Introduction to Research WritingALYSOUN TAYLOR-HALLO C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 4Introduction to Research Writing Entering the conversation Conducting your literature review Establishing good research habits & tools Getting ready to write Writing: Introduction Abstract Body Conclusion Finishing your document General writing tips ResourcesAbout Me BA in English w/Concentration in Professional Writing Certificate in Technical Writing MBA Program Coordinator for Ph.D. in Engineering Program Technical Writer/Editor for CEPRO research group Adjunct Instructor for EGR 3350: Technical Communications for Engineers and Computer ScientistsEntering the Conversation Research as an ongoing conversation You are being invited to join the conversation Start by listening to what’s already been said Practice good mannersEstablishing Good Research Habits Document as you go Keep a research notebook/journal Archive your data Learn to use available toolsLaTeX:http://www.cs.wright.edu/~jslater/classes/Thesis-Dissertation.htmlBe sure to check out Dr. Slater’s “archiving data” linkRefWorks:http://www.libraries.wright.edu/writing_help/refworks/Conducting Your Literature Search Conduct your own comprehensive search Start with current publications, but be sure to check older resources as well Follow up on the works cited in relevant publications Talk to other researchers in your field Contact Phil Flynn, Engineering Librarian, for assistance with your search:[email protected] Your Literature Search Document your search from the very beginning Use available tools and resourcesRefWorks:http://www.libraries.wright.edu/quicklinks/refworks/Jab Refhttp://jabref.sourceforge.net/Getting Ready to WriteAudience AnalysisWho will be reading your document? Types of Audiences General/lay audience Expert audience Executive audience What do your readers know about your topic? What do they need to know?Tip: As a writer, you sound “smart” when your reader can understand your ideasWriting Your Introduction Write your introduction first Use your research notebook/journal Lay out your argument for your topic Organize your document to support your argumentWriting Your AbstractGenerally a 1-page document that summarizes your research Write for more of an executive audience Keep sentences relatively short and direct Limit explanations of complex concepts Assume that many readers will only read the first page Focus on your motivations Why does this work need to be done? Who will benefit?Writing Your Abstract Allow plenty of time for revision Ask other readers to read your abstract Ask someone unfamiliar with your topic Your abstract should be as clean, clear, and concise as you can make it Good practice for writing thesis, research proposalsWriting the Body of Your Document Remember audience analysis What does your “expert” audience already know? What do they need to know? Remember to cite as you go Graphs, figures, tables Any language that is not your own Some readers will skip around, so each chapter should stand alone Point readers to where they need to go within the documentWriting Your Conclusion Provides a satisfactory stopping point for the reader Generally relatively brief No need to restate the entire abstract In research writing, conclusion will generally emphasize findings and future work Highlight any original contribution The only other part some readers will read Make sure the conclusion is well editedFinishing Your Document Allow plenty of time for revision and finishing Edit your document thoroughly Use spell-check and grammar toolshttp://www.cs.wright.edu/~jslater/classes/Thesis-Dissertation.htmlStyle GuidesHow do you know what format to use for your citations?Style guides provide specific guidelines: Examples: MLA, APA, Chicago/Turabian Provide specific guidance on many style issues, including citations Many disciplines have a standard style Examples: Psychology uses APA; English uses MLA Unfortunately, Engineering does not have a standard style guideEngineering StylesWhat style should you use? Check the University Libraries website to find style guides for your discipline:http://guides.libraries.wright.edu/content.php?pid=59883&sid=0 Check publications in your discipline and follow their format Ask your professor or advisor Ask the University LibrarianGeneral Writing TipsUnderstand how readers process your writing Your goal is to make the reader’s job as easy as possible Save their energy to focus on your ideas, not your writing Effective writing doesn’t tire the readerGeneral Writing TipsUnderstand how readers process your writing, cont. Limitations of short-term memory Present the information in the most logical order for ease of processing Allow frequent breaks so readers can process what they’ve read and move it out of short-term memory Parenthetical information demands more from your readerGeneral Writing Tips Punctuation provides sign posts to guide your reader through your document Punctuation works best when it meets subconscious reader expectations Written punctuation does not follow spoken “breaks” in the sentence Learn to punctuate according to American English norms Good punctuation Keeps your reader from tiring Allows your reader to focus on your ideasGeneral Writing TipsUse active voice:Subject Verb ObjectnotObject Verb (implied Subject)I will take out the trashnot The trash will be taken outActive voice is far less tiring than passive voiceGeneral Writing TipsBut . . . vary your writing style occasionally Maintain reader interest Too many sentences in the same style begin to sound “sing songy” Invert the order of a few sentences Combine two sentences But make sure you do this correctly (not run on)Help with Writing SkillsHelp with writing EGR 3350/5350: Technical Communications for Engineering and Computer Scientists University Writing Centerhttp://www.wright.edu/uc/success/services/writing-center.html Online resources University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Writing Center:http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/ Rensellaer Center for Communication Practices:http://www.ccp.rpi.edu/resources/ Purdue Writing