Understanding Research

Research process
Select a topic
Refine a topic
Identify objectives Choose approach
Explore a topic
Plan a search
Evaluate info

Finding Books

Finding Articles

Which Approach Do I Take?

After identifying your objectives, you're ready to consider which approach to pursue in writing or presenting your information. Ask yourself if you intend to present an informational, argumentative, or problem/solution paper. Above all, follow your instructor's directions.

Examine the questions you have generated. Your questions will reflect your approach. Which approach do you wish to take?

The Informational Approach—Just the Facts:

Present, and discuss information, facts, statistics, people, places, issues, events about your topic based on your research.

The Argumentative Approach—Your Position:

Identify and debate the pros & cons of an issue or examine the advantages & disadvantages of a particular aspect. State and argue your position based on your research.

The Problem-and-Solution Approach:

Explain and analyze a problem, and propose a solution based on your research.

Survivor Tip: "Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored" (Aldous Huxley, Proper Studies 1927).(1) When you state and argue your position, don't ignore the facts. Your viewpoint should be based on facts and observations, not just opinion.

Let's examine some questions for the topic "Educational issues of raising a deaf child" and the approach that you would then take:

This tutorial focuses on researching information. For further optional reading on how to write research papers, visit the library's Quick Reference page, then click on Research & Writing and consult the writing guides and tutorials linked from the page. Above all, be sure to consult with your instructor.

Next: How Do I Explore My Topic?

Reference:

1Huxley, Aldous. Proper Studies. 1927. Oxford Reference Online Premium. Ohio Dominican University Library, Columbus. 15 July 2004. <http://www.oxfordreference.com>