Research in Your Discipline

 

Though this guidebook offers general guidelines on the research process, each discipline has its own requirements for the contents and set-up of the final research paper.  Below are the rough sketches of what is expected from a research paper in the hard sciences versus humanities or social science.  It is your responsibility as a college student to become familiar with both the substantial and the subtle differences between research and writing expectations in particular areas of study. 

 

Scientific Research Paper

 

Abstract: Synopsis of the experiment

Introduction: The background and objectives of the experiment, including a brief review of the literature on the topic

Procedures: In-depth description of how the experiment occurred

Results and Discussion: Analyze the results and describe their implications

Conclusions: Discuss the broad results in the context of the entire experiment

Appendices: Presents information that is too detailed to be placed into the report's text

 

Humanities Research Paper

 

Title Page

Body of the Paper: Might begin with an “Introduction”- then use your own headings to clarify the organization of your paper.  Analysis and comparisons with literature in the field are included alongside with your own arguments

References Page: Includes all sources cited in the body of the paper listed alphabetically

 

 

 

 

 

Research Guidebook