Writing Descriptive Research

Writing a paper
The information that will supplement for the Essay you have needs to come out of a good resources where the
materials provide ample resources. How do we choose resources[1]:
Step 1: Check the required resources from the syllabus

Your instructor may require specific sources (e.g. a minimum of 3 scholarly journals, 1 book , nd 1 newspaper) or
may not accept particular sources, such as Wikipedia, Web resources, etc.
Step 2: Know the basic categories of sources.

Sources of information can be classified into two broad categories: primary and secondary, sources. Primary
sources are first-hand information or original objects (such as autobiographies, diaries, letters, interviews,
historical records & documents, eyewitness accounts, photos, etc.). Secondary sources are sources that analyze,
interpret, or summarize (such as biographies, critical analyses, literary criticism, interpretations, textbooks,
books or articles written by non-participants, encyclopedias, etc.).
Step 3: Know different types of sources.

Information is everywhere. But you should use reliable sources for your papers. Knowing the strengths and
weaknesses of different sources can help you choose the most appropriate and useful material for your
research. Here are some common sources:
1. Books & eBooks cover any topic and good for comprehensive or historical information.
2. Journals are a collection of articles written by scholars for academic users; covers very specific topics for
scholarly research. Articles in peer-reviewed journals are of high quality as they were recommended by
independent scholars.
3. Magazines offer up-to-date information on general topics, information or opinions about popular culture and
current events.
4. Newspapers are a great source for current, international, national, and local events; includes experts and
public opinions; but lacking in-depth analysis and studies.
5. Encyclopedias usually contain either general information or specific information about a given subject.
Encyclopedias are great for background information on a topic; subject encyclopedias have in-depth entries
from the perspectives of a specific subject. An example of this would be the New Dictionary of Biblical Theology
or any Bible dictionary or encyclopedia. Look at one like this to see how information is handled.
6. World Wide Web: covers any topic and contains multimedia formats (text, sound, images, and videos). The
internet is great for up-to-the-minute information on current events and quick search for information. However,
when using the internet, the quality and reliability of the information varies greatly. Information is unstable as it
can be changed and pulled out without notice. For more reliable information, try to limit your search to Web
sites from governments (.gov) and educational institutes (.edu). This will be covered in greater detail next
session.
7. Article Databases are collections of information in digital format, covering a good variety of subjects for
research. They include full-text scholarly journals, magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias and even books and
they are great for research purposes.
8. Other Sources include maps, census, government documents, pamphlets, brochures, court records, films,
images, audio recordings, interviews, etc. It seems relatively unlikely that you will use resources of these kinds.
Step 4: Choose appropriate sources.
Knowing the availability of different sources can help you decide which sources would be best for your research
topic. Ask yourself what specific information you want and how much you need. Use the most promising sources
for your search.
Step 5: Use various sources and tools

Do not limit yourself to a specific kind of search tool (such as Google), or a specific kind of source (such as
journal articles). Keep an open mind and explore different search tools and sources. Keep in mind that you can
also use other libraries besides the ETC Library.
Step 6: Start at the Library and ask a librarian

Start your research at the library! The ETC Library maintains its collections to support student learning and
research. You are more likely to find appropriate resources for your research paper from the library. If you need
any help finding appropriate material for your paper, ask a librarian.
Collecting information
Collecting the data according to the plan., which requires collecting data in it needs the skill of note
taking. One research skill that needs sharpening is note taking, both in class and while reading. Good
note taking requires good listening and reading habits in the researcher.
Benefits of note taking include:
a. grasping the main idea,

b. registration of main points,
c. integrating your own ideas and
d. avoiding plagiarism
Effective note taking is the skill of paraphrasing and summarizing the ideas read. This tools makes both
research and understanding easier through shortening and expressing ideas clearly. The tools needed
for effective note taking includes
-Identifying the main idea
- identifying the information relevant to the research at hand
- develop a system of note taking that works in your specialized manner
- reducing information to note and diagrams
- recording the source information
- understand the organization of ideas in the reading (chronologically, casual-effect, inductive,

deductive, problem solving, importance or popularity)
There are different ways of taking note
1. The Cornell method
Layout of the page draw a vertical line with one side bigger to write summary and main points
Organize info write new ideas on new line with bullets
Advantage very useful when one needs to pull out main ideas and concepts quickly
2. The outline method

i. The first level is for new main
and general idea
e. Concepts to be included within this
3. The charting model
How? Why? When?

Drawing rows/columns to write Relevant ideas can be pulled out When info is about facts and
heading above easily without unnecessary relationships or overview of a
writing whole concept
Categorize ideas to be Easy for review and Easier on courses with extensive
remembered memorization and heavy content
4. The mapping model
Works for critical thinking

For immediate understanding
Easy for remembering ideas through visual easy to edit and change ideas
Tracking and little thinking
5. The sentence method

1. Writing new ideas on a different
2. Helps with organization and working
[1] The material has been duplicated for in class purpose from 2015 Nate Kidder’s Study Skills and
Technique class note

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Writing a paper

Step 1: Check the required resources from the syllabus

Step 2: Know the basic categories of sources.

Step 3: Know different types of sources.

Step 5: Use various sources and tools

Step 6: Start at the Library and ask a librarian

Benefits of note taking include:

a. grasping the main idea,

-Identifying the main idea

- identifying the information relevant to the research at hand

- develop a system of note taking that works in your specialized manner

- reducing information to note and diagrams

- recording the source information

- understand the organization of ideas in the reading (chronologically, casual-effect, inductive,

1. The Cornell method

Organize info write new ideas on new line with bullets

2. The outline method

How? Why? When?

4. The mapping model

Works for critical thinking

Tracking and little thinking

5. The sentence method

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