PROJECT SCHOOL: Writing a proper research paper for a Project / School

Hello guys. Bucan here once again.
I have an idea. It's brilliant believe me. I want to have a little series of Blogs called 'PROJECT SCHOOL' where I am going to teach you about everything you need to know when it comes to writing a proper Project. So we are starting from a 'Research Paper'. And this blog is going to be in a format of one Research paper, so be prepared to read a long post.

What is Research paper?

Research paper is an expanded essay written after a long process of exploration and gaining an empirical experience on a particular topic. In our daily lives we will be asked to write a report of our work, and we will be judged based on that report. Thus, it is really important to practice skills of writing research papers and reports.   

Introduction

 A report is an informational work made with the intention of relaying information or recounting certain events in a presentable form.

Our report is the ‘tool’ and ‘trick’ you can always use to make your research paper as good as possible. When it comes to existing papers on this topic, there are many tips on how to write a good research paper, and they are all true. Our work is summary of all of them, where you can see the recommended style, writing style and content as well.   

Main body

When writing a research paper, try to stick to some basic rules. Research papers are different in size and in content, but we will explain all the parts you might need to include. There are 3 main parts you need to carry about. 

Content

 Title page: First written page after the cover is called title page. It should include information about topic, author, supervisor, date and place. It should be placed at the center and double spaced.  

Content page is the page where all the headings and subheadings are listed, with the number of pages they can be found on. Sometimes, it can contain descriptive text, but it is not common.

  Abstract is the summary of your whole paper. It should include objectives, methodology, results, conclusion and recommendations - the whole paper written in a couple of sentences. It is the most important part as everyone is going to look at your abstract first. 

Keywords is a list of the basic concepts that are repeated through your whole text. It can be mentioned after abstract and at a whole new page. Keep your phrases shorter than 4 words, separated by semi-colons and in plural form. 

Introduction is the part where you write about the background knowledge on the given topic. All the previous/existing works should be mentioned (sometimes they are separated in a part called Literature review). 

Methodology: After you state your problem, write about all the possible solutions on a given topic. State their advantages and disadvantages, and then chose one you are going to use. Don’t forget to write why you have chosen that particular solution. 

Findings/Results is the evidence of your research. It is preferable to use graphs, tables and diagrams to represent your statistics, because people trust more to them. Length of this section depends on data to be reported. 

Discussion is the part where you answer to all the questions that are asked, but not answered yet. It should give a significance to your findings and show new insights. Use appendices part, if needed.

Conclusion is the synthesis of key points. There shouldn’t be any new information or new references, but you can state recommendations for some new researches. It shouldn’t be longer than a few paragraphs.

List of tables and contents should have all the figures, images, diagrams and other statistical information, their description and pages they can be found on. It is important for people searching for some particular information.   

References: When taking someone else’s idea or words, don’t forget to use proper referencing. It is really important part and is related to plagiarism. Use Microsoft Word’s tools to make it much easier. 

Acknowledgements part should be short and concise. Mention everyone who has helped you (don’t mention your mom/family and friends). 

Appendix is the part where you add any additional information. It shouldn’t be too long, as supervisors won’t read it in details, but can contain information in form of photos, videos, articles, etc. 

Design and Style

Design is something that should attract people, but shouldn’t be too conspicuous. Make it look nice and organized. Word count depends on type of your work. For dissertations, number of words should be approximately 25 000. 

Paper size in most of the cases is A4. Margin settings can differ as well, and it is really important to follow all the rules and everything that is asked from you, not to get disqualified.

Line spacing in most of the cases is doubled, but can also be 1.5.   Don’t forget to include page numbering and to update it with your contents page. It is really important for everyone who is interested in your work.

Text and font that are recommended are 12, Times New Roman (globally). Alignment is mostly justified, but each heading has different style. If you started with one rule (one heading), use it in your whole paper, never change it.   

When printing your work, you can chose type of your binding-can be hard, spiral and soft cover. Also, never print only one copy. Keep in mind that your supervisor/judges and university should get a copy as well. 

Writing style: use third person singular and passive form, with a gender-inclusive vocabulary. Don’t give to many personal opinions because your report should be as formal as possible.   

Plagiarism

Plagiarism occurs when students/employees attempt to take someone else’s work. It is not a problem if you find some resources and use them, but in that case learn how to reference. A good method is also to paraphrase someone’s work- to write it in your own words and show that you understood it.

Also, there is an online edition of Plagiarism checker. Just upload your text and wait for the results. It checks if any five consecutive words are the same as any source online, and if they are you will be asked to change it.   

Conclusion

When writing your research paper, try to stick to the rules as much as possible. Of course, that is your work and you are free to write whatever you want, but try to find the right place for everything. Also, never change the topic too soon because it might be confusing for the readers.
 

And, remember: A skill to write a good report is not something you are born with, it is the matter of your practice. 

Love from Bučan <3