, and why. Statistics are used to demonstrate trends, tendencies, or segments. Examples are illustrations of the point being made and the testimony involves the opinions of others (Terryberry, 2001). It is important to include variations of these forms of support in a research paper. Readers seek understanding and relate to the information through specific examples or through the testimonies of others. Thus, including such things will aid in the paper’s success.

            For the final project of this course, students were expected to meet the criteria of an academic research paper. We were given the opportunity to choose our own topic, accumulate the necessary amount of research from appropriate sources, and incorporate that research into our writing—ultimately persuading the audience of our purpose. This project was a good experience in how to go about proper research techniques and including that research into an informative research paper.

            I chose to do my research on the prevalence of child abuse and the long term consequences. I chose this topic because although some aspects of child abuse are well known, such as the various forms and the rate of which it occurs, other aspects need more awareness. The consequences don’t stop when the abuse stops. Lives are forever altered after such encounters. It is important to heighten awareness of this because people are still neglecting to report what needs reporting. Thus, by enlightening the audience of how detrimental child abuse is for the victims, I am hoping to increase awareness of how necessary it is to do the right thing and attempt to spare a child from being forever impaired.

References

Terryberry, K. (2005). Writing for the health professions. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar, Cengage