Research conduction essentials

Education and/or Teacher Training
Malta
Period: 
26 Mar, 2021 to 31 Mar, 2023
Deadline: 
14 Apr, 2021

General information

Duration: 
12 months
Commitment: 
Part-Time
Description: 

Before starting the search for information for a research paper or final year project, you should consider several aspects. First of all: a research paper is not just another assignment in studies. It is not about writing a book on a particular topic, let alone a multi-page article. A research project is about discovering or providing more material to the research community on a given topic. Second, be prepared to work on your own. You will do practically the bulk of the work. Here we will show you how to do a research paper step by step.

Keys to choosing the topic of your research paper
At this point, you may find yourself in two situations. On the one hand, you may have a relatively clear idea of what your topic is going to be. On the other hand, you may have several ideas about the topic, but none of them have enough weight to be researched. In this guide to doing a research paper, we offer you some tips on how to choose your topic:

  1. Select a topic on which you can find sufficient and easily accessible information. Former students' theses can inspire you to find helpful information. Even if it is evident, take the time to read papers, articles, wow essay and research samples, and documents related to the research field.
  2. Your work's originality is essential for a successful final project, especially when it comes to the assessment of both the tutor and the examining board.

How to write the introduction to the research paper
Once you have gathered enough information, you have your tutor's approval, and you can start your work, outline the introduction. However, it is advisable to leave the writing to the end: after writing your research paper's body, everything will be much more transparent. The introduction should include a detailed description of the project. 
Here are the elements you should not forget:

  • Topic
  • Problem posed
  • Methodology used
  • Main resources
  • Secondary resources
  • Possible lines of research
  • Limitations of the study carried out

Tips for developing your research
Plan well the time you have available. Calculate how many weeks and hours of work you will have until the time comes to submit and present your work. It's not all about writing. 
Include time in your research day for the following:

  1. Review what you have already written and incorporate tutor corrections.
  2. Plan any time-consuming actions like tutor consultations or library visits.
  3. Plan your breaks and lunch breaks. It may seem obvious, but it is sometimes overlooked.
  4. Finally, set yourself realistic weekly targets. Completing tasks week by week will give you the strength to keep going.

How to write the conclusions of your research paper
Once you have written your research paper's body and before polishing the introduction, it is time to write the conclusions. It is probably the most crucial part, as it summarises the research in a few pages. The reader should understand your paper after reading the introduction and conclusions. 

These are the essential elements it should include:

  • A summary of the work, highlighting the solution to the problem raised in the introduction.
  • Your objective opinion on the research, with comments on its possible expansion and limitations.
  • The repercussions that your work may have on future research.

By following these simple steps, you will know how to do a research paper correctly step by step.