Lesson 2 - Research Strategies And Topic Selection PDF

IBN ZOHR UNIVERSITY COMPOSITION 2 (S3) 2024- ESEFA – AGADIR 2025...

IBN ZOHR UNIVERSITY COMPOSITION 2 (S3) 2024- ESEFA – AGADIR 2025 PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA [email protected] COMPOSITION 2 Table of Content 1. Choosing a Topic............................................................................................................................. 3 Understand the Assignment........................................................................................................... 3 Brainstorm Ideas............................................................................................................................. 3 Narrow Down the Topic.................................................................................................................. 4 General Topic: "Education in Morocco"......................................................................................... 4 Refined Topic.................................................................................................................................. 4 2. Developing Research Strategies.................................................................................................... 5 Plan Your Research......................................................................................................................... 5 Identify Reliable Sources................................................................................................................. 5 Evaluate Sources Critically.............................................................................................................. 5 3. Conducting Research Effectively.................................................................................................... 6 Take Organized Notes..................................................................................................................... 6 Review and Synthesize Information............................................................................................... 6 Develop a Research Question......................................................................................................... 6 4. Topic Selection: Pitfalls and Tips................................................................................................... 6 Avoid Overly Narrow Topics............................................................................................................ 6 Ensure Relevance and Interest....................................................................................................... 6 Check Feasibility.............................................................................................................................. 7 5. Using Research to Formulate a Thesis........................................................................................... 7 Formulate a Clear Thesis................................................................................................................. 7 6. Citing and Documenting Sources................................................................................................... 7 Record Bibliographic Information................................................................................................... 7 Use Reference Management Tools................................................................................................. 7 Use the Appropriate Citation Style................................................................................................. 8 6. The Research Process................................................................................................................. 8 Example of a Research Process....................................................................................................... 8 7. Preliminary Research Strategies................................................................................................ 9 Narrowing Your Focus..................................................................................................................... 9 Preliminary Search Tips................................................................................................................... 9 COMPOSITION 2 (S3) PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA 1 IBN ZOHR UNIVERSITY COMPOSITION 2 (S3) 2024- ESEFA – AGADIR 2025 PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA [email protected] 8. Intermediate Research Strategies........................................................................................... 10 Popular vs. Scholarly Sources........................................................................................................ 10 Finding Scholarly Sources.............................................................................................................. 10 Understanding Source Types........................................................................................................ 10 9. Evaluating Sources................................................................................................................... 11 Determining Suitability................................................................................................................. 11 Determining Trustworthiness....................................................................................................... 11 Tools for Evaluating Sources: The C.R.A.A.P. Test........................................................................ 11 10. Synthesizing Information..................................................................................................... 11 11. Using Sources in Your Paper................................................................................................ 12 Quoting......................................................................................................................................... 12 Summarizing.................................................................................................................................. 12 Paraphrasing................................................................................................................................. 12 COMPOSITION 2 (S3) PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA 2  IBN ZOHR UNIVERSITY COMPOSITION 2 (S3) 2024- ESEFA – AGADIR 2025 PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA [email protected] WEEK 2 RESEARCH STRATEGIES AND TOPIC SELECTION Research Strategies and Topic Selection (Oshima & Hogue, 2007, pp. 3-5; Bhatti, 2014, pp. 7-10) Effective research and thoughtful topic selection are crucial steps in the academic writing process. This section guides students through identifying and researching topics that are relevant, engaging, and suitable for academic essays. 1. Choosing a Topic Selecting a topic is the foundation of your essay. It influences the scope, depth, and direction of your research and writing. Consider these steps: Understand the Assignment:  Read the Prompt Carefully: Analyze the assignment to determine the type of essay required, whether it is argumentative, analytical, expository, etc. Note any specific guidelines that must be followed.  Identify Key Objectives: Recognize what the assignment aims to achieve. For instance, are you expected to argue a particular point, analyze a specific concept, or explain a phenomenon? Brainstorm Ideas: COMPOSITION 2 (S3) PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA 3  IBN ZOHR UNIVERSITY COMPOSITION 2 (S3) 2024- ESEFA – AGADIR 2025 PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA [email protected]  Generate a Wide Range of Ideas: Employ brainstorming techniques such as mind mapping, listing, or freewriting to facilitate idea generation. These methods help you capture all thoughts related to the subject.  Consider Personal Interests: Reflect on your own interests within the subject area. A topic that resonates with you will motivate you to engage more deeply and sustain your enthusiasm throughout the research process. Narrow Down the Topic:  Refine Your Ideas: Once you have generated a general idea, refine it to ensure it aligns with the assignment’s scope. Avoid overly broad topics (e.g., "Technology") and opt for a more focused version (e.g., "The impact of social media on adolescent mental health").  Use the 5Ws: Apply the 5Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why) to specify and clarify your topic further. Example: General Topic: "Education in Morocco" Applying the 5Ws: 1. Who: Which group or demographic are you focusing on?  Example: "Rural students in Morocco." 2. What: What specific aspect of education are you exploring?  Example: "Access to quality education and resources." 3. When: What time period are you examining?  Example: "Over the past 10 years (2013-2023)." 4. Where: Which specific location or region in Morocco are you focusing on?  Example: "Mountainous regions like the Rif and Atlas Mountains." 5. Why: Why is this issue important, and what are the factors involved?  Example: "To understand the impact of government policies and NGO interventions on improving educational access and reducing dropout rates." Refined Topic: COMPOSITION 2 (S3) PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA 4  IBN ZOHR UNIVERSITY COMPOSITION 2 (S3) 2024- ESEFA – AGADIR 2025 PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA [email protected] "How have government policies and NGO interventions over the past decade (2013-2023) impacted access to quality education for rural students in the mountainous regions of the Rif and Atlas Mountains in Morocco?" By using the 5Ws, this refined topic focuses on a specific demographic, location, timeframe, and the factors influencing education, making it more precise and researchable. Tip: Aim for a balance—your topic should be broad enough to find sufficient sources yet specific enough to cover in detail within the essay's word limit. 2. Developing Research Strategies Once you have selected a topic, effective research is essential for gathering credible information to support your arguments. Follow these strategies: Plan Your Research:  Allocate Time: Schedule specific time for research, breaking down your plan into phases, such as topic exploration, in-depth reading, and note-taking.  Time Management Tip: Bhatti (2014) recommends spending approximately 30-35 hours on research and planning for a coursework essay to ensure thorough preparation. Identify Reliable Sources:  Utilize Academic Databases: Access databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, university libraries, and peer-reviewed journals. These sources provide credible and authoritative information essential for your research.  Books and Scholarly Works: Explore books written by scholars and established experts in your field, which can offer valuable insights and contextual understanding. Evaluate Sources Critically:  Assess Credibility and Relevance: Critically evaluate each source's credibility by considering the author's qualifications, the publication date, and the purpose of the text.  Avoid Non-Scholarly Sources: Steer clear of sources like Wikipedia or personal blogs unless they direct you to reliable references. Tip: Bhatti (2014) encourages students to look beyond course reading lists to earn higher grades. Investigate key issues and build arguments supported by diverse and credible sources. COMPOSITION 2 (S3) PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA 5  IBN ZOHR UNIVERSITY COMPOSITION 2 (S3) 2024- ESEFA – AGADIR 2025 PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA [email protected] 3. Conducting Research Effectively Effective research entails not only finding information but also understanding and organizing it meaningfully: Take Organized Notes:  Use Structured Note-Taking Systems: Consider methods such as Cornell Notes to organize your notes efficiently. Group information thematically to ease later writing.  Document Key Information: Record essential quotes, paraphrased information, and your reflections or analyses to facilitate seamless integration into your essay. Review and Synthesize Information:  Regularly Review Notes: As you gather material, periodically revisit your notes. Look for patterns, contradictions, or gaps in information to refine your thesis or adjust your approach.  Synthesis of Information: Combine insights from different sources to build a comprehensive understanding of your topic. Ensure your research encompasses multiple perspectives, especially if you are writing an argumentative essay. Develop a Research Question:  Formulate a Guiding Question: Based on your findings, craft a specific, focused, and open- ended research question that will direct your essay (e.g., "How does social media influence academic performance among college students?"). This question will help maintain focus during your research and writing. 4. Topic Selection: Pitfalls and Tips When selecting a topic, be mindful of common pitfalls and consider these tips to avoid them: Avoid Overly Narrow Topics:  Check for Available Research: Topics that are excessively specific may lack sufficient research material. Ensure that you have access to a variety of credible sources before finalizing your choice. Ensure Relevance and Interest:  Select Engaging Topics: Choose a topic that not only aligns with course requirements but also interests you personally. This will enhance your engagement throughout the research and writing process. COMPOSITION 2 (S3) PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA 6  IBN ZOHR UNIVERSITY COMPOSITION 2 (S3) 2024- ESEFA – AGADIR 2025 PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA [email protected]  Consider Current Issues: Explore current debates or emerging issues within your subject area to make your essay timely and relevant. Check Feasibility:  Preliminary Source Search: Conduct a preliminary search to verify the availability of credible sources. If you find limited information, you may need to adjust your topic accordingly. Example:  Initial Topic: "Impact of AI in Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses in Morocco"  Refined Topic After Research: "The Role of AI in Enhancing Social Media Marketing for Small Enterprises in Morocco" 5. Using Research to Formulate a Thesis Your research should lead to a clear thesis statement that guides the structure of your essay: Formulate a Clear Thesis:  Concise Statement: Your thesis should provide a concise answer to your research question or present your argument. It serves as the foundation of your essay.  Ensure Debatability: Make sure your thesis is debatable and can be supported with evidence derived from your research. Example:  Research Question: "What are the benefits and drawbacks of remote learning?"  Thesis: "While remote learning offers flexibility and accessibility, it also presents significant challenges in student engagement and technical accessibility." 6. Citing and Documenting Sources Proper citation is crucial in academic writing. Follow these guidelines: Record Bibliographic Information:  Detailed Records: Maintain a thorough record of all sources as you research, including the author, title, publication date, and page numbers. Use Reference Management Tools: COMPOSITION 2 (S3) PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA 7  IBN ZOHR UNIVERSITY COMPOSITION 2 (S3) 2024- ESEFA – AGADIR 2025 PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA [email protected]  Organize Citations: Consider using reference management tools such as Mendeley or Zotero to help organize your citations efficiently. Use the Appropriate Citation Style:  Follow APA Style: Adhere to APA style for citations, ensuring you credit sources for direct quotes and paraphrased information accurately. Example: (Oshima & Hogue, 2007, p. 45). 6. The Research Process Gears of the research process turn in a systematic manner. The essential steps are: 1. Define the Topic 2. Narrow the Topic 3. Gather Background Information 4. Create a Research Question 5. Generate Sub-Questions 6. Find and Evaluate Sources 7. Cite Sources 8. Write the Paper The first step towards writing a research paper is to find sources. Not everything you encounter will be suitable, and those that are beneficial may not be easily found. Having a clear idea of what you’re looking for will guide your process and help you develop a compelling essay. Example of a Research Process A good research process should adhere to the following steps: 1. Decide on the Topic 2. Narrow the Topic to refine search parameters. 3. Create a Question that your research will address. 4. Generate Sub-Questions from your main question. 5. Determine the Types of Sources best suited for your argument. 6. Create a Bibliography as you gather and reference sources. Books are a fundamental part of research; avoid starting without a plan. COMPOSITION 2 (S3) PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA 8  IBN ZOHR UNIVERSITY COMPOSITION 2 (S3) 2024- ESEFA – AGADIR 2025 PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA [email protected] 7. Preliminary Research Strategies Begin your research plan by clearly identifying the focus of your argument. Start by familiarizing yourself with the basics of your topic through general online searches or resources like Wikipedia (though it should not be cited as a source). Ensure you’ve reviewed all assigned texts and carefully read the prompt. Narrowing Your Focus A broad online search will yield thousands of results, making it essential to narrow your focus. Consider what aspect of the topic you find most intriguing and what position you might take. Reflect on your prewriting stage to inform this decision. Preliminary Search Tips  Use Wikipedia for Initial Information: It’s okay to start with Wikipedia, but always check the references at the bottom for more reliable sources.  Utilize "Ctrl+F": This function helps you find specific terms within webpages, directing you to the sections that interest you.  Google Advanced Search: Use specific queries to refine results. For instance:  Use quotation marks for exact phrases, e.g., “Tanks in WWII.”  Limit your search to specific sites, like adding “site:.gov” for government resources.  Explore time filters in Google Search Tools to find recent information. As you narrow your focus, compile a list of questions that your research will answer. This plan will help streamline your process and ensure comprehensive coverage of your topic. COMPOSITION 2 (S3) PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA 9  IBN ZOHR UNIVERSITY COMPOSITION 2 (S3) 2024- ESEFA – AGADIR 2025 PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA [email protected] 8. Intermediate Research Strategies Popular vs. Scholarly Sources College research often demands scholarly sources. These differ from popular sources in several ways: Aspect Popular Source Scholarly Source Intended Audience Broad audience Specialized audience with prior knowledge Author Journalist with general Subject matter expert with relevant expertise degrees Research May lack citations; often Includes references, citations, and anecdotal bibliography Publication Reviewed by editor Undergoes peer-review by experts Standards Finding Scholarly Sources To locate scholarly resources:  Start with background research and refine your search terms.  Utilize library databases such as Academic Search Premier and ProQuest.  Don’t hesitate to seek help from librarians, who can guide you to valuable resources. Understanding Source Types Recognizing the differences between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources is crucial:  Primary Sources: Original works or firsthand accounts, such as diaries, interviews, and research results.  Secondary Sources: Analyses or summaries of primary sources, including biographies and journal articles.  Tertiary Sources: Overviews and summaries, like encyclopedias and handbooks. Discipline Primary Source Secondary Source Tertiary Source Art Original painting Critical review Encyclopedia article History Civil War diary Book on Civil War Chronology of battles Literature Novel or poem Essay about the work Biography of the author Political Science Geneva Convention Article about treaties Summary of political events COMPOSITION 2 (S3) PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA 10  IBN ZOHR UNIVERSITY COMPOSITION 2 (S3) 2024- ESEFA – AGADIR 2025 PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA [email protected] 9. Evaluating Sources You must evaluate each potential source by asking:  Is this source trustworthy?  Is this source suitable for my research? Determining Suitability Consider whether the source will help you answer your research questions and contribute to an interesting essay. Determining Trustworthiness Assessing source reliability is vital; even well-designed websites can provide misleading information. Tools for Evaluating Sources: The C.R.A.A.P. Test 1. Currency: When was the information published? 2. Relevance: How pertinent is the information to your research? 3. Authority: What is the author's expertise? 4. Accuracy: How reliable is the information? 5. Purpose: What is the intent behind the information? If the source is current, relevant, and accurate, it’s likely suitable for your work. 10. Synthesizing Information When sources provide conflicting information, synthesize multiple perspectives to reach a comprehensive understanding. This skill is crucial for developing a nuanced argument. COMPOSITION 2 (S3) PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA 11  IBN ZOHR UNIVERSITY COMPOSITION 2 (S3) 2024- ESEFA – AGADIR 2025 PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA [email protected] 11. Using Sources in Your Paper Proper citation of sources is essential to avoid plagiarism. You can integrate sources in three main ways: Quoting Direct quotations must be enclosed in quotation marks and properly attributed. Summarizing Summarize the main ideas of a source while providing appropriate citations. Paraphrasing Paraphrase parts of a source in your own words, ensuring to credit the original author. Remember to provide context for your sources, integrating them into your argument effectively. COMPOSITION 2 (S3) PROF. EL-ALLALI JASIA 12