Research Paper Structure and Frameworks

Research Paper Structure

• Research aims to identify frameworks for building a research project.
• A research paper has four sections:
  • Aim: States the reasons for the research or the desired outcomes. Aims can be general or specific. General aims outline the overall goal, while specific aims detail the particular objectives.
  • Purpose: Research is conducted to discover new knowledge and information beneficial to individuals.
  • Method: Describes the data collection and analysis procedures. Data collection methods can include surveys, interviews, questionnaires, observations, etc. Data analysis methods can be empirical, comparative, etc.
  • Ethics: Covers ethical considerations throughout the research process. Ethical guidelines are outlined by organizations like American Psychological Association (2003) and Center for Social Research Methods (2006) to guide researchers.

Theoretical Framework

• Theoretical framework is based on existing theories relevant to the research aims or hypotheses.
• Attachment Theory: A well-established theory explaining potential causes of child abuse.

Conceptual Framework

• The conceptual framework presents the researcher's understanding of the study's core concepts and principles.

Empirical Data

• Empirical data includes information gathered using multiple research methods (e.g., observation, interviews, experiments).

Types of Empirical Data

• Textual: Data descriptions in paragraph form.

• Tabular: Statistical table representations of data.

• Graphical: Visual representations like line graphs, pie charts, and bar graphs.

  • Line Graph: Used to show changes in variables over time.
  • Pie Chart: Depicts the distribution of parts within a whole based on categories.
  • Bar Graph: Useful for comparing two or more variables.

Research Paper Outline

• Steps in writing a research paper:
  • Selecting a topic.
  • Gathering preliminary information.
  • Defining a thesis statement.
  • Creating an outline.
  • Writing a concept paper.
  • Gathering information and creating a bibliography.
  • Writing a draft.
• Concept Paper: Contains rationale, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes (Constantino and Zafra, 2000).
  • Rationale: Explains the historical context and significance of the topic.
  • Objectives: Outlines the research aims.
  • Methodology: Describes the data collection and analysis processes.
  • Expected Outcomes: Predicts the results of the research.

Concept Paper Components

• Introduction of a research topic.
• Importance of the chosen topic.
• Overall objective of the research.
• Methodological plan.
• Expected results.
• References.

Research Paper Revision

• Identifying the main points, summarizing the central idea and supporting evidence. Ensuring the thesis is clear and focused.
• Considering the target audience and purpose. Adaptation for specific groups or demographics.
• Evaluating the supporting evidence. Checking the adequacy and relevance of evidence to the thesis. Examining citations for accuracy and proper attribution.
• Ensuring all ideas relate to the main theme. Eliminating extraneous ideas if needed.
• Improving clarity and conciseness in language.
• Addressing grammatical errors and typos. Using correct grammar and punctuation.
• Evaluating the clarity of the research paper.