Blog Post 9 Social Sciences
Starting with the common elements of structure that are discussed in chapter 8. Usually following the different structures of either quantitative, qualitative, or a mixture of the two called, “Mixed-methods”. In quantitative writing it usually follows the case of IMRaD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion). The Introduction is where evidence or what is already know is most likely to be found in the report. Methods is when either quantitative, qualitative, or mixed are identified in the report. Results are usually presented by using heading as opposed to a title when following the IMRaD format. In the chapter there is an example of a results heading with a subheading just below it, showing that this is where they would be found. Other examples of structure of a report are conclusions, abstracts, acknowledgements, references, and titles. These all are headings or explanations where something would be when writing.
Another common element is language. Such examples include active and passive voice. Examples of this would be how the sentence is laid out. When the topic of the sentence comes first that is active voice, ie, “They asked her” would be active. “She was asked”, would be passive. Hedging is another example of language. This is when authors want to make a comment that isn’t completely fact without making a false claim. Using phrases like “seems as if”, “looks like”.
In regard to reference in writing there are different ways to have it. MLA, APA are examples of in text documentation. Paraphrasing is also reference, when not making a direct quote one would need to paraphrase or summarize.
How to organize sources for a literature review? When you have little knowledge on a topic it might be less of a review and more about learning about that topic. When you are comfortable with a topic you have more knowledge of organizing the information and honing in a specific topic you know a lot about without research. After picking your topic research comes next. After researching and organizing your topic, you need to synthesize your sources. This means the trends among research. How does the research from one person compare to different research from someone else.
I really like how you explained HOW IMRaD format is usually presented with results and how MLA and APA are examples of in text documentation. In the AW chapter, the author explains how these formats highlight the elevated importance that social science fields place on the year of a source’s publication. Reading this helped me understand that social sciences have a stronger focus on up TO date sources because research changes very rapidly in these fields. That’s why the year of publication is important, because it shows how recent something is.
I see that you also mention how qualitative and quantitative are mixed methods. After reading this chapter, I learned that Quantitative studies include those that rely on collecting numerical data and performing statistical analysis to reveal findings in research. I also learned that quantitative studies include correlations, chi-square tests, analysis of variance, and multivariate analysis of variance, as well as regression model testing. Reading this helped me understand why it is important for me to take notes of how researchers incorporate discussion of such methods into their writing.
On the other hand, I learned that Qualitative studies rely on language, observation, and reporting of individual human experiences to reveal findings in research. While reading about mixed methods, I understood that it consisted of qualitative and quantitative data-collection techniques that are generally referred to as Mixed-Methodology Studies.
I also can relate to how you understood the literature review process. I sometimes have a hard time writing about something that I have little knowledge about and tend to get frustrated or try to overthink stuff while writing about a topic. That’s why research is very important when trying to write a paper on a topic. Although doing research is important, paying attention to the abstract of studies is just as important because it can help a person decide if a study is for the right purpose. I also struggle with organization. Reading about the Source Synthesis Chart, helped me understand that this is a way for me to visualize the areas of overlap in my research, for a broad focus and narrow focus. Writing comes with a lot of methods, techniques, formats and other important aspects; however, taking the time to read about those skills and practicing them while doing research, will make you a successful writer!
Dear Shelby,
I also have read chapter 8 about the common elements of structure taking in the information of normally using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods which are the two combined. As communicated in the chapter and your post we often use IMRaD in quantitative writing. IMRaD is an acronym for Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. As many of us know the introduction is where the information that people might already know will be at. Methods are where the element of structure is announced. Results are based off of a heading following the format, and discussion is obviously communicating on what you researched. Although these are the most common we also could see more examples like some you mentioned.
Another example of elements is language. The common voice is active and passive. Active voice like you mentioned is when the subject is doing the action where passive voice the subject is not doing the action but will still be involved. An example of active is “The dog chased the cat” where the passive voice is “The cat was chased by the dog.”
In most writing we would use references which would normally be done in MLA or APA in this type of format. MLA and APA format is also used in text citations, so the audience knows which sentences came from what source. Another way of referencing like you mentioned is being able to paraphrase or summarize when not using direct quotes from the writer.
There are more elements that can be introduced which can include conclusions, abstracts, acknowledgements, and titles. Although these are used the common ones are communicated above.
Now on to organizing literature review. Literature review is easier to communicate on when you have a basic concept of the topic you have chosen. Picking a topic that you are comfortable with comes with easier organization ideas. When you choose a topic you then will start to research more from what others have said. After researching and organizing the information you have found you will then start to synthesize your sources. Synthesizing research is identifying information from multiple sources and applying how they are related to themselves and your main idea.
Sincerely,
Lauryn
Dear Shelby,
I think you did a good job explaining the structure and language used in research writing. You did a really good job of breaking down the IMRaD format introduction, methods, results, and discussion. You made it clear that the introduction is where you talk about what is already known, the methods explain how the research was done and the results section is where you share the findings with the help of headings. I liked how you showed an example of using subheadings in the results section, that’s a good way to organize information. Your mention of other parts of a research paper, like the conclusion, abstract, and references, was also helpful. You also explained language well, especially the difference between active and passive voice. Your examples like “They asked her” active and “She was asked” passive, made it really easy to understand. I liked how you explained hedging too. Using words like “seems” or “appears” is a good way for writers to be careful with their claims and not sound too certain without evidence.
Your point about citations and referencing is also good. You did a great job explaining how important it is to credit sources properly, and how paraphrasing counts as referencing as well, not just direct quotes. One thing I think you could add a little more to is the part about organizing sources for a literature review. You mentioned that when you don’t know much about a topic, the review is more about learning, but it would help to explain a little more about how to actually connect the different sources. Overall, you did a fantastic job explaining everything. A little more detail on organizing and comparing sources for a literature review would make your post even better. Keep up the great work.