1 module 4 research matakuliah: g1112, scientific writing i tahun: 2006 versi: v 1.0 rev 1

15
1 Module 4 Research Matakuliah : G1112, Scientific Writing I Tahun : 2006 Versi : v 1.0 rev 1

Post on 21-Dec-2015

219 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: 1 Module 4 Research Matakuliah: G1112, Scientific Writing I Tahun: 2006 Versi: v 1.0 rev 1

1

Module 4 Research

Matakuliah : G1112, Scientific Writing I

Tahun : 2006

Versi : v 1.0 rev 1

Page 2: 1 Module 4 Research Matakuliah: G1112, Scientific Writing I Tahun: 2006 Versi: v 1.0 rev 1

2

What’s inside

1. Hunting for resources and recording the information

2. Understand the types of resources

3. Critically read and evaluate the sources

4. Note-take effectively

Page 3: 1 Module 4 Research Matakuliah: G1112, Scientific Writing I Tahun: 2006 Versi: v 1.0 rev 1

3

Introduction

With tentative thesis statement or research question in hand, you've got what will likely become the focal point of your paper. You have a focus, a goal, a purpose--in essence, the bones of your essay. But now you need flesh for those bones; that's where research comes in.

Page 4: 1 Module 4 Research Matakuliah: G1112, Scientific Writing I Tahun: 2006 Versi: v 1.0 rev 1

4

To conduct research, follow the advice in

these three important steps:

1. Understand the types of resources

2. Critically read and evaluate those sources

3. Note-take effectively

Page 5: 1 Module 4 Research Matakuliah: G1112, Scientific Writing I Tahun: 2006 Versi: v 1.0 rev 1

5

Types of Resources

There are two types of support: primary and

secondary. The names refer to the degree

of "distance" to the topic.

Page 6: 1 Module 4 Research Matakuliah: G1112, Scientific Writing I Tahun: 2006 Versi: v 1.0 rev 1

6

Types of Resources

A primary source is an original document or account that is not about another document or account but stands on its own. For example, any novel, poem, play, diary, letter, or other creative work is a primary source. The data from a research study also constitutes a primary source because it comes straight from the participants' replies. Interviews, not of experts but of people actually experiencing something "on the scene," are also primary sources. If you were doing a paper on the emotional effects of job loss, talking to someone who just lost their job would be about as close to your topic as you could get. That's what we mean by distance.

Page 7: 1 Module 4 Research Matakuliah: G1112, Scientific Writing I Tahun: 2006 Versi: v 1.0 rev 1

7

Types of Resources

So how do you research primary sources? • Texts: Once you have an argument in mind, reread them. Highlight,

underline, scribble in the margins, or use sticky notes to pick out what you need. Attune yourself to the text with the different angle you've chosen to write about. Remember, this time you won't be reading for comprehension (i.e., what is the plot of the story), but for specific examples that support your gut feeling about how or why something is going on in the story. Be sure to note down glaring contradictory evidence too. You'll need to acknowledge that in your paper or else revise your thesis depending on how strong the counter-evidence turns out to be.

• Interviews: When you're not trying to sell someone something, people are very willing to talk and share. Ask around and locate someone through your network of friends and family (maybe the your cousin's boss' sister just settled a court case on an issue you're exploring). If that doesn't pan out, look in the phonebook or the Internet for professional associations where you can often get in touch with people in a particular field.

Page 8: 1 Module 4 Research Matakuliah: G1112, Scientific Writing I Tahun: 2006 Versi: v 1.0 rev 1

8

Types of Resources

Secondary sources are ones that interpret primary sources or are otherwise a step removed. A journal article or book about a poem, novel, or play or a commentary about what an interview signifies is a secondary source. Your

paper will likewise become a secondary source.

Page 9: 1 Module 4 Research Matakuliah: G1112, Scientific Writing I Tahun: 2006 Versi: v 1.0 rev 1

9

Types of Resources

So how do you research Secondary sources?

• Start with a book search if appropriate. Go to your campus library (public libraries cater more to popular interests than academic ones) and head for the online catalog

• Journal articles can be as valuable as books for most disciplines. Leafing through an academic journal, written by and for professionals in a given field, is like entering a conversation between experts. Journals go into much greater depth and target a more specific, educated audience than do the popular magazines at your local convenience store.

• The Web is another great tool, but use it carefully. Anyone can post information on the Internet and anyone can change what is up there, bringing up questions of authority and validity.

Page 10: 1 Module 4 Research Matakuliah: G1112, Scientific Writing I Tahun: 2006 Versi: v 1.0 rev 1

10

Types of Resources

Besides primary texts, interviews, books, journals, and the Web, there are a myriad other sources you can use such as microfilm, microfiche, specialized CD-ROMs, and census reports.

Page 11: 1 Module 4 Research Matakuliah: G1112, Scientific Writing I Tahun: 2006 Versi: v 1.0 rev 1

11

Critically read and evaluate the sources

Structure • If you're starting with a book, look at the table of contents. See the

shape of what's to come and identify places that your thesis or question might be most directly addressed. Notice the subsections. Is there anything very obviously missing?

• Skim the Preface or Introduction to establish context for the discussion and determine the author's intent. The author's thesis statement just may pop up here; be on the lookout for it. Or, it may be implied; if so, why?

• Glance at any appendices, diagrams, tables, or figures and see what kinds of things make it into the Endnotes section if there is one. Look at the topics listed in the Index at the back. Which of the entries has the most page numbers listed next to it?

• For a journal article, read the "abstract" for a summary. If it seems to address your question or thesis, then read the Background or Introduction section which will normally have some kind of "literature review" or summary of what others have said.

Page 12: 1 Module 4 Research Matakuliah: G1112, Scientific Writing I Tahun: 2006 Versi: v 1.0 rev 1

12

Critically read and evaluate the sources

PurposeExamine the title and first few paragraphs. What is the author trying to do? What is his or her bias? Any assumptions to be challenged? Look at the publisher or institutional/organizational affiliation of the author. Does the person have a vested interest in swaying you one way or another? A book on management style will be markedly different if it comes from some corporate management committee compared to union representatives. It would even be different presented by a professor of economics rather than a professor specializing in human relations and organizational psychology. Authors should be upfront about the angles they take in their discussions. Is yours?

Page 13: 1 Module 4 Research Matakuliah: G1112, Scientific Writing I Tahun: 2006 Versi: v 1.0 rev 1

13

Critically read and evaluate the sources

Audience

Who does the intended audience appear to be? How narrow or broad is it? To answer this, look at stylistic choices such as diction and tone. For instance, are there a lot of technical words? If so, look them up. And finally, what stake does the target audience have in the issue? In other words, why would the audience be reading the text? Who would you be imagining yourself talking to in your paper?

Page 14: 1 Module 4 Research Matakuliah: G1112, Scientific Writing I Tahun: 2006 Versi: v 1.0 rev 1

14

Critically read and evaluate the sources

AuthorWho is the author? Is it someone your professor has mentioned or whom you've come across in your course readings? Has the person been mentioned in other texts or bibliographies of other texts? Presence in the scholarly community is one of the ways to establish authority. Another is education and/or expertise. Is the person a teacher or researcher from a reputable academic institution? Does the person have considerable knowledge of what he or she is talking about? Is the author respected and well-received? You wouldn't let just anyone off the street walk into your home, so make your sources establish rapport and trust with you before you just let them walk on into your research paper.

Page 15: 1 Module 4 Research Matakuliah: G1112, Scientific Writing I Tahun: 2006 Versi: v 1.0 rev 1

15

Note-take effectively

• What should my notes look like? The point-form or sentences debate (on loose-leaf or on 3x5 index cards for easy shuffling) is simply a matter of preference. Some students are comfortable with points; others prefer summarizing and paraphrasing right into rough sentences to make drafting easier.

• So what should I write down?

• Anything and everything that will flesh out your thesis statement or research question. • Contradictory information. Analytical papers often include opposing views and even

for argumentative papers, acknowledging an opposing viewpoint that is easily disproved by its counterpoint is always a good rhetorical tool.

• One or two key sources. • Bibliography of all the sources you consult. Begin jotting one down as soon as you

begin researching so that you won't forget when it comes time to draft the paper (a common error and stress-inducer).

• The call number of a book, the search terms you entered into any database, and any URLs (web site addresses) for online information come in handy for easy RE-access to a resource should something come in question later on.

• In short, throw out nothing! And date it all too. Again, it doesn't matter that you may not need all the info you write down.