How to Write Research Papers

INTRODUCTION

DEFENITION OF RESEARCH

1. The word “Research”€ refers to search for knowledge; a search for truth, a prolonged,

intensive and purposeful search. The goal of all research is progress. Research is largely a

matter of raising questions, and then trying to find an answer or solution to a problem.

Rusk writes, “Research is point of view, an attitude of inquiry, or a frame of mind. It

comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggesting

solutions; collecting, organizing and evaluating data; making deductions and testing the

conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulated hypotheses”€. Crawford writes

“research is a systematic and refined technique of thinking, employing specialised tools,

instruments and procedure in order to obtain a more adequate solution of a problem”€.

“Research is thus a “€systematic quest undiscovered truth”€™.

2. The term “Dissertation”€ was coined from the Latin derivative of the word discourse or

disputation. A dissertation is thus a paper containing detailed debate, or discussion, or

arguments on a subject, submitted to a university for the award of a degree. In writing a

dissertation, one utilizes relevant work of earlier authors in order to advance ones own

views. However, every dissertation is expected to make an original contribution with an

aim to supplement existing knowledge on that subject. The term “Research Report”€ refers

to dissertation.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH

3. Research assumes significance in the context of the following:-

(a) It enables to take decisions based on reliable and factual data.

(b) It is logical and objective.

(c) It foresees the implications of particular phenomenon.

(d) It promotes social welfare and scientific development (Temper).

(e) It facilitates prediction and helps in planning.

(f) It enables the researcher to be systematic and organised.

CHARACTERSTICS OF RESEARCH

4. Research has seven discrete characteristics, which taken together, comprise the

particular approach to probing for truth which we call “€research”€™. They are:-

(a) Research begins with the question in the mind of the researcher.

(b) Research demands the identification of the problem, stated in clear unambiguous terms,

which a researcher seeks to solve.

(c) Research requires a definite plan (Quantification).

(d) Researcher deals with the main problem through appropriate sub-problems.

(e) Research seeks direction through appropriate hypotheses.

(f) Research deals with facts and their meaning (interpretation).

(g) Research is a cyclic process.

TOOLS OF RESEARCH

The resources available to expedite the means by which a researcher endeavors to

accomplish the research objectives are commonly grouped into five categories. These are

called as Tools of Research. They are:-

a) Information Sources

b) Statistical Tools

c) Computers

d) Measurement Techniques (Qualification)

e) Languages

HOW TO WRITE RESEARCH PAPER

Ingredients of research report should be decided keeping in mind the needs of the

people/academic institutions/organizations.

The headings and sub-headings should also focus on the requirements and the problems

identified for the study.

Generally, a research report consists of three parts:

i Preliminary

ii Text

iii Reference materials

Each of the main parts consists of several subsections as given below:

i Preliminary

1. Title of the report

2. Declaration

3. Certificate

4. Preface

5. Table of contents

6. List of Tables

ii Text

1. Introduction

“€¢ Background

“€¢ Problem Statement

“€¢ Avoidance of duplication of research

“€¢ Feasibility of a problem

“€¢ Research Objectives

2. Review of Literature

3. Methodology

4. Profile of the study area

5. Analysis of study

6. Summary and conclusion as many as chapters required for presenting the report

iii Reference materials

1. Appendix

2. Glossary

3. Bibliography / Literature cited

4. Index

PRELIMANARIES

These are the components of the beginning stage. The preliminaries do not make direct

contribution to the identified research problem. However it assists the reader in using the

research report.

1. Title of the report / thesis

The Title of the research should be an uncommon and undiscovered topic. In consonance

with the essential character of research that is an intensive investigation of a limited topic

in perspective, the title of a research topic should indicate what exactly it is, not less nor

more. It should be exact, meaningful, self-contained and at the same time as short as

possible. It should not be vague or misleading. The topic should reflect in such a way that

it covers the whole theme of the research work.

To illustrate, a title like “€Identification of Traditional products in India”€™, might be

supposed to possess all the qualities expected. On the other hand, the following forms

would be defective:

i. “€Identification of Traditional products”€™, because it is not exact.

ii. “€Traditional products”€™, because it is not meaningful.

iii. “€Identification of Traditional products”€™, because it is not self contained.

iv. “€Identification of Traditional products mentioned in Foreign trade policy in

India”€™, because the title can be shortened without sacrificing the purport.

v. “€Identification of Traditional in India”€™, because it is vague.

vi. “€Traditional products in India”€™, because it is misleading.

If required, there can be a sub-title as well.

A title with a sub-title may be illustrated by the following:

Title:

“€Identification of Traditional products”€™

Sub-title:

“€with special reference to the tribal sectors in India”€™

The title with a sub-title can jot down and re-write as

“€Identification of Traditional products with special reference to the tribal sectors in

India”€™

It should be noted here, a careful study and observation is required to select the research

topic. This is the focused area to be considered. It should be mentioned in the cover page

of the report and must be written in bold capital letters or in italic words in the centre of

the page.

The title page is the cover page and generally has the following information:

“€¢ Title of the report (should be written in capital bold letters / or Italic words)

“€¢ The month and year of submission

“€¢ For whom and by whom the report is submitted

“€¢ If project / research report is submitted for award of degree, the degree for which

the dissertation is submitted for should be listed

Supervisors name should have to be mentioned.

Exactly the same cover page of the project / thesis should be inserted in the second page of

the report.

2. Declaration

In case, it is academic research, the 3rd page should be the declaration. Here to declare by

heading the page as DECLARATION as capital letter that the report is original one not

been submitted to anywhere to acquire any other degree / diploma.

3. Certificate

In case, it is academic research, the 4th page should be the certificate page and to be

written in capital letter same as of Declaration page. Here the Research Supervisor will

certify that this research work is a original one by the researcher and has not been

submitted any places for any purpose.

The Text

The text is the most important part of a report as it is in this section that the writer presents

the facts. The researcher should devote the greater part of attention to careful organization

of his findings or arguments. The text may be organizes as

1. Introduction

2. Review of literature

3. Methodology

4. Profile of study area

5. Analysis of study

6. Summary and conclusion as may chapters as required for presenting the report.

Introduction

The introduction prepares the reader for the report by describing the various parts:

background, problem statement and research objectives.

Background

The background information provides a prelude to the reader of the research report. It may

be the preliminary results of exploration the servey or any other source. The secondary

data from the literature review could also be highlighted. Previous research, theory or

situations that led to the research issue can be discussed. The literature should be

organized, integrated and presented in a logical manner. The background include

definitions assumptions etc. It provide the needed information to understand the remainder

of the research report. It contains information pertinent to the management problem or the

situation that led to the study. I t may place before the problem statement.

Problem Statement

The problem statement contains the need for the research project. The problem is usually

represented by management question. It is followed by more detailed set of objectives. The

guidelines are given below:

1.It gives basic facts about the problem

2.It specify the causes or origin of the problem

3.It explains the significance of the problem.

Research Objectives

The research objective provides the purpose of the research. The objectives may be

research questions and associated investigative questions. In co relation study, the

hypothesis statements are included. Hypotheses are declarative statements describing the

relationship between two or more variables. They state clearly the vaiable of concern, the

relationship among them, and the target group being studied. Operational definitions of

variable should be included.

Methodology

The methodology contains the following sections:

1.The type of study viz”€¦ descriptive, exploratory should be mentioned in the

methodology.

2.The sampling design explains the sample method and sample size.

3.The data collection method is described in the report.

4.The tools used for analysis is data should be explained

Analysis of study and findings and conclusion

The analysis is generally the longest section of the report. The objective is to explain the

data. Wherever needed the data should be supplanted with chart and graphs. The

conclusion serves the important functions of tying together the whole thesis or assignment.

The recommendations of the study are also presented in this section. It provides idea about

the corrective actions. In academic research, suggestions broadens the understanding of

the subject area. In applied research, the recommendation includes the guidelines for