Research is common parlance refers to a research for knowledge.

Once
can also define research as a scientific and systematic search for pertinent
information on a specific topic. In fact, research is an art of scientific
investigation. The advanced Learner’s Dictionary of current English lays down
the meaning of research as a “careful investigation or inquiry specially
through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge”. Redman and Mory
define research as a “Systematized efforts to gain new knowledge” some people
considered research as a movement, a movement from the known to the
unknown. It is actually a voyage of discovery. We all possess the vital instinct
of inquisitiveness for when the unknown conforms us we wonder and our
inquisitiveness make us probe and attain full and fuller understanding of the
unknown. This inquisitiveness is the mother of all knowledge and the mother
which man employs for obtaining the knowledge of whatever the unknown,
can be termed as research.
Research is an academic activity and as such the term should be used
in a technical sense. According to Clifford Woody research comprises defining
and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions;
collecting, organizing and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching
conclusions; and at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine
whether they fit the formulating hypothesis.
Objectives of Research:
The purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through
the application of scientific procedures. The main aim of research is to find
out the truth which is hidden and which has not been discovered as yet.
Though each research study has its own specific purpose, we may think of
research objectives as falling into a number of following broad groupings:
1. To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it
2. To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual,
situation or a group
3. To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it
is associated with something else
4. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables.
Motivation in Research
What makes people to undertake research? This is a question of
fundamental importance. The possible motives for doing research may be
either one or more of the following:
1. Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits;
2. Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems, i.e., concern
over practical problems initiates research;
3. Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work;
4. Desire to be of service to society;
5. Desire to get respectability.
However, this is not an exhaustive list of factors motivating people to
undertake research studies. Many more factors such as directives of
government, employment conditions, curiosity about new things, desire to
understand causal relationships, social thinking and awakening, and the like
may as well motivate (or at times compel) people to perform research
operations.
What is Research?
Research is the careful consideration of study regarding a particular concern or research
problem using scientific methods. According to the American sociologist Earl Robert Babbie,
“research is a systematic inquiry to describe, explain, predict, and control the observed
phenomenon. It involves inductive and deductive methods.”

Inductive methods analyze an observed event, while deductive methods verify the observed
event. Inductive approaches are associated with qualitative research, and deductive methods
are more commonly associated with quantitative analysis.

Research is conducted with a purpose to:

 Identify potential and new customers

 Understand existing customers
 Set pragmatic goals
 Develop productive market strategies
 Address business challenges
 Put together a business expansion plan
 Identify new business opportunities

What are the characteristics of research?

1. Good research follows a systematic approach to capture accurate data. Researchers

need to practice ethics and a code of conduct while making observations or drawing
conclusions.
2. The analysis is based on logical reasoning and involves both inductive and
deductive methods.
3. Real-time data and knowledge is derived from actual observations in natural
settings.
4. There is an in-depth analysis of all data collected so that there are no anomalies
associated with it.
5. It creates a path for generating new questions. Existing data helps create more
research opportunities.
6. It is analytical and uses all the available data so that there is no ambiguity in
inference.
7. Accuracy is one of the most critical aspects of research. The information must be
accurate and correct. For example, laboratories provide a controlled environment to
collect data. Accuracy is measured in the instruments used, the calibrations of
instruments or tools, and the experiment’s final result.

What is the purpose of research?

There are three main purposes:

1. Exploratory: As the name suggests, researchers conduct exploratory studies to

explore a group of questions. The answers and analytics may not offer a conclusion
to the perceived problem. It is undertaken to handle new problem areas that haven’t
been explored before. This exploratory data analysis process lays the foundation for
more conclusive data collection and analysis.
 2. Descriptive: It focuses on expanding knowledge on current issues through a process
of data collection. Descriptive research describe the behavior of a sample population.
Only one variable is required to conduct the study. The three primary purposes of
descriptive studies are describing, explaining, and validating the findings. For
example, a study conducted to know if top-level management leaders in the 21st
century possess the moral right to receive a considerable sum of money from the
company profit.

1. Explanatory: Causal research or explanatory research is conducted to understand

the impact of specific changes in existing standard procedures. Running
experiments is the most popular form. For example, a study that is conducted to
understand the effect of rebranding on customer loyalty.

Here is a comparative analysis chart for a better understanding:

Exploratory Research Descriptive Research Explanatory Research

Approach used Unstructured Structured Highly structured

Conducted
Asking questions Asking questions By using hypotheses.
through

Early stages of decision Later stages of decision Later stages of decision

Time
making making making

It begins by asking the right questions and choosing an appropriate method to investigate the
problem. After collecting answers to your questions, you can analyze the findings or
observations to draw reasonable conclusions.

When it comes to customers and market studies, the more thorough your questions, the better
the analysis. You get essential insights into brand perception and product needs by
thoroughly collecting customer data through surveys and questionnaires. You can use this
data to make smart decisions about your marketing strategies to position your business
effectively.

To make sense of your study and get insights faster, it helps to use a research repository as a
single source of truth in your organization and manage your research data in one
centralized data repository.

Types of research methods and Examples

Research methods are broadly classified as Qualitative and Quantitative.

Both methods have distinctive properties and data collection methods.

Qualitative methods

Qualitative research is a method that collects data using conversational methods,

usually open-ended questions. The responses collected are essentially non-numerical. This
method helps a researcher understand what participants think and why they think in a
particular way.

Types of qualitative methods include:

1. One-to-one Interview
2. Focus Groups
3. Ethnographic studies
4. Text Analysis
5. Case Study

Quantitative methods

Quantitative methods deal with numbers and measurable forms. It uses a systematic way of
investigating events or data. It answers questions to justify relationships with measurable
variables to either explain, predict, or control a phenomenon.

Types of quantitative methods include:

1. Survey research
2. Descriptive research
3. Correlational research

Remember, it is only valuable and useful when it is valid, accurate, and reliable. Incorrect
results can lead to customer churn and a decrease in sales.

It is essential to ensure that your data is:

 Valid – founded, logical, rigorous, and impartial.

 Accurate – free of errors and including required details.
 Reliable – other people who investigate in the same way can produce similar results.
 Timely – current and collected within an appropriate time frame.
 Complete – includes all the data you need to support your business decisions.

8 tips for conducting accurate research

 1. Identify the main trends and issues, opportunities, and problems you observe. Write
a sentence describing each one.
2. Keep track of the frequency with which each of the main findings appears.
3. Make a list of your findings from the most common to the least common.
4. Evaluate a list of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats identified in
a SWOT analysis.
5. Prepare conclusions and recommendations about your study.
6. Act on your strategies
7. Look for gaps in the information, and consider doing additional inquiry if necessary
8. Plan to review the results and consider efficient methods to analyze and interpret
results.

Review your goals before making any conclusions about your study. Remember how the
process you have completed and the data you have gathered help answer your questions. Ask
yourself if what your analysis revealed facilitates the identification of your conclusions and
recommendations.

What is Research Design?

Research design is the framework of research methods and techniques
chosen by a researcher to conduct a study. The design allows researchers
to sharpen the research methods suitable for the subject matter and set up
their studies for success.
Creating a research topic explains the type of research
(experimental, survey research, correlational, semi-experimental, review)
and its sub-type (experimental design, research problem, descriptive case-
study).

There are three main types of designs for research:

 Data collection
 Measurement
 Data Analysis

The research problem an organization faces will determine the design, not
vice-versa. The design phase of a study determines which tools to use and
how they are used.

The Process of Research Design

The research design process is a systematic and structured approach to
conducting research. The process is essential to ensure that the study is
valid, reliable, and produces meaningful results.

1. Consider your aims and approaches: Determine the research

questions and objectives, and identify the theoretical framework
and methodology for the study.
2. Choose a type of Research Design: Select the appropriate
research design, such as experimental, correlational, survey, case
study, or ethnographic, based on the research questions and
objectives.
3. Identify your population and sampling method: Determine the
target population and sample size, and choose the sampling
method, such as random, stratified random sampling, or
convenience sampling.
4. Choose your data collection methods: Decide on the methods,
such as surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments, and
select the appropriate instruments or tools for collecting data.
5. Plan your data collection procedures: Develop a plan for data
collection, including the timeframe, location, and personnel
involved, and ensure ethical considerations.

1. Decide on your data analysis strategies: Select the appropriate

data analysis techniques, such as statistical analysis, content
analysis, or discourse analysis, and plan how to interpret the
results.
The process of research design is a critical step in conducting research. By
following the steps of research design, researchers can ensure that their
study is well-planned, ethical, and rigorous.

Research Design Elements

Impactful research usually creates a minimum bias in data and increases
trust in the accuracy of collected data. A design that produces the slightest
margin of error in experimental research is generally considered the
desired outcome. The essential elements are:

1. Accurate purpose statement

2. Techniques to be implemented for collecting and analyzing
research
3. The method applied for analyzing collected details
4. Type of research methodology
5. Probable objections to research
6. Settings for the research study
7. Timeline
8. Measurement of analysis

Characteristics of Research Design

A proper design sets your study up for success.
Successful research studies provide insights that are accurate and
unbiased. You’ll need to create a survey that meets all of the main
characteristics of a design. There are four key characteristics:
  Neutrality: When you set up your study, you may have to make
assumptions about the data you expect to collect. The results
projected in the research should be free from research bias and
neutral. Understand opinions about the final evaluated scores and
conclusions from multiple individuals and consider those who agree
with the results.
 Reliability: With regularly conducted research, the researcher
expects similar results every time. You’ll only be able to reach the
desired results if your design is reliable. Your plan should indicate
how to form research questions to ensure the standard of results.
 Validity: There are multiple measuring tools available. However, the
only correct measuring tools are those which help a researcher in
gauging results according to the objective of the research.
The questionnaire developed from this design will then be valid.
 Generalization: The outcome of your design should apply to a
population and not just a restricted sample. A generalized method
implies that your survey can be conducted on any part of a
population with similar accuracy.

The above factors affect how respondents answer the research questions,
so they should balance all the above characteristics in a good design. If
you want, you can also learn about Selection Bias through our blog.

Research Design Types

A researcher must clearly understand the various types to select which
model to implement for a study. Like research itself, the design of your
analysis can be broadly classified into quantitative and qualitative.

 Qualitative research
It determines relationships between collected data and observations based
on mathematical calculations. Statistical methods can prove or disprove
theories related to a naturally existing phenomenon. Researchers rely
on qualitative observation research methods that conclude “why” a
particular theory exists and “what” respondents have to say about it.

 Quantitative research
It is for cases where statistical conclusions to collect actionable insights are
essential. Numbers provide a better perspective for making critical
business decisions. Quantitative research methods are necessary for the
growth of any organization. Insights drawn from complex numerical data
and analysis prove to be highly effective when making decisions about the
business’s future.

Qualitative Research vs Quantitative Research

Here is a chart that highlights the major differences between qualitative and
quantitative research:

Qualitative Research Quantitative Research

Focus on explaining and understanding exp Focus on quantifying and measuring phenome
eriences and perspectives. na.

Use of non-numerical data, such as words, i Use of numerical data, such as statistics and s
mages, and observations. urveys.

Usually uses small sample sizes. Usually uses larger sample sizes.

Typically emphasizes in-depth exploration a

Typically emphasizes precision and objectivity.
nd interpretation.

Data analysis involves interpretation and na Data analysis involves statistical analysis and
rrative analysis. hypothesis testing.

Results are presented numerically and statistic

Results are presented descriptively.
ally.

You can further break down the types of research design into five
categories:
1. Descriptive: In a descriptive composition, a researcher is solely
interested in describing the situation or case under their research study. It
is a theory-based design method created by gathering, analyzing, and
presenting collected data. This allows a researcher to provide insights into
the why and how of research. Descriptive design helps others better
understand the need for the research. If the problem statement is not clear,
you can conduct exploratory research.

2. Experimental: Experimental research establishes a relationship

between the cause and effect of a situation. It is a causal research design
where one observes the impact caused by the independent variable on the
dependent variable. For example, one monitors the influence of an
independent variable such as a price on a dependent variable such as
customer satisfaction or brand loyalty. It is an efficient research method as
it contributes to solving a problem.

The independent variables are manipulated to monitor the change it has on

the dependent variable. Social sciences often use it to observe human
behavior by analyzing two groups. Researchers can have participants
change their actions and study how the people around them react to
understand social psychology better.

3. Correlational research: Correlational research is a non-experimental

research technique. It helps researchers establish a relationship between
two closely connected variables. There is no assumption while evaluating a
relationship between two other variables, and statistical analysis
techniques calculate the relationship between them. This type of research
requires two different groups.

A correlation coefficient determines the correlation between two variables

whose values range between -1 and +1. If the correlation coefficient is
towards +1, it indicates a positive relationship between the variables, and -
1 means a negative relationship between the two variables.

4. Diagnostic research: In diagnostic design, the researcher is looking to

evaluate the underlying cause of a specific topic or phenomenon. This
method helps one learn more about the factors that create troublesome
situations.

This design has three parts of the research:

 Inception of the issue

 Diagnosis of the issue
 Solution for the issue

5. Explanatory research: Explanatory design uses a researcher’s ideas and

thoughts on a subject to further explore their theories. The study explains
unexplored aspects of a subject and details the research questions’ what,
how, and why.

Benefits of Research Design

There are several benefits of having a well-designed research plan.
Including:

 Clarityof research objectives: Research design provides a clear

understanding of the research objectives and the desired
outcomes.
  Increased validity and reliability: To ensure the validity and
reliability of results, research design help to minimize the risk of
bias and helps to control extraneous variables.
 Improved data collection: Research design helps to ensure that the
proper data is collected and data is collected systematically and
consistently.
 Better data analysis: Research design helps ensure that the
collected data can be analyzed effectively, providing meaningful
insights and conclusions.
 Improved communication: A well-designed research helps ensure
the results are clean and influential within the research team and
external stakeholders.
 Efficient use of resources: reducing the risk of waste and
maximizing the impact of the research, research design helps to
ensure that resources are used efficiently.

A well-designed research plan is essential for successful research,

providing clear and meaningful insights and ensuring that resources must
be practical.

Experimental Research:
Types of Designs
Any research conducted under scientifically acceptable conditions uses
experimental methods. The success of experimental studies hinges on
researchers confirming the change of a variable is based solely on the
manipulation of the constant variable. The research should establish a
notable cause and effect.

Content Index

1. What is Experimental Research?

2. Experimental Research Design Types
1. Pre-Experimental Design:
2. True Experimental Design:
3. Quasi-Experimental Design:
3. Advantages

What is Experimental Research?

Experimental research is a study conducted with a scientific approach
using two sets of variables. The first set acts as a constant, which you use
to measure the differences of the second set. Quantitative research
methods, for example, are experimental.

If you don’t have enough data to support your decisions, you must first
determine the facts. This research gathers the data necessary to help you
make better decisions.

LEARN ABOUT: Research Process Steps

You can conduct experimental research in the following situations:

 Time is a vital factor in establishing a relationship between cause and

effect.
 Invariable behavior between cause and effect.
 You wish to understand the importance of cause and effect.

Learn about: Quantitative Market Research

Experimental Research Design Types

The classic experimental design definition is: “The methods used to collect
data in experimental studies.”
There are three primary types of experimental design:

 Pre-experimentalresearch design
 True experimental research design
 Quasi-experimental research design

The way you classify research subjects, based on conditions or groups,

determines the type of research design you should use.

1. Pre-Experimental Design:
A group, or various groups, are kept under observation after implementing
cause and effect factors. You’ll conduct this research to understand
whether further investigation is necessary for these particular groups.

You can break down pre-experimental research further in three types:

 One-shot Case Study Research Design

 One-group Pretest-posttest Research Design
 Static-group Comparison

2. True Experimental Design:

It relies on statistical analysis to prove or disprove a hypothesis, making it
the most accurate form of research. Of the types of experimental design,
only true design can establish a cause-effect relationship within a group. In
a true experiment, three factors need to be satisfied:

 There is a Control Group, which won’t be subject to changes, and an

Experimental Group, which will experience the changed variables.
 A variable that can be manipulated by the researcher
 Random distribution

This experimental research method commonly occurs in the physical

sciences.

3. Quasi-Experimental Design:
The word “Quasi” indicates similarity. A quasi-experimental design is
similar to an experimental one, but it is not the same. The difference
between the two is the assignment of a control group. In this research, an
independent variable is manipulated, but the participants of a group are not
randomly assigned. Quasi-research is used in field settings where random
assignment is either irrelevant or not required.

Learn about: Market research

Importance of Experimental Design

Experimental research is a powerful tool for understanding cause-and-
effect relationships. It allows us to manipulate variables and observe the
effects, which is crucial for understanding how different factors influence
the outcome of a study.

But the importance of experimental research goes beyond that. It’s a critical
method for many scientific and academic studies. It allows us to test
theories, develop new products, and make groundbreaking discoveries.

For example, this research is essential for developing new drugs and
medical treatments. Researchers can understand how a new drug works by
manipulating dosage and administration variables and identifying potential
side effects.

Similarly, experimental research is used in the field of psychology to test

theories and understand human behavior. By manipulating variables such
as stimuli, researchers can gain insights into how the brain works and
identify new treatment options for mental health disorders.

It is also widely used in the field of education. It allows educators to test

new teaching methods and identify what works best. By manipulating
variables such as class size, teaching style, and curriculum, researchers
can understand how students learn and identify new ways to improve
educational outcomes.

In addition, experimental research is a powerful tool for businesses and

organizations. By manipulating variables such as marketing strategies,
product design, and customer service, companies can understand what
works best and identify new opportunities for growth.

LEARN ABOUT: Causal Research

Advantages
When talking about this research, we can think of human life. Babies do
their own rudimentary experiments (such as putting objects in their mouths)
to learn about the world around them, while older children and teens do
experiments at school to learn more about science.

Ancient scientists used this research to prove that their hypotheses were
correct. For example, Galileo Galilei and Antoine Lavoisier conducted
various experiments to discover key concepts in physics and chemistry.
The same is true of modern experts, who use this scientific method to see if
new drugs are effective, discover treatments for diseases, and create new
electronic devices (among others).

LEARN ABOUT: Behavioral Research

It’s vital to test new ideas or theories. Why put time, effort, and funding into
something that may not work?

This research allows you to test your idea in a controlled environment

before marketing. It also provides the best method to test your theory
thanks to the following advantages:
 Researchers have a stronger hold over variables to obtain desired
results.
 The subject or industry does not impact the effectiveness of
experimental research. Any industry can implement it for research
purposes.
 The results are specific.
 After analyzing the results, you can apply your findings to similar
ideas or situations.
 You can identify the cause and effect of a hypothesis. Researchers
can further analyze this relationship to determine more in-depth
ideas.
  Experimental research makes an ideal starting point. The data you
collect is a foundation for building more ideas and conducting
more action research.

There are several steps involved in a research process that help individuals
associated with a study conduct successful testing. Defining a research problem is
an important step in any research process and can help outline the process of your
study. There are several types of research problems you may encounter, and
understanding how they differ may help you decide which approach is best for you.

In this article, we discuss what a research problem is, list different types of research
problems, describe how to define one.

Key takeaways:

 A research problem introduces a reader to a study's topic and its

significance.
 This problem contextualizes a research topic and helps define what
researchers plan to investigate.
 It also provides a framework for reporting research results that
highlight the information discovered.

 

What is a research problem?

A research problem is a statement that addresses a gap in knowledge, a challenge
or a contradiction in a particular field. Scientists use research problems to identify
and define the aim of their study and analysis. You may decide to conduct research
based on a problem if you're interested in contributing to social or scientific change
or supplying additional knowledge to an existing topic. A research problem may also
help identify key concepts and terms, overarching questions and variables
associated with a study.

Related: What Is Research Methodology? (Why It's Important and Types)

Characteristics of an effective research problem

There are several factors that ensure a research problem is clear, well-defined and
easy to follow throughout the duration of a study. Understanding these aspects of a
research problem can help as you identify and create your own. Some
characteristics to consider when aiming to define a research problem include:

 Reflecting on issues or required knowledge in a particular field prior

to conducting a study
 Ensuring that the topic you aim to examine has a sufficient amount of
relevant data
  Relying on reputable evidence and data and disregarding information
that you can't verify
 Remaining practical, manageable and communicative with
researchers involved in data collection and analysis
 Adhering strictly to a budget and timeline

How To Write a Research Plan (With Template and Examples)

Whether you're beginning personal or professional research, having a research plan
for your upcoming project can be important for many reasons. A research plan
allows you to stay organized and oriented toward your goals. Learning more about
how to write a research plan can help you improve your research tasks and get
better results.

In this article, we review what a research plan is, explain why it's important and
explain how to write a research plan step by step.

What is a research plan?

A research plan is a documented overview of your entire project, from the research
you conduct to the results you expect to find at the end of the project. Within a
research plan, you determine your goals, the steps to reach them and everything you
need to gather your results. Research plans help orient a team, or just yourself,
toward a set plan. It can help keep you or a team organized with a full understanding
of what needs to be done and when.

These can also be helpful for external members of the project. If you're administering
a project that involves stakeholders or other kinds of external observers, a research
plan can help keep everyone informed about the progress and general direction of
the project. Professionals typically update their research plan document as
objectives or resources change to offer everyone the most extensive information.

Why is a research plan important?

A research plan is important and beneficial for your project for many reasons,
including:

Helps organize your project

A research plan is important because it can help you organize the different elements
of your project. With a research plan, you can predetermine who's involved in the
project, what the project steps are and how you may document the information or
results that you gain from the project. A research plan can help you organize your
objectives, giving you the opportunity to create a tentative timeline before your
project begins.
Keeps participants informed

Another reason creating a research plan for your project is important is because it
helps keep everyone involved up to date. During a research project, you may have
participants to help you, such as friends, employees or external members of a
company. Regardless of the context of your project, be it personal or professional,
creating a research plan allows everyone to see both the scope and the steps
involved within the project. It can also act as a general timeline for a project, allowing
everyone to understand the basic outline of when they need to accomplish each
task.

Related: The Complete Guide To Researching a Company

Defines your project's purpose

Creating a research plan before you begin your research can help you define the
project's purpose. While you may understand the purpose of a project, aligning that
goal with everyone else's expectations may require some explanation. Writing a brief
section within your research plan about the project's goals and your expectations can
help everyone better understand how they contribute to the plan's purpose. Even if
you're the only participant in the plan, restating your goal on paper can help you
better align yourself with your own objectives.

Eliminates distractions

A research plan can help you by limiting distractions throughout your project. If you
create a document that outlines every step of a project, the project's purpose and a
basic timeline, a team is less likely to get distracted with extra steps, items or
objectives. A research plan helps ensure that the team only works on necessary
items rather than extra plans or research items. If you're working on this research
plan by yourself, having a documented idea of what you're going to do can help you
organize your thoughts and better manage your expectations for the entire project.

Related: Research Skills: Definition and Examples

Schedules individual project tasks

If you're working with others during your research, creating a plan can help you
schedule tasks for everyone. With a research plan, you can allocate different tasks to
different participants based on the skills they bring to the project. If you're working on
the project alone, having a research plan can help you set goals realistically. Setting
realistic goals can help you accomplish them appropriately, helping improve your
attitude and drive toward the project. If your research project is longer than a few
weeks, setting tasks and goals for everyone can help them maintain appropriate
expectations and deadlines over time.

How to write a research plan

If you want to learn how to write your own plan for your research project, consider
the following seven steps:

1. Define the project purpose

The first step to creating a research plan for your project is to define why and what
you're researching. Regardless of whether you're working with a team or alone,
understanding the project's purpose can help you better define project goals. If
you're researching as a group, defining the project's purpose can help you divide
tasks into sections to make work more manageable. For example, if you define your
task as researching the history of a country, you can give some members the
responsibility of researching cultural history, while another researches conflict history
and so on.

Related: Definitive Guide To Secondary Research

2. Identify individual objectives

Once you've defined your overall goal for a project, identify individual objectives or
steps you need to accomplish that goal. Learning what individual steps you need to
take to reach your goal can help you simplify and better understand your process.
Large groups in a research project may benefit from identifying individual goals so
that they can divide and allocate tasks according to who they have available to help.
Even when working alone, dividing this period into several smaller steps can help
you identify immediate goals that need attention right away and eventual goals that
can wait.

3. Select a research method

After defining your goal and individual steps, the next step toward creating a
research plan is to choose the method for your research. Establishing what methods
of research you want to use can help you establish your processes before beginning
the research period. You don't need to use a single research type for your project,
but determining what kinds you need can help a team work together more efficiently.
For example, some people may be better at researching through interviews than
others. Knowing what research methods are available and who is best prepared for
each can make task allocation easier.

4. Recruit participants and allocate tasks

If you can, try to recruit participants for your research project. This can make your
work not only take less time, but may simplify your research tasks. If you divide your
work among a group of people, you can also divide work by individual proficiencies.
Recruiting participants for your research project may enable you to focus on more
managerial matters of the plan, such as how to display results, allocate tasks or
document changes.

Allocating tasks in a team effort research plan can help you divide work
appropriately. Consider allocating tasks as soon as you understand how many are
necessary to complete a project. The more quickly and effectively you allocate tasks,
the faster your team can work individually on parts of a project.

5. Prepare a project summary

A project summary or brief is a guide to your research project that you can use
during recruitment interviews, meetings and field studies. A brief can help remind
you which questions you may want to ask your potential recruits, what elements of
the research project you want to discuss and how to keep meetings on topic. Project
summaries may be separate from the research project itself and typically include an
introduction and possibly even interview questions for recruits.

6. Create a realistic timeline

Once you've recruited everyone and determined the tasks for your project, consider
placing every objective on a tentative timeline. If you're working with multiple people,
this may take more than one meeting to establish a workable timeline. When
creating your timeline, consider placing each goal on dates that allow for a little extra
time if team members don't meet the deadline. This can help compensate for any
unexpected developments or interruptions that may happen during the research.

It might also be beneficial to create a physical timeline in the form of a whiteboard

display, paper sheet or digital presentation. This can help members visualize when
tasks need to be accomplished. If possible, consider labeling tasks with their owners.
Even if you're working alone on this project, creating your own timeline for tasks can
help you view the full expanse of your research project with awareness.

7. Determine how to present your results

Before beginning your project, another step you can take is to determine how you
want to display or present your research. Depending on the context and purpose of
your research, there may be many ways you can display your research results. For
example, if you're doing this for a company as a commission employee, you may
want to present your research professionally, such as through a presentation,
pamphlet or booklet. If you're doing this research by yourself or for your own needs,
you may not need to have professional presentation methods unless you prefer to do
so for organizational reasons.

Research plan outline template

Consider the template below to help you get started on your research plan:

[Project title]

[List of project members for the research plan]

Project purpose: [Brief summary of the research plan's purpose]

Objective 1: [Summary of the first objective]

Objective 2: [Summary of the second objective]

Objective 3: [Summary of the third objective]

General Timeline

[Insert a timeline graphic or set of summary bullets with dates to create a tentative
timeline]

Introduction
Plagiarism is a hot topic. In recent years, it has been widely reported that many people
are not just stealing others' writings without giving credit but also posting them as if
they were their own work with no changes whatsoever.

What Is the Meaning of Plagiarism?

Content plagiarism is the act of taking someone's work and copying it without crediting
the sources. When someone posts content without giving credit to the original creator,
they steal that person's work.

Plagiarism applies to using a previously published idea, expression, word, image, or

process as one's original creation. It can also be considered to be theft and or copyright
infringement.

Why Is Plagiarism Bad?

Plagiarism is bad because it devalues the work of others. It's like taking someone else’s
words, ideas and content without giving credit for their effort. It also violates the
copyright laws in some countries, which can lead to legal action and fines.

Plagiarized content is also bad for SEO because when a site does not have original
content, it makes the page less valuable to search engines and visitors. It can also hurt
the reputation of your website and the trustworthiness of the site as a whole.

What Are Forms of Plagiarism?

Complete Plagiarism

Complete plagiarism happens when a writer completely "steals" the work and
introduces it as their own. For example, you may copy-paste the whole e-book of
another company and use the original content without changing a single detail for your
content marketing strategy.
Direct Word for Word Plagiarism

Direct plagiarism is copying another person's work without giving them credit and
replacing some words with the source. It is the easiest type of plagiarism to identify
because it often doesn't change the meaning of the copied text.

Direct refers to the act of stealing someone's work word by word and pasting it into
your content piece. Direct plagiarizing does not steal the whole work as it was with
complete plagiarism but takes specific paragraphs without quoting or giving credit to
resources.

Also, two or three words might be changed. But it is too obvious and still considered
plagiarism.

Source-Based Plagiarism

Self-plagiarism occurs when writers:

 Cite sources but deliver their idea in a false way

 Reference some sources but ignore others
 Credit false, imaginary source

Plagiarism of Your Work

There are cases of self-plagiarism. Yes, you can use your ideas, words, and sentences
however you use them. But this type of plagiarism has drawbacks.

Indeed, you are not stealing anything if you repurpose the content on multiple pages.
Still, if Google detects a case of duplicate content, you may get penalized.

So, even if you have discussed the topic 100x times, you should go the extra mile and try
to use different variations of words and sentences to avoid the duplicate content
penalty.

Paraphrasing Plagiarism

Let's say you take the original concept of an idea derived from research and paraphrase
it without referring to the primary source you plagiarize.

Accidental Plagiarism

Accidental plagiarism can happen when you neglect to cite your sources or misquote
your sources. This type of plagiarism is often the result of carelessness or ignorance
rather than intentional cheating. If you accidentally use someone else's words without
giving them credit, you still plagiarise. Lack of intent does not absolve persons from
responsibility for plagiarism.
Mosaic or Patchwork Plagiarism

Mosaic plagiarism is a type of plagiarism where the writers borrow from a source
without using quotation marks or use synonyms for the author's language while
keeping to the same general structure and meaning of the original. Patchwork
plagiarism can be subtle and difficult to catch, to trick the reader into thinking it’s new
content.

What Are the SEO Consequences of Plagiarism?

There are several potential consequences for plagiarism when it comes to SEO. First and
foremost, plagiarizing content can get you penalized by Google. This means that your
website will rank lower in search engine results pages (SERPs), making it much harder
for people to find you. In addition, plagiarism can also cause your site to be removed
from Google's index altogether, meaning that it will no longer appear in search results.

Aside from the potential penalties from Google, plagiarizing content can also lead to
legal trouble. If you're caught copying someone else's work without giving them credit,
you may be subject to fines or even imprisonment. And if you steal someone else's
copyrighted material and use it on your website, you could face lawsuits from the
copyright holder.

Finally, plagiarism is just bad for business overall. It makes you look like a dishonest or
lazy person, and it can turn away potential customers and clients. So, not only will
plagiarism hurt your SEO efforts, but it can also hurt your bottom line.

How to Avoid Plagiarised Content?

1. Collect Your Sources and References Together

As we have already mentioned, there are cases when writers or students forget to refer
to sources, and they unintentionally plagiarize.

It is easily avoidable if you create a list of references and link them to your outline parts.
After you align sources with your H2-H3, mark what needs to be quoted, paraphrased,
hyperlinked, or included in the footer.

Planning is a half-the-battle won! You should include the step of source collecting in
your writing workflow.

2. Quote

The quote is a word used to describe the act of copying a piece of text verbatim and
inserting it into your writing. This text should be enclosed in quotation marks and
correctly attributed to the original author. Quote sparingly - only use quotes when
necessary to drive home a point or illustrate a specific example.
When you include a quote in your writing, it is crucial to ensure that the content is
original and accurately quoted. Use quotation marks in the content and cite the source.
Also, if you are doing academic work, do not forget to include the author's name and
date of publication in one sentence. For content, you can simply identify the source
name.

There are multiple citation styles for citations, but the most common one is the APA
style.

3. Paraphrase

A paraphrase is a way of rewriting someone else's texts in your own words while
retaining the same meaning. So, use paraphrase when you want to avoid plagiarism, as
simply copying large chunks of text from another source can get you into trouble.
However, by reading attentively and rewriting the information in your own words, you
will avoid plagiarism, better understand the material, and diversify your knowledge
about the topic.

The best way to paraphrase is to take the crucial points of the source and rewrite them
in your own words without changing their meaning. Indeed, it takes a bit of practice, but
it's essential to do if you want to avoid plagiarism accusations.

But if you use the primary source of findings - research, academic paper, etc. mention
the primary source of data or information.

4. Give Credit to Your Sources

When you write, it's vital to give credit where it's due. It is especially true when you are
borrowing someone else's words or ideas.

 If you are unsure whether something needs a citation, it's always better to be safe than
sorry! Add one anyway, and then your readers can decide for themselves if the
information is worth further exploration.
 You should add a citation when an idea is similar to the source material but not identical.
It shows that you've done your research and that you're respectful of other people's
work.
 It can be easy to lose track of sources while writing. That's why it's important to include
all the relevant information – author name, date of publication, and so on – in your
citations.

5. Add Your Unique Perspective to Existing Content and Story

The internet is full of blogs - 4.4 million new articles are published daily across digital
platforms. So, in this competitive environment, you should decorate the digital world
with your unique knowledge and expertise.

That is what blogs are about!

6. Use Plagiarism Checker

Plagiarism checkers work by scanning your text, comparing it to a database of web

pages and publications, and highlighting passages that appear similar to other texts.
While there are distinctions between the plagiarism checker qualities, it is always a
good idea to run your text through one before submitting the product. It will help you
avoid any accidental instances of plagiarism.

What is Plagiarism? Definition, Types, How to

Avoid, Laws
Plagiarism is derived from the Latin word “Plagiarius” meaning “kidnapper”.
Plagiarism means stealing or copying another’s work and representing it as own work.
On Internet, everything is available for free. We can share, upload, download, view,
or search any text, audio, and video. Everything is there for free. The availability of
anything and everything on the internet has made our lives easier but people make
misuse of this advantage of the internet by representing other’s work as their own for
fame, for academic benefits, for money, for personal interests, etc.
Plagiarism is most commonly practiced in academics and researches. On the internet,
we have all kinds of literary articles, educational content, research papers, etc
available for free. This facilitates everyone and assists them in gaining knowledge and
becoming literate. Earlier when there were no Internet people either had to visit
libraries when they wanted to study or know anything or had to purchase expensive
books. But now we just type the topic in our browser and we get thousands of search
results. As a result, some people use these articles, research papers, educational
content in an adverse manner.
Plagiarism can be intentional or unintentional. We should have the knowledge of what
can be called plagiarized content and what not. Following are the key points to
understand what can be called as plagiarism:
 If we use another person’s work under our name.
 If we copy other’s ideas and words and don’t give them the credit.
 If we download copyrighted images or music and present them as our own.
 If we copy maximum words and modify them so that we can cleverly use
them under our own name.
 If we use someone else’s copyrighted music or video for our own music
cover or video.
 If we recreate an image, video, music, article, etc in such a manner that it is
quite similar to the original one.
Types of Plagiarism

There are several types of plagiarism. In this article, we will get to know the common
ones:
 Complete Plagiarism: Complete Plagiarism is the most extreme form of
plagiarism. In this plagiarism, a person completely copies someone else’s
work such as a research paper, article, image, etc, and represents it as their
own work. This form of plagiarism is similar to identity theft or stealing.
 Verbatim: Verbatim is also known as direct plagiarism. When we read a
book we must have observed that if any statement that a famous person has
made is always represented in double quotations and is highlighted so that
we get to know that it is said by this particular person. Similarly consider a
person writing an article and mentioning someone’s else work or words that
too exactly the same. But this person doesn’t represent it in quotation marks.
Then that person is said to be exhibiting direct plagiarism. Hence copying
another person’s work word to word and not representing it in quotation
marks is known as Verbatim or direct plagiarism.
 Self Plagiarism: This kind of plagiarism is the duplication of a person’s
own work. It is also known as auto plagiarism. It occurs when a person
copies some words of his own published work and uses the same for another
work. This form of plagiarism is commonly observed in research journals.
Researchers may make re-use of their research work for another research
work, however, the percentage of re-usage must be according to those set
by the publishing journals if they allow them to do so.
 Source-Based Plagiarism: This form of plagiarism is most commonly
observed in research work. In the research paper one needs to provide
references that have contributed to their work, If a person provides wrong
references that do not exist, or that are not relating to the work then it is
known as source-based plagiarism. The falsification of data or its
fabrication is also source-based plagiarism. Falsification and fabrication of
data are manipulating or representing false or non-existing data.
 Accidental Plagiarism: This kind of plagiarism mostly occurs due to a lack
of knowledge. If we don’t know how to paraphrase, cite and quote a
research work we leave the work as it is and it results in accidental
plagiarism.

Why is plagiarism unethical?

 Plagiarism is unethical because we are representing someone’s other work

as our own without giving them the right to. In the real world if someone
else takes our things without our permission then we call that person a
“thief” and doing so is considered as a punishable offense. Similarly if in
the virtual world someone copies someone else’s work it is unethical and
is a punishable offense.
  Plagiarism affects the integrity of academics. Researchers are given the
degree of Ph.D. on basis of their research works, students are given grades
according to their homework. If we will be practicing plagiarism we will
not be gaining any knowledge. We may even succeed in getting our Ph.D.
degree or good grades but that will put our career at risk and is a threat to
our future. We will be a risk for society, organizations where we may work
as we do not have the complete knowledge of the corresponding work.
 If we use the plagiarized content for our personal benefits such as
monetary gains, fame, etc then it is unethical because we are being
benefitted for what we actually have not done. We are being rewarded
without actually performing well or giving our 100 percent to get that
reward. It is immoral to do so.

How to avoid plagiarism?

There are certain steps we can follow in order to avoid plagiarism.

 Always give credit to the person whose work you are including in your
own work. Make use of double quotations to prevent verbatim.
 Build your own ideas and thoughts and use them in your work. Do not
copy another person’s ideas or work. Develop yourself and work on
yourself so that you can enhance your thought process. Increase the
domain of your knowledge.
 Make use of paraphrasing. Paraphrasing means the representation of an
idea or thought in our own words in such a manner that the original
essence of that idea remains the same. But we should also do paraphrasing
in such a manner that it does not convert to plagiarism.
 Use online plagiarism checker tools. There are many sites that offer
plagiarism checker tools. These sites check your work against thousands
of other works available on the internet and give you a percentage of
plagiarized or unique content. They can even tell from which site the
content is copied. We should always use plagiarism checker tools in order
to prevent plagiarism. Some of the plagiarism checking tools are –
Grammarly, smallseotools, turnitin, quetext, etc.
 Always provide correct references in your research paper or article.
 Learn how to cite your articles, provide references, use double quotations,
etc. You should know how to write a scholarly article or book or research
paper before you begin writing.
 If you are using someone else’s videos, images, or audios in your own
video, etc always ask them first, and even after that provide them the
credit for the same.
 Keep your morals high. Be educated about plagiarism and be an ethical
person. As in real life, you don’t do bad things as you know the
differentiation between what is good and bad similarly teach your inner
conscience that plagiarism is unethical and you should not make use of
plagiarized content.
Laws against plagiarism

There are many laws against plagiarism. Some of them are mentioned below-
 In section 57 of the Indian Copyright Act 1957, authors have “the right to
claim authorship of their works among other things. It grants the authors
the special right to be attributed for their work. The statute recognizes the
right to attribution analogous to the rights not to be plagiarized.”
 In section 63 of the ICA 1957, “a convicted infringer is liable to be
imprisoned between six months to three years, and to be fined between
fifty thousand and two lakh rupees”.
 University Grants Commission or UGC has provided a certain set of
guidelines that need to be followed by universities in order to prevent
plagiarism in academic activities.

Difference Between Reference and Bibliography

While writing an assignment, article or book, the writer often looks for the
sources to generate an idea or data. In this context, students usually misconstrue
bibliography for reference, but they are different, in the sense that you
give reference to the sources, that you have quoted in-text, in the research
report or assignment. But on the other hand, in the bibliography, you create a
list of all the sources you have gone through to conceive the idea.

Reference and Bibliography is an important part of any project under study

because it helps in acknowledging other’s work and also help the readers in
finding the original sources of information. It not only prevents plagiarism but
also indicates that the writer has done good research on the subject by using a
variety of sources to gain information.

Comparison Chart
BASIS FOR
REFERENCE BIBLIOGRAPHY
COMPARISON
Meaning Reference implies the list of Bibliography is about listing out all
sources, that has been the materials which has been
referred in the research consulted during the research work.
work.
Based on Primary Sources Both Primary and Secondary
Sources
Arrangement Alphabetically and Numerically
numerically
 BASIS FOR
REFERENCE BIBLIOGRAPHY
COMPARISON
Includes Only in-text citations, that Both in-text citations and other
have been used in the sources, that are used to generate
assignment or project. the idea.
Supporting A reference can be used to A bibliography cannot be used to
argument support an argument. support an argument.
Used for Thesis and Dissertation Journal Papers and Research work

Definition of Reference

Reference can be understood as the act of giving credit to or mentioning the

name of, someone or something. In research methodology, it denotes the items
which you have reviewed and referred to, in the text, in your research work. It is
nothing but a way to acknowledge or indirectly showing gratitude, towards the
sources from where the information is gathered.

While using references, one thing is to be noted that you go for reliable sources
only, because it increases credence and also supports your arguments. It may
include, books, research papers, or articles from magazines, journals,
newspapers, etc., interview transcripts, internet sources such as websites, blogs,
videos watched, and so forth.

These are used to inform the reader about the sources of direct quotations,
tables, statistics, photos etc. that are included in the research work.

Definition of Bibliography

At the end of the research report, bibliography is added, which contains a list of
books, magazines, journals, websites or other publications which are in some
way relevant to the topic under study, that has been consulted by the researcher
during the research. In finer terms, it comprises of all the references cited in the
form of footnotes and other important works that the author has studied.

The bibliography is helpful to the reader in gaining information regarding the

literature available on the topic and what influenced the author. For better
presentation and convenient reading, the bibliography can be grouped into two
parts, wherein the first part lists out the names of books and pamphlets
consulted, and the other contains the names of magazines and newspapers
considered.
Types of Bibliography

 Bibliography of works cited: It contains the name of those books whose

content has been cited in the text of the research report.
 Selected Bibliography: As it is evident from the name itself, selected
bibliography covers only those works which the author assumes that are
of major interest to the reader.
 Annotated Bibliography: In this type of bibliography, a small
description of the items covered is given by the author to ensure
readability and also improve the usefulness of the book.

Key Differences Between Reference and Bibliography

The difference between reference and bibliography can be drawn clearly on the
following grounds:

1. Reference implies referring to someone or something, that means it

provides the list of sources, whose text is used in the assignment or
research work. Conversely, bibliography represents the list of all the
sources, from which the research has gained some information about the
topic, irrespective of the work cited or not.
2. References are based on primary sources, whereas bibliography is created
on the basis of primary and secondary sources.
3. References used in the assignment can be arranged alphabetically or
numerically. On the contrary, list of sources used in the bibliography is
arranged numerically.
4. The bibliography is used to list out everything you go through to obtain
the information relating to the assignment, no matter if you specifically
cite it in your assignment or not. Now coming to references, it only takes
into account those sources which have been cited in the assignment.
5. The main objective of adding a reference at the end of the document is to
improve credence or support an idea or argument. As against, the
bibliography is not used for supporting an argument.
6. While reference is used in thesis and dissertation. On the other hand,
bibliography is used in case of journal paper and research work.

Conclusion

To sum up, references and bibliography are almost same, but there are only
subtle differences between the two, which lies in the items which are included
in them. The primary use of references is to get recognition and authentication
of the research work, whereas bibliography is appended with the aim of giving
the reader the information on the sources relating to the topic.

Q: What is the importance of writing a research paper?

Research papers are an excellent platform to disseminate a novel
finding to a general or focused audience, which may be interested
in replicating the experiments; identifying novel applications for
the finding, etc., as well as to popularize your research to the
world and prevent duplication of the study.
Writing a research paper is the primary channel for passing on
knowledge to scientists working in the same field or related fields.
It is important to hone the skill of writing papers to demonstrate
your ability to understand, relate to what has been learnt, as well
as receive critical peer feedback. During your career, your
publications find a valuable place in your resume, and they
showcase your accomplishments and communication skills,
eventually being a permanent segment of the ever-increasing
regime of knowledge.
The Purpose of Research Writing

You may know the answers to these questions off the top of your head. If you are like most
people, however, you find answers to tough questions like these by searching the Internet,
visiting the library, or asking others for information. To put it simply, you perform research.

Whether you are a scientist, an artist, a paralegal, or a parent, you probably perform research
in your everyday life. When your boss, your instructor, or a family member asks you a
question that you do not know the answer to, you locate relevant information, analyze your
findings, and share your results. Locating, analyzing, and sharing information are key steps in
the research process, and in this chapter, you will learn more about each step. By developing
your research writing skills, you will prepare yourself to answer any question no matter how
challenging.

Reasons for Research

When you perform research, you are essentially trying to solve a mystery—you want to know
how something works or why something happened. In other words, you want to answer a
question that you (and other people) have about the world. This is one of the most basic
reasons for performing research.

But the research process does not end when you have solved your mystery. Imagine what
would happen if a detective collected enough evidence to solve a criminal case, but she never
shared her solution with the authorities. Presenting what you have learned from research can
be just as important as performing the research. Research results can be presented in a variety
of ways, but one of the most popular—and effective—presentation forms is the research
paper. A research paper presents an original thesis, or purpose statement, about a topic and
develops that thesis with information gathered from a variety of sources.

If you are curious about the possibility of life on Mars, for example, you might choose to
research the topic. What will you do, though, when your research is complete? You will need
a way to put your thoughts together in a logical, coherent manner. You may want to use the
facts you have learned to create a narrative or to support an argument. And you may want to
show the results of your research to your friends, your teachers, or even the editors of
magazines and journals. Writing a research paper is an ideal way to organize thoughts, craft
narratives or make arguments based on research, and share your newfound knowledge with
the world.

Research Writing and the Academic Paper

No matter what field of study you are interested in, you will most likely be asked to write a
research paper during your academic career. For example, a student in an art history course
might write a research paper about an artist’s work. Similarly, a student in a psychology
course might write a research paper about current findings in childhood development.

Having to write a research paper may feel intimidating at first. After all,
researching and writing a long paper requires a lot of time, effort, and
organization. However, writing a research paper can also be a great opportunity
to explore a topic that is particularly interesting to you. The research process
allows you to gain expertise on a topic of your choice, and the writing process
helps you remember what you have learned and understand it on a deeper level.

Research Writing at Work

Knowing how to write a good research paper is a valuable skill that will serve you well
throughout your career. Whether you are developing a new product, studying the best way to
perform a procedure, or learning about challenges and opportunities in your field of
employment, you will use research techniques to guide your exploration. You may even need
to create a written report of your findings. And because effective communication is essential
to any company, employers seek to hire people who can write clearly and professionally.

Steps of the Research Writing Process

How does a research paper grow from a folder of brainstormed notes to a polished final draft?
No two projects are identical, but most projects follow a series of six basic steps.

Steps of the Research Writing Process

How does a research paper grow from a folder of brainstormed notes to a polished final draft?
No two projects are identical, but most projects follow a series of six basic steps.

These are the steps in the research writing process:

1. Choose a topic.
2. Plan and schedule time to research and write.
3. Conduct research.
4. Organize research and ideas.
5. Draft your paper.
6. Revise and edit your paper.

Each of these steps will be discussed in more detail later in this chapter. For now, though, we
will take a brief look at what each step involves.

Step 1: Choosing a Topic

As you may recall from Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?”, to
narrow the focus of your topic, you may try freewriting exercises, such as
brainstorming. You may also need to ask a specific research question—a broad,
open-ended question that will guide your research—as well as propose a
possible answer, or a working thesis. You may use your research question and
your working thesis to create a research proposal. In a research proposal, you
present your main research question, any related subquestions you plan to
explore, and your working thesis.

Step 2: Planning and Scheduling

Before you start researching your topic, take time to plan your researching and writing
schedule. Research projects can take days, weeks, or even months to complete. Creating a
schedule is a good way to ensure that you do not end up being overwhelmed by all the work
you have to do as the deadline approaches.

During this step of the process, it is also a good idea to plan the resources and
organizational tools you will use to keep yourself on track throughout the
project. Flowcharts, calendars, and checklists can all help you stick to your
schedule. See Chapter 11 “Writing from Research: What Will I
Learn?”, Section 11.2 “Steps in Developing a Research Proposal” for an
example of a research schedule.

Step 3: Conducting Research

When going about your research, you will likely use a variety of sources—anything from
books and periodicals to video presentations and in-person interviews.

Your sources will include both primary sources and secondary sources. Primary
sources provide firsthand information or raw data. For example, surveys, in-
person interviews, and historical documents are primary sources. Secondary
sources, such as biographies, literary reviews, or magazine articles, include
some analysis or interpretation of the information presented. As you conduct
research, you will take detailed, careful notes about your discoveries. You will
also evaluate the reliability of each source you find.

Step 4: Organizing Research and the Writer’s Ideas

When your research is complete, you will organize your findings and decide which sources to
cite in your paper. You will also have an opportunity to evaluate the evidence you have
collected and determine whether it supports your thesis, or the focus of your paper. You may
decide to adjust your thesis or conduct additional research to ensure that your thesis is well
supported.

Step 5: Drafting Your Paper

Now you are ready to combine your research findings with your critical analysis of the results
in a rough draft. You will incorporate source materials into your paper and discuss each
source thoughtfully in relation to your thesis or purpose statement.

When you cite your reference sources, it is important to pay close attention to
standard conventions for citing sources in order to avoid plagiarism, or the
practice of using someone else’s words without acknowledging the source.
Later in this chapter, you will learn how to incorporate sources in your paper
and avoid some of the most common pitfalls of attributing information.

Step 6: Revising and Editing Your Paper

In the final step of the research writing process, you will revise and polish your paper. You
might reorganize your paper’s structure or revise for unity and cohesion, ensuring that each
element in your paper flows into the next logically and naturally. You will also make sure
that your paper uses an appropriate and consistent tone.
Once you feel confident in the strength of your writing, you will edit your paper for proper
spelling, grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and formatting. When you complete this final
step, you will have transformed a simple idea or question into a thoroughly researched and
well-written paper you can be proud of!