http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/ab

I feel that the annotated bibliography assignment was most useful to me during the entire process. This assignment forced me to find at least 10 valid and reliable sources. We were assigned this assignment early on, therefor, it allowed me to see what sources were available and also the strength of these sources. After completing this assignment, I realized that my topic was worthy of further research.

2) What was the most helpful feedback you received at any stage – why was it helpful?

The most useful feedback that I received was from the first two peer review projects. Both Leslie and Dan pointed out mistakes in my paper. Some of the mistakes included: grammar/mechanics, amount of sources, in-text citation, etc. I feel that this assignment gave me a chance to see what I did wrong and allowed me time to correct these errors. There was also positive feedback. Leslie and Dan pointed out the strengths of my paper. This gave me assurance that I could write a high quality research paper. Without the assurance, I would have had much more doubt on the quality of my work, hence, creating much more stress throughout the remainder of the semester.

3) What was most difficult for you during the drafting process? Easiest? WHY?

The most difficult aspect of the drafting process was my results section. I feel that it is weaker than the rest of my paper due to the quality of responses from my participants. It was very difficult to make a conclusion. However, I do not feel that this lower the importance of my paper because it offers issues for further research. I feel that this could help the more qualified researchers.

I feel the easiest aspect of the drafting process was combining all of the sections into one paper. I originally based my formatting on previously published articles. I used the different headings to separate my sections. I just had to put them together and make the paper flow better.

4) Where does your final essay best show your ability as a writer?

This is a hard question to answer. I feel that if I had to pinpoint a specific area of my paper that shows my ability as a writer would be my introduction section. The feedback from the peer reviews shows that the evaluators  felt that I had successfully written this section.  I feel that I clearly introduce my topic to the reader and summarize what the rest of the paper will consist of. I also make my feelings on this topic very clear and stress the importance of the topic.

I learned that I tend to catch grammatical errors. Also, I notice when a sentence needs to be  restructured. I learned that poor transitions make it not only boring but difficult  for the reader to get through the paper. I learned the importance  of having headings for each section. It makes it much more difficult for the reader to realize where they’re at in the paper.

2. What did you learn from your peer review projects about your actual research project, specifically?

I learned that my research question is solid. I need to back up a statement in my opening paragraph. Also, I need to rethink my statement about companies capitalizing on the current wars the United States are involved in. I found out that both the flow of my paper and my grammar are great. I need to add more cliff hanger or ending statments. I need to rethink my title. Lastly, I need to clarify who my intended audience is.

• The first sentence should interest the reader (hook)
• This could include: surprising fact, humor, quotation,
• This is followed by a few sentences that lead up to the thesis
• These should provide details about the subject or process
• Thesis should be informative and direct (VERY IMPORTANT)
• Sentences for adding a hook can contain: curiosity, a definition, or an anecdote
• After first draft, reconstruct introductory paragraph (make sure thesis is still accurate)
• Recheck first sentence (make sure it’s still enticing)

How to Write a Research Paper – Introduction

• Describe the importance of the study
• Explain why this model was used (advantages)
• State objectives
• Very briefly describe the experimental design and how it helped complete objectives
• Use past tense (except with facts)
• One major point with each paragraph
• Present background information only to support a point
• State the objective clearly (do not over simplify)
• Pay attention to the appropriateness of sentences

I feel that the introduction is the most important part of the paper. If it not done well, the reader will not have interest in the topic. It gives the writer a chance to fully explain the topic to the reader. Some type of hook is needed to catch the reader attention and keep it.

Works Cited

Flemming, Grace. “The Introductory Paragraph.” (n.d.) 12 April 2010. <http://homeworktips.about.com/od/paperassignments/a/introsentence.htm>.

Caprette, David R. “How to Write a Research Paper.” Rice University. 20 Aug. 2007.  22 March 2010. <http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~bioslabs/tools/report/reportform.html#intro>.

• First examine the bibliographic citation (author, title, and publication information)
• Determine author’s credentials
• Check the date of publication
• Even if the publisher is respectable it does not mean the quality is acceptable
• Determine whether it is a scholarly or popular journal
• Read preface to determine the author’s intentions
• Determine what audience the author wrote specifically for
• Separate fact from opinion- Is the information valid?
• Compare ideas/arguments to other pieces of work
• Determine whether or not the information is bias
• Explore enough sources to obtain a variety of viewpoints
• Determine whether it is a primary or secondary source
• Locate critical reviews on this text

Evaluating Sources of Information

Authorship

• Author’s credentials which gives credibility in this field
• Area of expertise
• Look to see if the is author affiliated with an organization or institution
• Try to determine the author’s bias or perspective on the topic
• Look to see if the author been cited in sources by others in the field

Publisher/Journal

• Identify the publisher
• Determine if it is a scholarly journal
• Determine who the intended audience is
• Determine if the sources of information is cited
• Author’s credentials

Date of Publication

• Determine when the resource was published
• Decide if resources need to be current

Content

• Determine the purpose of the information
• Check for accuracy
• What is the purpose of the information (i.e. entertain, inform, promote a viewpoint, etc.)

Reliability

• Is the information factual or is it just opinion?
• Can it be backed by other sources?

The article, “The Effect of Video Game Violence on Physiological Desensitization to Real-Life Violence,” was last revised on March 15, 2006. This is very important because I’m looking at the effects of newer games, older sources are less important. The authors of this article are some of the most known in the study human aggression. Bushman is very well known in the psychology field.

The article,”The Effects of Technological Advancement and Violent Content in Video Games on Players’ Feelings of Presence, Involvement, Physiological Arousal, and Aggression,” was published in the Journal of Communication in 2007. This is a scholarly peer-reviewed international scientific journal. This is a reliable journal that has high standards. Also, it is current which is very important for my research.

The article, “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly: A Meta-analytic Review of Positive and Negative Effects of Violent Video Games,” was published in Psychiatr Q on October 4, 2007. This is one of the most recent articles that I have found on my subject. It has well illustrated and labeled charts. The results were not what the researchers had intended, but they presented the information in an unbiased manner.

Works Cited

Cosgrave,  T., Engle, M., Ormondroyd, J. “Critically Analyzing Information Sources.” Cornell University. 9 Sept. 2009. 12 April 2010.  Olin and Uris Libraries Website: <http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/skill26.htm>.

Martorana, Janet. “Evaluating Sources of Information.” August 2008. 12 April 2010. <http://www.library.ucsb.edu/libinst/infolit/evaluate.html>.

• Thesis answers the research question
• It comes at the end of the introduction
• It should be supported by evidence
• Body of paper will consist of evidence in support of the thesis
• Write a rough draft to organize ideas
• Use facts and statistics to support the importance of the topic
• If the reader would not know the meaning of a word, explain it to them by quoting or paraphrasing a source
• Back up assumptions with facts, examples, and other evidence
• Construct argument in one’s own words
• Use sources that oppose one’s opinion as opposing viewpoints
• State objections before stating opposing views
• AVOID PLAGIARISM AT ALL COST – when in doubt – cite the source
• Enclose borrowed language in quotation marks
• Limit quotations
• Put summaries/paraphrases in own words
• When quoting four lines of prose/more than three lines of poetry, indent the quote one inch from the left margin
• To spice up the paper, use signal phrases
• Establish authority- when first introducing a source state the author’s title, credentials, etc.
• Put direct quotes in context

Formatting the Paper: 8 1/2″ x 11″ white paper. Paperclip the papers, do not staple! On the first page of the paper, put name, instructor’s name, course title, and date on separate lines against the left margin. Put the page number preceded by last name in the upper right corner of each page (1/2″ below the top edge). Apply one inch margins and double spacing. Headings are optional, it’s the writer’s preference. Must label figures with number and clear caption. Alphabetize the works cited list and apply a hanging indent.

MLA Formatting and Style Guide

• 8 1/2  x 11- inch paper, double spaced, 12 point font
• Leave only one space after periods or other punctuation
• 1 inch margins on all sides
• Indent the first line of all paragraphs 1/2 inch from the left margin
• Create a header that numbers pages consecutively in the upper right corner- 1/2 inch from the top
• If any end-notes,  put them on a separate page before works cited page
• Do not make title page
• Do not underline, italicize, or place your title in quotation marks
• Double space between the title and the first line of the text
• Create a header in the upper right-hand corner that includes the last name, followed by a space with a page number; one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin

I feel that having proper formatting is just as important as the information in the text. If the reader has trouble reading the paper, he or she will not fully relate to the topic. I went back and edited my works cited. They were not quite correct. I also edited the spacing. Some of my formatting was sloppy.

Works Cited

Hacker, Diana. “A Writer’s Reference.” New York: Bedford/ST. Martin’s, 2009. Print. Sixth Edition.

Russell, Tony and Allen Brizee. “MLA Formatting and Style Guide.” The Purdue OWL. Purdue U Writing Lab, 10 May 2008. Web. 5 April 2010. <http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/>.

Ways of Thinking

• First determine the text’s thesis
• Think about what audience it is written for
• Look for specific concepts, theories,  and methods
• Take notice of the organization of the text
• Examine the evidence
• Evaluate how text is argued
• Look for gaps and inconsistency in the argument
• Think about what an opposing argument would be

Tips

• Start by skimming the text and looking for areas where you want to focus on (i.e. introductions/conclusions)
• Look for patterns that give purpose, order, and meaning to facts and examples
• When using a portion of the text in an argument, be sure to pay attention to its context
• When using quotations, explain the judgments made about this quote and why it is being used
• Follow a quote with further analysis

Critical Reading: What is Critical Reading, and Why do I Need to do it?

Critical reading consists of:

• Logical consistency
• Tone
• Organization

Steps to become a critical reader

• Figure out what the intended audience is
• Read with open mind
• Consider the title
• Read slowly
• Use a dictionary while reading
• Make notes
• Keep a reading journal and write down responses and thoughts

Writing for an Audience

• Writers must establish “common ground” between themselves and the readers
• Differences fall into three areas (knowledge, attitude, needs)
• Design the writing to reduce these differences

Knowledge – what does the reader already know about this topic, and what should be explained in the writing.

Attitude – the view the reader has on a particular topic. It greatly varies from person to person

Needs – Writer must adapt his or her knowledge to the needs of the reader. Only give facts that the reader needs to know.

Audience

Keeping the audience in mind while writing can help:

• The writer make good decisions about what material to include, the order of ideas,
• The organization of the writer’s ideas
• The writer support his or her argument

- Don’t write as if the professor is the only reader
- Know who the audience is and how to fulfill their needs

Works Cited

“Audience.” The Writing Center. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Web. 5 April 2010. <http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/audience.html>.

“Critical Reading: What is Critical Reading, and Why do I Need to do it?” The Writing Center. Cleveland State University. Web. 5 April 2010. <http://www.csuohio.edu/academic/writingcenter/critread.html>.

Flower, Linda. “Writing for an Audience.” Web. 5 April 2010. <marlenharrison.com/images/flower_writing_for_an_audience.pdf>.

Knott, Deborah . “Critical Reading Towards Critical Writing.” Writing at the University of Toronto. Web. 5 April 2010. <http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/reading-and-researching/critical-reading>.

Writing up Research: Results

• Present results in table, graph, or written text
• Put raw data in appendix
• There should be text explaining the significant results in the table, graph, or written text
• This makes result meaningful
• Highlights trends or relationships
• Comment on whether results were expected or not

Discussion

• Interpret results
• Explain new understanding of problem
• Explains how study has moved forward from end of introduction
• Use active voice
• Make sure use of first-person is limited
• Make points clear
• Should address each study or experiment that yielded results
• Relate finding to other studies (similarities/differences)
• Do not introduce new results

Conclusions

• Allows reader to understand why the analysis and information should matter to them
• Allows for the final say on issues
• Summarize thoughts
• Make a good final impression
• End on positive note
• Make the reader glad they read the paper
• If stuck, play the “so what” game
• Avoid beginning with “in conclusion”, “in summary”, etc.
• Can’t be the first time thesis is stated
• Avoid introducing a new topic or subject
• Avoid making emotional appeals that are different than the rest of the paper

My Articles

How to Write a Research Paper – Results

• Page length depends on the amount of data that will be reported
• Be concise (figures/tables)
• Purpose it to present your findings
• Exclude raw data
• Summarize your findings
• Describe each result
• Describe the question that was addressed and how the findings relate
• Analyze data, then create a figure, table, or text
• Text should compliment any figures ( do not restate the information)
• Don’t report background information
• Use past tense
• Put in logical order
• Figures must be numbered consecutively and have caption underneath
• Tables must have titles  (place above table)
• Tables must be numbered consecutively
• Tables must have headings (place above table)
• Make sure table could be readable by itself

How to Write a Research Paper – Discussion

• Objective is to interpret the results/support conclusions
• Describe the significance of the findings
• If results differ from expectations, explain why they differ
• If results agree with expectations, suggest a theory that the results support
• Decide if hypotheses are supported, rejected, or if unsure
• Do not dismiss a study as inconclusive
• Draw conclusions based on what results are present
• Suggest future research
• Explain observations
• Decide if the experiment addressed the hypotheses
• Determine what questions remain
• Clearly distinguish the current data from previous published data
• Use past tense
• Refer to facts or principles in present tense
• Do not restate results (suggest why results came out as they did)

How to Write a College Term Paper Conclusion: Effective Tips for Ending an Essay

• Needs to summarize the main points of the article
• Avoid repetition
• Avoid new information
• Avoid cliche statements (The next time you…)
• Do not cut and paste other sections of paper into conclusion
• Use signpost language (first, next, finally, in conclusion, etc.)
• Concluding statements could include: a brief anecdote, a quotation, reemphasizing the importance of this topic, etc.

I feel that the conclusion is very important. It is the last chance to convince the reader that one’s view is important. The writer must recap the main points of his or her paper. However, it cannot be a mere rehash of other sections of the paper.

Works Cited

Caprette, David R. “How to Write a Research Paper.” Rice University. 20 Aug. 2007.  22 March 2010. <http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~bioslabs/tools/report/reportform.html#intro>.

Rockler-Gladen, Naomi. “How to Write a College Term Paper Conclusion: Effective Tips for Ending an Essay.” 17 Nov. 2008. 12 April 2010. <http://studyskills.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_write_a_college_term_paper_conclusion>.

]]> http://tylerbrumbaughmlwq.wordpress.com/2010/04/01/blog-entry-14/feed/ 0 Tyler http://tylerbrumbaughmlwq.wordpress.com/2010/03/30/blog-entry-13-2/ http://tylerbrumbaughmlwq.wordpress.com/2010/03/30/blog-entry-13-2/#comments Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:59:06 +0000 Tyler Brumbaugh http://tylerbrumbaughmlwq.wordpress.com/?p=130 ]]> After combining the three sections of my paper, I had to go back and reorganize my thoughts. Some information was out of place and some really didn’t seem important anymore.  I feel that my transitions are weak. The flow still needs to be improved. Also, I am not satisfied with the length thus far. Lastly, I feel that I do not have a strong hook. I believe the paper is still bland. I will continue to edit my paper in attempt to correct the problems mentioned above. I will be working on the results section next.