Activity 1: Research Literature Sample

Click on the following link and read the following research article –When Kids Use the Web http://www.pantos.org/ts/papers/wkutw/ List the major headings found in the report (such as Method). Write a short summary of each of the sections in the paper (only 1 or 2 paragraphs per section)Answer the following question – How can you tell that this is a research paper rather than an article or essay?

ABSTRACT – A brief description of the scope and purpose of the report.

INTRODUCTION – Background information related to the report, including its goals, constraints etc including the reason for writing the report.

METHOD – An outline of the various parts that make up the study and how they relate to each other such as the sites to be covered and their unique features, those people involved in the study, how they differ and what subjects are their key interests as well as controlling factors such as how they were chosen. Additionally it includes a detailed description of the procedures to be followed and how the information gained will be analyzed. This is basically a who, how, why, when structure which additionally outlines the questions to be asked.

RESULTS – A statistical analysis of the results, breaking down the respondents into various groups so as to better analyzes and compares any statistical differences between them. This includes subjective measures and post task questionnaires presented in a scientific manner. Additional observations should also be included.

DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS – A summary of the purpose of the report and the findings of the study including a breakdown of what information was expected to be found and if any exceptions were actually found in the results along with possible explanations for these variations.

REFERENCES – A detailed list of all references to materials that were used during the study

The organized structure of this paper is a clear indication that it is a research paper and not just an article or essay. Structure however is only one indicator. The content of this paper is not just conjecture or personal opinions. Conclusions are based purely on facts using data that has been collected in ways accepted as standard practices for statisticians.  All results are analyzed in a logical manner to ensure that mistakes are avoided and the results are presented in a manner suitable for the audience they are targeted at. Final conclusions are clearly stated and all sources of information, data, comments or pertinent information are fully referenced.

Research Literature Sample | Introduction to Literature Searching | Answer an Online Survey | 
Creating an Online Survey | Data Analysis