Quality Research Papers

1. Research Defined: A Systematic Quest for Objective Knowledge

Research can be defined as a method of study that, through careful investigation of all evidence bearing on a definable problem, arrives at a solution.

Systematic Search. Research is not a haphazard collection of information but a deliberate and methodical investigation. It demands a clear method, logical system, and dedicated effort, requiring time, energy, and thoughtful consideration. The process involves identifying a specific problem, gathering relevant data from authoritative sources, and presenting the findings in a clear and concise manner.

Objective Knowledge. The goal of research is to arrive at objective knowledge, adding facts to existing understanding rather than relying on suppositions or personal biases. This requires a researcher to approach the topic with an open mind, considering all evidence and avoiding the defense of preconceived notions. It's about seeking truth with the head, not the heart, focusing on facts rather than conjectures.

Specific Topic. Effective research focuses on a clearly defined and specific problem, rather than attempting to tackle a broad or general topic. A research paper is not an encyclopedia; it requires a specific, clearly delineated problem that can be solved through careful investigation and analysis. This specificity allows for a more thorough and meaningful exploration of the issue at hand.

2. Navigating the Library: The Cornerstone of Research

The library is the traditional beginning point of research.

Library as Gateway. The library remains a vital resource for research, offering a curated collection of materials chosen by experts to support academic coursework. It serves as an academic gateway to the Internet and provides access to thousands of pages of resources, making it an indispensable tool for students. Familiarizing oneself with the library's departments, services, and resources is essential for effective research.

Mastering the Catalog. The library catalog, whether in card or electronic form, is the key to accessing the library's holdings. Understanding how to search by author, title, and subject heading is crucial for locating relevant materials. Electronic catalogs offer advanced search options, such as keyword searches and Boolean operators, which can significantly enhance the efficiency of the research process.

Beyond the Catalog. Libraries offer a wealth of resources beyond the catalog, including indexes, reference materials, periodicals, special departments, and interlibrary loan services. These resources provide access to a vast array of information, from journal articles and dissertations to archival materials and full-text documents. Utilizing these resources effectively requires a thorough understanding of the library's organization and services.

3. Taming the Internet: Evaluating Online Resources

The Internet is a new and wild environment…

Internet's Double-Edged Sword. The Internet offers unparalleled access to information, but it also presents challenges due to its unedited nature and lack of guaranteed accessibility. Unlike library resources, online materials may include opinions, trivia, and unreliable data alongside valuable information, requiring careful evaluation. Navigating this environment effectively requires a critical approach and a discerning eye.

Evaluating Credibility. Evaluating Internet sources is crucial for ensuring the reliability of information used in research. Key questions to ask include:

• What is the purpose of the website?
• Who sponsors the site?
• When was the material written or last updated?
• Who is the author, and what are their qualifications?
• Is the material available elsewhere?
• What is the tone of the material?
• What company does this piece keep?

Citing Internet Sources. Accurate citation of Internet sources is essential for maintaining academic integrity. This includes providing the author, title, publication data, and URL of the source. It's also important to note the date the document was accessed, as online content can change or disappear over time. Retaining copies of downloaded material is recommended until the research is approved.

4. Choosing a Topic: From Broad to Specific

Topics come in many varieties: good and better and best, simple and complex, shallow and deep, interesting and boring, impossible and rewarding.

Reading for Inspiration. Choosing a research topic requires initial exploration through reading textbooks, dictionaries, and encyclopedias to gain general knowledge of the area. This preliminary reading helps clarify parameters, provide basic information, and spark ideas for potential topics. It's essential to take notes on sources and questions that arise during this process.

Asking Critical Questions. Asking questions about content and feasibility is crucial for determining the suitability of a research topic. Questions about content include:

• What are its parts?
• Of what larger whole is this topic a part?
• What has been written on this topic?
• Is this a controversial topic?
• Are lines clearly drawn between two opposing sides over this topic?
• What can I add to this history?
• Do I find this topic interesting?
• Can I get excited about it?
• What good is this topic?
• How can I use the results of my research?
• Besides me, who else will benefit from my work?

Narrowing the Scope. Delimiting a study is indispensable for conducting thorough research. It involves setting self-imposed limits that make the topic clearer and more manageable. Delimitations may include limiting the time period, sources, or aspects of the topic to be studied. This ensures that the researcher can examine every piece of information on the chosen topic within the defined parameters.

5. Planning Research: Defining Problem, Purpose, and Methodology

Planning takes time but is well worth the effort.

Defining the Problem. The first step in planning research is to identify the specific problem or issue to be tackled. This problem should represent a gap in knowledge, an unresolved question, or a lack of information. A clear statement of the problem guides the research process and helps the professor provide appropriate guidance.

Determining the Purpose. The purpose of the research follows directly from the problem statement. It clarifies what the researcher intends to do about the problem, whether it's to analyze, compare, reconstruct, synthesize, or design a program. The purpose statement tells the reader what the research aims to accomplish.

Designing a Methodology. The methodology outlines the steps the researcher will take to achieve the stated purpose. It provides a roadmap for the research process, detailing how the problem will be solved. The methodology should be clear, logical, and appropriate for the type of research being conducted.

6. Bibliographic Records: Meticulous Tracking of Sources

If the bibliographic cards are carefully made…they will not need to be recopied before the final typing.

Traditional Bib Cards. The traditional method of keeping track of bibliography involves creating "bib cards" or source cards for each item consulted. These cards contain all the information needed to find the item again and to create the final bibliography. Each card should include the author, title, publication data, call number, and any relevant notes about the book or article.

Electronic Records. A more efficient approach is to maintain an electronic record of the bibliography using a word processor or bibliographic management software. This allows for easy sorting, searching, and formatting of bibliographic entries. Electronic records can be downloaded from library catalogs and online databases, saving time and ensuring accuracy.

Bibliographic Utilities. Bibliographic utilities like EndNote™ and RefWorks™ offer advanced features for managing bibliographies, inserting footnotes, and formatting bibliographies. These tools can significantly streamline the research process and eliminate guesswork in formatting citations. They also facilitate collaboration and ensure consistency in bibliographic entries.

7. Research Thinking: Objectivity, Focus, and Intellectual Honesty

Research has a special way of thinking attached to it.

Objectivity as a Goal. While total objectivity may be unattainable, researchers should strive to be as objective as possible by setting aside personal preferences and considering all evidence, including negative evidence. This requires courage, humility, and a willingness to challenge one's own ideas.

Maintaining Focus. Effective research requires a laser-like focus on the problem and its solution. Researchers must avoid digressions and tangents, staying true to the research question and purpose. This demands discipline and the ability to prioritize relevant information.

Intellectual Honesty. Intellectual honesty is paramount in research, requiring researchers to acknowledge the contributions of others and avoid plagiarism. This includes giving credit to sources through proper citation and quotation, and presenting information accurately and without distortion. Intellectual honesty also involves admitting limitations and uncertainties in one's own research.

8. Research Reading: Evaluating and Note-Taking

Research reading—beyond the early exploratory reading—takes time and thought.

Active Reading. Research reading demands active engagement with the material, including understanding words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs. Summarizing the contents of each paragraph, chapter, and book helps fix the content in the mind. It also involves examining the author's purpose, limitations, and intended audience.

Evaluating Sources. Not all sources are created equal. Evaluating sources involves asking questions about the author, publisher, date of publication, purpose, style, and presence of bibliography and footnotes. It also includes assessing the tone of the writing and the clarity of expression.

Effective Note-Taking. Taking good notes is essential for successful research. Notes may be taken manually on cards or electronically using computer software. Each note should include a heading, text (quotation, summary, or comment), and source. The most useful note cards are short, containing only one idea or piece of information.

9. Footnotes: Why, When, and How to Document Sources

There are, however, legitimate uses for footnotes.

Purpose of Footnotes. Footnotes serve to provide authority behind statements, help scholars find information, and honestly acknowledge intellectual indebtedness. They are essential for indicating the source of quotations, citations, and allusions. Content notes provide additional information that could disrupt the text.

When to Footnote. Reference notes are used whenever materials from another author are cited or quoted. Failure to use quotation marks for quoted materials or give due credit to a source is considered plagiarism. No footnotes are needed for common knowledge or the writer's own ideas.

How to Footnote. Footnotes come in two main kinds: content notes and reference notes. Reference notes provide sufficient information to locate the original source. Full reference notes are given the first time an item is mentioned, while subsequent references use abbreviated forms.

10. Comparing Notes and Bibliographic Entries: A Guide to Accurate Referencing

Reference notes and bibliographical entries are similar, yet different.

Key Differences. Reference notes and bibliographical entries share similar information but differ in format. In reference notes, the author's name is in normal order, publication data appear in parentheses, and there is usually only one period at the end. Bibliographical entries invert the author's name, use periods to separate segments, and omit parentheses.

Published Materials. Published materials include books, pamphlets, and periodicals. Bibliographic entries for books include author, title, edition, and publication data. Entries for periodicals include author, title of article, title of journal, volume number, and date.

Unpublished Materials. Unpublished materials include theses, dissertations, interviews, and manuscripts. Bibliographic entries for these materials require specific information about the type of document, the institution where it was produced, and its location.

11. Organizing the Paper: Structure and Flow

Organizational decisions take place from the moment you choose a topic until that last change just before you hand the paper in.

Five Main Parts. A well-written research paper should have five main parts: the preliminary pages, the introduction, the body, the summary and conclusions, and the bibliography. If needed, appendixes may be added. The introduction sets the stage, the body reports the findings, the conclusion summarizes and evaluates, and the bibliography documents the sources.

Organizing the Body. The body of the paper should be organized in a clear and logical manner. Common methods include chronological, spatial, comparative, cause-to-effect, and unfolding. The organization should make sense to the reader and allow for a smooth flow of ideas.

Visible Organization. Using different levels of headings and enumerations helps to visibly organize the contents of a paper. Headings indicate the divisions and subdivisions of the topic, while enumerations help to list and categorize information. Consistency in formatting is essential for clarity and readability.

12. Research Writing: Clarity, Conciseness, and Objectivity

English research writing uses simple, concise, and clear language.

Impersonal Language. Research writing should be impersonal, objective, and formal. The first person singular should be avoided, and the passive voice should be used sparingly. The focus should be on the research topic, not the writer.

Simple and Concise Language. Research writing should use simple, concise, and clear language. Fancy words, metaphors, similes, and idiomatic expressions should be avoided. The vocabulary should be as simple as the topic will permit.

Intellectual Honesty. Intellectual honesty is paramount in research writing. All sources must be properly cited and quoted, and plagiarism must be avoided. The writer should also be willing to admit limitations and uncertainties in their research.

13. Formatting the Paper: Adhering to Style Guidelines

So far, this book on writing research papers has discussed the research process… Now it turns to the matter of format…

Page Format. The page format should be set up before typing begins. This includes setting margins, line spacing, font, and page numbers. The page should be letter size, with margins of 1 inch on top, bottom, and right, and 1.5 inches on the left.

Footnotes and Quotations. Footnotes should be placed at the bottom of the page, with a separator line between the text and the notes. Quotations should be enclosed in double quotation marks, with longer quotations typed as block quotations.

Spelling and Punctuation. Spelling, punctuation, and other details are important in a research paper. The spelling should be either British or American, but not both. Punctuation rules should be followed carefully, and all details should be checked for accuracy.

14. Biblical Exegesis as Research: Unveiling Scriptural Meaning

Biblical exegesis is not usually listed as a type of research; it is, however, a study that uses research methods.

Seven-Step Process. Biblical exegesis involves a systematic process of interpreting Scripture, including determining the canonical context, establishing the text, establishing the translation, establishing the meaning, establishing the historical and geographical context, establishing the original theological meaning, and establishing the application for today. This process requires careful study, analysis, and reflection.

Canonical Context. The first step in exegesis is to read the passage in its canonical setting, understanding its place within the larger context of the book and the Bible as a whole. This involves identifying markers that indicate the limits of the passage and its relationship to what precedes and follows.

Original Theological Meaning. The goal of exegesis is to determine the original theological meaning of the passage for its first readers or hearers. This requires careful consideration of the historical, cultural, and linguistic context, as well as the author's intent and purpose. The final step is to apply the theological meaning to today's church or individual Christian.

15. Descriptive Research: Portraying Reality Through Data

Descriptive research does exactly what its name says: it describes…

Objectives of Descriptive Research. Descriptive research aims to collect detailed factual information, identify problems, make comparisons, and determine what others are doing with similar situations. It seeks to portray reality through data, whether quantitative or qualitative.

Data Collection Methods. Descriptive research employs various methods for collecting data, including surveys, interviews, and records. The choice of method depends on the type of information needed and the population being studied. It's important to use multiple approaches to ensure a complete and accurate description.

Sampling Techniques. Sampling is a technique used to study a representative group of a population. Common sampling methods include random sampling, representative sampling, and cluster sampling. The goal is to select a sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the total population.

16. Program Development as Research: Designing and Evaluating Interventions

Program development, also called product or curriculum development, is another specialized form of research.

Steps in Program Development. Program development involves a systematic process of designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions to address specific problems. The steps include defining the problem, describing the population, setting goals and objectives, reviewing the literature, designing the program, preparing materials and resources, implementing the program, and evaluating the results.

Theoretical Basis. A successful program must have a solid theoretical basis, grounded in Scripture, theology, and relevant social sciences. The review of literature should include materials on the theoretical basis, similar programs, and the population involved.

Evaluation. Evaluation is a crucial step in program development, providing feedback on the effectiveness of the intervention. Evaluation should be multifaceted, using surveys, interviews, and observations to gather data from participants and stakeholders.

17. The Case Study as Research: In-Depth Analysis and Theological Reflection

In pastoral research, the case study is similar to what was described above.

Definition of Terms. A case is an objective description of a pastoral situation, while a case study is the process of pastoral-theological reflection about a given case. The case-study method is a way of doing pastoral-theological reflection, starting from a case and proceeding to a constructive interpretation of the issues.

Parts of a Case Study. A case study for pastoral theology is divided into four major areas: observation, analysis, interpretation, and action. Observation involves careful recording of the details of the case. Analysis involves understanding the factors that influence the people involved. Interpretation involves interpreting the case in light of theology. Action involves planning appropriate pastoral strategies.

Writing the Case Study. Writing a case study involves presenting the case, analyzing the factors involved, interpreting the case theologically, and proposing pastoral action. The written report should follow academic rigor while allowing for creativity and imagination.

18. Specialized Theological Writing: Papers and Book Reviews

In addition to the research and exegesis papers that are required as part of theological education, professors may request papers that relate theology to the practice of ministry.

Theological Issues in Ministry. A paper on a theological issue in ministry applies the results of theological study to a human reality, usually a situation in the pastor's own ministry. It involves analyzing the problem, studying relevant biblical passages, and drawing conclusions based on theological reflection.

Book Reviews. Book reviews provide a summary and evaluation of a book or article. A student's book review should include a complete bibliographic entry, information about the author, a summary of the book, and an evaluation of its contents.

Evaluating Content. Evaluating content involves comparing the book or article with other writings, assessing the author's objectives, and forming an opinion about the work's usefulness. The language of a book review should be courteous and well-documented.

19. Statistics, Tables, and Graphs: Presenting Data Effectively

For many the word “statistics” brings to mind numbers and more numbers…

Basics of Statistics. Statistics involve the collection, organization, analysis, and interpretation of numerical data. Basic concepts include grouping of data, measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode), measures of dispersion (range, standard deviation), distribution, and correlation.

Tables. Tables present data in rows and columns, providing a clear and organized way to display numerical information. All tables must have a number and a title, and they should be referenced in the text.

Graphs. Graphs represent data visually, using bars, lines, or circles. Common types of graphs include bar graphs, line graphs, and circular graphs. Graphs can be more effective communicators than tables, but they may not show as much data.

20. Theses and Dissertations: Culminating Research Projects

A first theological degree is usually earned by passing courses and examinations.

Review of Literature. A review of literature is an essential component of a thesis or dissertation, providing a summary of what has already been written on the topic. It demonstrates the researcher's familiarity with the existing body of knowledge and helps to avoid duplication of effort.

Thesis Process. The thesis process involves three main stages: proposal, writing, and defense. The proposal outlines the research question, methodology, and expected outcomes. The writing stage involves conducting research, analyzing data, and writing the thesis. The defense is an oral examination in which the student presents and defends their research.

Dissertation Requirements. A doctoral dissertation is a major research project that investigates a complex problem in the candidate's area of emphasis. It is expected to contribute something new to the fund of general knowledge and to demonstrate the candidate's expertise in the field.

Last updated: April 16, 2025