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    Writing The Caribbean Studies SBA Workshop

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    audreen moore
    This document provides guidance on writing the introduction and literature review sections of a research paper for Caribbean Studies. It outlines the required structure, including an introduction with the research topic, problem statement, and questions. Students are advised to explore their topic in detail and narrow their problem statement. The literature review must summarize and critique previous studies on the topic, and identify areas that need further research. Sources may include books, journals, reports and databases. The introduction, body, and conclusion structure is recommended for the literature review.

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    Writing The Caribbean Studies SBA Workshop

    Uploaded by

    audreen moore
    162 views26 pages
    This document provides guidance on writing the introduction and literature review sections of a research paper for Caribbean Studies. It outlines the required structure, including an introduction with the research topic, problem statement, and questions. Students are advised to explore their topic in detail and narrow their problem statement. The literature review must summarize and critique previous studies on the topic, and identify areas that need further research. Sources may include books, journals, reports and databases. The introduction, body, and conclusion structure is recommended for the literature review.

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    Writing the Caribbean Studies SBA Workshop

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    This document provides guidance on writing the introduction and literature review sections of a research paper for Caribbean Studies. It outlines the required structure, including an introduction with the research topic, problem statement, and questions. Students are advised to explore their topic in detail and narrow their problem statement. The literature review must summarize and critique previous studies on the topic, and identify areas that need further research. Sources may include books, journals, reports and databases. The introduction, body, and conclusion structure is recommended for the literature review.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    162 views26 pages

    Writing The Caribbean Studies SBA Workshop

    Uploaded by

    audreen moore
    This document provides guidance on writing the introduction and literature review sections of a research paper for Caribbean Studies. It outlines the required structure, including an introduction with the research topic, problem statement, and questions. Students are advised to explore their topic in detail and narrow their problem statement. The literature review must summarize and critique previous studies on the topic, and identify areas that need further research. Sources may include books, journals, reports and databases. The introduction, body, and conclusion structure is recommended for the literature review.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 26

    Writing the Caribbean

    Studies SBA
    The Introduction and Purpose of Research
    Literature Review
    Prepared by N.Haye
    Getting Started -
    Format of the Research Paper
    ! Length: 1,500 words.
    ! Structure: Cover Page ( Title , Name, Date, Registration number, Territory, Centre Number);
    ! Acknowledgements
    ! Table of Contents:
    ! Introduction
    ! Literature Review
    ! Data Collection Sources
    ! Presentation and Analysis of Data
    ! Discussion of Findings
    ! Conclusion/Limitations and Recommendations
    ! References/Bibliography
    ! Appendices

    ! Candidates are strongly advised to use the structure and sequence outlined in the syllabus to prepare their
    study
    Getting Started

    ! Candidates are encouraged to explore possible topics to choose from the syllabi (page 24
    – 28).
    ! Have students look at their immediate surroundings for issues they would like to discuss or
    better yet, choose an issue they feel passionate about.
    ! In identifying a research problem have the candidates/students keep the following in
    mind:
    ! It should be of interest to the candidate;
    ! It should be within the candidate’s expertise;
    ! It should be worthwhile or significant;
    ! It should be ‘do-able’;
    ! It should be manageable.

    (Source: Leacock, Coreen et al, (2009). Research Methods for Inexperienced Researchers.
    Jamaica: Ian Randle Publishers.
    Getting Started

    ! Have the candidates gather as much information as possible on the topic.


    ! Thereafter, from the broad topic that the candidate would like to research -
    have them start the more difficult part of the paper which is narrowing the topic.
    ! The next step is to formulate a PROBLEM STATEMENT.
    ! The problem statement identifies the intent of purpose of the research (Leacock
    et al, 2009). This process involves thinking, discarding and re-formulating the
    problem so that it meets the criteria necessary for a researchable problem
    (Caribbean Studies, Study Guide, 2004).
    ! Therefore, the problem statement refers to a logical and concise sentence which
    expresses the topic that the researcher is investigating.
    ! Example
    ! Topic: Crime in the Caribbean
    ! Sub topic: Effects of Crime
    ! Problem statement: a survey of the effects of crime on the residents of Pineapple Town,
    Kingston, Jamaica.
    Writing the Introduction and Purpose of
    Research
    ! Theme
    ! Topic
    ! Purpose of the research
    ! Statement of problem/Problem statement/problem to be researched
    ! Research questions/objectives
    ! Short background
    ! The value of the research
    ! Definition of Technical terms
    Purpose of the Research

    ! Candidates should talk about the relevance of the


    selected topic to Caribbean society and culture.
    ! What is the problem?
    ! How they became aware of the Problem?
    ! How is the identified problem affecting or have
    impacted society and culture?
    ! The candidate should state why they are studying/
    researching the problem identified.
    Problem Statement/Statement of the
    Problem
    ! A statement that indicates the specific purpose of the research, the
    variables of interest to the researcher, any specific relationship between
    those variables that is to be, or was, investigated.
    ! The problem statement identifies the intent of purpose of the research
    (Leacock et al, 2009).
    ! A problem statement is the lead idea of an investigation (it is a proposition) it
    shows or states what the researcher wants to find out.
    ! It is a statement or question in which you clearly state what you hope to find
    out. It must be specific and not vague.
    ! A problem statement is a sentence in which you clearly state what you wish
    to find out.
    ! The statement must be constructed showing the relationship between the
    cause (independent variable) and the effect (dependent variable).
    Guidelines to follow in writing your
    problem statement
    ! It should address an important question or issue.
    ! It should advance knowledge.
    ! Problems that result in yes or no answer are not suitable for problems of
    research.
    ! It should avoid philosophical issues and value judgmental problems.
    ! It should allow the researcher to conduct the research of the particular issue
    in an ethical way.
    ! It should not be too broad.
    ! Have a sense of practicality of the project – time, resources etc.
    ! Should include at least two variables (Independent and dependent).
    Examples of Problem Statement

    ! Theme: Crime in the Caribbean


    ! Topic: Effects of crime on the society
    ! Problem statement
    ! A survey of the effects of crime on the residents of Pineapple Town, Kingston 20,
    Jamaica.
    ! The economic effects of increased gang-related activities in the Pineapple
    community in Kingston, Jamaica.
    ! An investigation into the causes and effects of criminal activities in the Pineapple
    community, Kingston Jamaica.
    Research Questions/Research
    Objectives

    ! A research question guides and centres the research. It should be


    clear and focused.

    ! Research questions narrow the purpose to specific questions the


    researcher wants to answer or address in the study.

    ! The objectives provide an accurate description of the specific


    actions you will take in order to research your aim.
    Examples
    ! Theme: Crime in the Caribbean
    ! Topic: Effects of crime on the society
    ! Problem statement: An investigation into the causes and effects of criminal activities in the
    Pineapple community, Kingston Jamaica.

    ! Research objectives: In carrying out this investigation the researcher intends to:
    ! Identify the major types of crime in the Pineapple community;
    ! Examine the main causes of crime;
    ! Determine the main effects of crime on the residents;
    ! Provide possible solutions to solving or alleviating the negative impact/effects of crime in the community
    of Pineapple.

    ! Research Questions:
    ! What are the major types of crime that takes place in the Pineapple community?
    ! What are the main causes of crime in the Pineapple community?
    ! What are the main effects of crime on the residents of Pineapple community?
    ! How can the negative effects of crime in the Pineapple community be solved or alleviate?
    Short Background

    ! An introduction to the geographical location of the study area


    ! Population size
    ! Socio-economic background of the population
    Value of the Research

    ! For candidates to describe what educational importance the study has for
    student, and the wider reading public.
    Definition of Technical Terms

    ! Define technical terms used in the study.


    ! Meaning of words used in the title or topic.
    ! Any term that might be ambiguous or unclear to the reader.
    The Literature Review

    ! The systematic identification, location, and analysis of documents containing information


    related to a research problem.
    ! An account of what has been published on a topic by accredited scholars and
    researchers.
    ! A comprehensive review of the literature and previous research related to the area of
    investigation and using at least four different sources (Caribbean Studies Syllabi).
    ! Relate previous research on the problem properly to the study.
    ! Research questions are used as guide.
    ! Local sources
    ! Identify literature that highlights causes, effects and possible solutions of problem under
    investigation.
    ! Using appropriate referencing format – APA
    ! Only relevant, reputable sources should be cited – no opinionated, unsubstantiated sources.
    The Literature Review MUST

    ! Combine the results into a summary of what is what is not known.


    ! Identify areas of controversy in the literature.
    ! Identify questions that need further research.
    ! Critique of the sources

    Note: A good literature review equates to a good discussion.


    Where to look for Information

    ! Research reviews
    ! Books
    ! Journal articles
    ! Conference papers
    ! Theses and dissertations
    ! Professional association reports and papers
    ! Policy documents, Government reports and other publications
    ! Internet sources
    ! Scientific research reports
    ! Data bases
    ! Bibliographies
    Structuring the Literature Review

    ! Introduction
    ! Body
    ! Conclusions
    The Introduction
    ! Define or identify the general topic, issue, or area of concern

    ! Point out overall trends, conflicts, gaps or new perspectives

    ! Establish your position (point of view) from which you are reviewing the literature

    ! State why certain literature is or is not included (scope)

    ! Provide an overview of how the review is organised

    Source: Dr Patricia Farrar, Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Health www.gradschool.uts.edu.au/


    current/currentprocess/Reviewingtheliterature.ppt
    The Body
    ! Group the literature according to common denominators

    ! Summarize individual studies or articles according to its importance in the


    literature

    ! Provide the reader with "umbrella" sentences at beginnings of paragraphs,


    "signposts" throughout, and brief "so what" summary sentences

    Source: Dr Patricia Farrar, Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Health www.gradschool.uts.edu.au/current/currentprocess/


    Reviewingtheliterature.ppt
    The Conclusion

    ! Summarize major contributions of significant studies with


    reference to the introduction.

    ! Conclude by providing some insight into the relationship


    between the central topic of the literature review and
    your study’s focus.

    Source: Dr Patricia Farrar, Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Health


    www.gradschool.uts.edu.au/current/currentprocess/
    Reviewingtheliterature.ppt
    Using transitional words & phrases

    ! For authors who draw similar conclusions:


    ! also; similarly; again; in addition

    ! For authors who complement one another:


    ! moreover; furthermore; notwithstanding

    ! For authors who disagree or contradict:


    ! however; conversely; nonetheless; on the other hand
    Reporting Verbs

    ! When an author makes a claim: alleges; suggests;


    contends; argues; proposes; contests

    ! When authors make the same claim across texts: agree;


    concur; support; validate; correspond with

    ! When authors disagree: argue; refute; challenge;


    dispute; contradict; negate; invalidate; rebut; disprove;
    counter; oppose
    Sources

    ! Baptiste, Alison and Ottley, Jeanette. (2004). CAPE Caribbean Studies: A step-by- step Writing.
    Barbados: Ottley Solutions.
    ! Caribbean Examinations Council. (2012). Caribbean Studies Syllabus: CAPE. Jamaica: Ian Randle
    Publishers.
    ! Dr Patricia Farrar, Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Health www.gradschool.uts.edu.au/current/
    currentprocess/Reviewingtheliterature.ppt
    ! Leacock, Coreen et al, (2009). Research methods for inexperienced researchers. Jamaica: Ian
    Randle Publishers.
    ! Lee Cuba, A Short Guide to Writing About Social Science, third edition. (New York: Addison-
    Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc., 1997), 70-71.
    ! Fraenkel, Jack and Wallen, Norman. (2003). How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education
    (5th Ed.).Boston, New York, London: McGraw Hill.
    ! Lichtman, Marilyn. (2010). Qualitative Research in Education: A user’s Guide. Los Angeles, London:
    SAGE
    ! Soyibo, Kola et al, (2004). Research Proposal and Research Report Writing for Education Medical
    and Social Sciences. Jamaica: JBTE Foundation, University of the West Indies, Mona.
    Other Useful Sources on writing the
    Literature Review
    The University of Queensland has information at
    http://www.uq.edu.au/studentservices/linkto/phdwriting/fr_phfaq.html
    The University of Toronto provides information at
    http://www.utoronto.ca/writing/litrev.html
    The University of North Carolina has a handout at
    http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/literature_review.html
    The Graduate Research School at Edith Cowan University has a tip sheet at
    http://www.ecu.edu.au/CLT/tips/docs/literature_review.pdf
    Deakin University offers useful advice at
    http://www.deakin.edu.au/current-students/study-support/study-skills/research/thesis-
    review.php

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