Glossary
Background and Context
Information provided early in a research paper that sets the stage for the study, offering necessary historical, theoretical, or situational details.
Example:
To help readers understand the study's relevance, the paper included extensive background and context on the historical development of renewable energy policies.
Bibliography
A comprehensive list of all sources cited or consulted in the preparation of a research paper, formatted according to a consistent citation style.
Example:
At the end of her paper, the bibliography meticulously listed every book, journal article, and website she referenced.
Citation Style
A standardized set of rules for acknowledging sources of information and ideas used in academic writing, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago.
Example:
For her psychology paper, Emily strictly adhered to the APA citation style for all in-text citations and her reference list.
Commentary
The reasoning and interpretation provided by the researcher to explain the significance of their findings and how they relate to the evidence.
Example:
The commentary on the survey data highlighted how participant responses directly supported the hypothesis about digital literacy skills.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The final section of a research paper that summarizes the main findings, reiterates the significance of the study, and suggests avenues for subsequent research.
Example:
The conclusion and future directions section not only summarized the key findings but also proposed several new research questions for follow-up studies.
Consistent Tone
Maintaining a uniform style, attitude, and voice throughout a written work, typically professional and objective in academic research.
Example:
Despite discussing a controversial topic, the author maintained a consistent tone that remained objective and respectful throughout the paper.
Discussion, Analysis, and/or Evaluation
The section where the researcher interprets the meaning of the results, explains their significance, and connects them back to the research question and existing literature.
Example:
In the discussion, analysis, and/or evaluation, the author explained how the unexpected findings challenged previous theories on consumer behavior.
Ethical Considerations
Principles and guidelines that ensure research is conducted responsibly, protecting participants' rights, privacy, and well-being, and avoiding harm.
Example:
Before starting the study, the researchers obtained informed consent from all participants, demonstrating their commitment to ethical considerations.
Gap Identification
The crucial process of pinpointing what is missing, unknown, or inadequately addressed in the existing body of literature that the current research aims to fill.
Example:
Through careful analysis, the researcher identified a significant gap identification in the literature regarding the long-term psychological effects of remote work on young professionals.
Implications
The broader significance or consequences of the research findings, discussing their potential impact on theory, practice, policy, or future research.
Example:
The implications of her study suggested that early childhood music education could significantly enhance linguistic development.
Introduction
The opening section of a research paper that captures the reader's attention, provides background, and typically states the research question or goal.
Example:
The introduction to her paper on climate change began with a startling statistic to immediately engage the audience.
Limitations
Acknowledged weaknesses or constraints of the research study that might affect the interpretation of the results or their generalizability.
Example:
One of the limitations of the study was the small sample size, which meant the findings might not be fully generalizable to the wider population.
Literature Review
A comprehensive summary and critical analysis of existing scholarly works, theories, and research relevant to a specific topic.
Example:
Before designing her experiment, Maria conducted a thorough literature review to understand previous studies on cognitive biases in decision-making.
Method, Process, or Approach
A detailed description of the systematic procedures, techniques, and strategies used to conduct the research and collect data.
Example:
The paper's method, process, or approach section meticulously outlined the steps for conducting the survey, including participant recruitment and data analysis software used.
Outline
A structured plan that organizes the main points and sections of a research paper, serving as a roadmap for writing and revision.
Example:
Before drafting her paper, Sarah created a detailed outline to ensure all her arguments and evidence were logically sequenced.
Peer Review
A process where a researcher's work is evaluated by others in the same field to ensure quality, validity, and rigor before publication or submission.
Example:
Before submitting his final draft, John asked a classmate for a peer review to catch any unclear sections or grammatical errors.
Replicable
A characteristic of research methodology indicating that the study's procedures are described with enough detail and clarity that another researcher could repeat the experiment and achieve similar results.
Example:
For a study on plant growth, ensuring the exact light, temperature, and watering schedule were documented made the experiment highly replicable.
Research Question/Goal
A clear, focused, and arguable question or statement that defines the specific inquiry or objective of a research project.
Example:
Her primary research question was: 'How does the implementation of a flipped classroom model affect student engagement in high school physics?'
Results, Product, or Findings
The objective presentation of the data, observations, or outcomes obtained directly from the research process, without interpretation.
Example:
The results, product, or findings section clearly displayed the statistical data showing a significant correlation between sleep duration and academic performance.
Revise
The process of critically reviewing and making improvements to a written work to enhance clarity, coherence, and overall quality.
Example:
After receiving feedback, David decided to revise his introduction to more clearly state his research question and hook the reader.
Transition Words
Words or phrases that connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, helping the text flow smoothly and logically for the reader.
Example:
Using transition words like 'however' and 'therefore' helped Sarah connect her opposing arguments seamlessly.