Research is a human activity based on intellectual investigation and is aimed at discovering, interpreting, and revising human knowledge on different aspects of the world. Research can use the scientific method, but need not do so. Scientific research and Historical Research are two research processes. The latter comprises the techniques and guidelines by which historians use historical sources and other evidence to research and then to write history while the former provides scientific information and theories for the explanation of the natureand the properties of the world around us. The main goal of research process is to produce new knowledge, which takes three main forms:
1. Exploratory research, which structures and identifies new problems 2. Constructive research, which develops solutions to a problem 3. Empirical research, which tests the feasibility of a solution using empirical evidence
The General Idea in writing a thesis or dissertation are as follows:
A thesis is a hypothesis or conjecture.
A PhD dissertation is a lengthy, formal document that argues in defense of a particular thesis. (So many people use the term ``thesis'' to refer to the document that a current dictionary now includes it as the third meaning of ``thesis'').
Two important adjectives used to describe a dissertation are ``original'' and ``substantial.'' The research performed to support a thesis must be both, and the dissertation must show it to be so. In particular, a dissertation highlights original contributions.
The scientific method means starting with a hypothesis and then collecting evidence to support or deny it. Before one can write a dissertation defending a particular thesis, one must collect evidence that supports it. Thus, the most difficult aspect of writing a dissertation consists of organizing the evidence and associated discussions into a coherent form.
The essence of a dissertation is critical thinking, not experimental data. Analysis and concepts form the heart of the work.
A dissertation concentrates on principles: it states the lessons learned, and not merely the facts behind them.
In general, every statement in a dissertation must be supported either by a reference to published scientific literature or by original work. Moreover, a dissertation does not repeat the details of critical thinking and analysis found in published sources; it uses the results as fact and refers the reader to the source for further details.
Each sentence in a dissertation must be complete and correct in a grammatical sense. Moreover, a dissertation must satisfy the stringent rules of formal grammar (e.g., no contractions, no colloquialisms, no slurs, no undefined technical jargon, no hidden jokes, and no slang, even when such terms or phrases are in common use in the spoken language). Indeed, the writing in a dissertation must be crystal clear. Shades of meaning matter; the terminology and prose must make fine distinctions. The words must convey exactly the meaning intended, nothing more and nothing less.
Each statement in a dissertation must be correct and defensible in a logical and scientific sense. Moreover, the discussions in a dissertation must satisfy the most stringent rules of logic applied to mathematics and science
Types of Research Papers:
No matter what a subject is, research papers usually fall into two types. At least that’s what specialists believe to be true. This is why when talking about types of research papers we usually presuppose analytical and argumentative papers. Both being somewhat alike, they however have some crucial differences. The necessity to understand these differences appears in the very beginning – when you start gathering data to do a research.
First from two types of research papers is the analytical paper. It’s essence is easy to understand. Basically it is your personal vision, evaluation and analysis of the gathered information. Before writing you have to become determined with the topic. It has to be something interesting but neutral; something that you haven’t made up your mind about yet. This kind of freedom will let you think critically and dive into details to dig out the answers. In other words, a topic itself has to become a research question. While gathering information and working on facts, you will pay more attention to the points of view of scholars. In the end, however, you will have to summarize everything in your own words through your own vision and position.
Second of two types of research papers is the argumentative paper. It is more persuasive, though persuasion comes out of thorough analysis, as well. When working on this type of a research paper, you will have to come up with a strong chain of arguments supported by one or two unbeatable facts. There is one critical difference from an analytical paper here. While in first type of a research paper you had a neutral position while working on an issue, here you will have to defend a certain, maybe somewhat provocative position. This position is going to be your thesis statement. Once you have it and the set of facts, you are ready to work.
