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GUIDE FOR WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER 1. Rules for writing a research paper This guide has been created to assist students in thinking and writing through the many aspects of writing, implementing and defending a research paper. A research paper is a written report of research. The aim of the research paper is for the student to demonstrate that he can apply knowledge, understanding and skills gained from knowledge obtained through study (and possibly working experience). This means that the student is able to study independently and critically certain sources, analyse these sources critically and apply the information needed. The student is able to apply general legal knowledge to specific cases and questions, but he is also able to gain general knowledge from specific situations. The student is able to argue clearly and produce a vision of his own. Another aim of the research paper is to gain knowledge and insight about a certain specific legal topic or problem. The content of the research paper has to be a topic within the field of international business law. 2. Criteria used to assess the research paper 2.1 Contents The research paper contains logical, consistent and coherent reasoning. Conclusions are the logical result of what was written before, without omissions and contradictions. It goes without saying that the research paper should not contain inaccuracies. The problem statement is clearly formulated as a question. The conclusions contain the answer to this question. The paper consists of approximately 12,000 words (around 30 pages). 2.2 Creative writing A research paper is not merely an enumeration of a number of facts, literature and case law; the findings of your research have to add something to what already has been written. A research paper has to express that the student has a point of view of his own. This may show because the student has a very definite view regarding his subject and it may also show by the choice of literature. 2.3 Structure A research paper consists of three parts: introduction, body of the paper, divided into chapters and sections, and a conclusion. In the conclusion you have to answer the questions you formulated in the introduction. 2.4 Use of sources In the research paper the student demonstrates the ability to acquire knowledge found in relevant literature, legislature and case law. The student also shows that he/she is able to digest this information and to apply the information in concrete situations. Plagiarism is forbidden and will be sanctioned. All sources have to be mentioned. 2.5 Language The research paper should be written in correct English, idiomatically as well as grammatically. 2.6 Layout
1. Choose a subject that interests you but from which you can still learn much. 2. Choose a subject that is not broad. 3. Choose a subject not too difficult, one for which you can find materials from popular magazines or books aimed at general reading. 4. Choose a subject that has some interest for the average reader. Once you have settled upon a subject, you are now ready to gather materials. Begin by defining the specific problem with which you wish to deal. Select only materials related specifically to your problem. The sources of materials are the following: observation or experience, interview, library and special bulletin and reports. If your source of materials is books, you will need to take note the following: the author or editor, title of the book, place of publication, publisher, date of publication, and call number. If you use magazines as source of material, you will need to the author and title of the article, name of magazines or newspaper, volume number, date of issue, and page number. To ensure the completion of the study and to make research work enjoyable to the researcher, certain criteria should be observed.
Within the interest of the researcher. The research problem or topic should be within the interest of the researcher so that the researcher will focus his full attention on the research work.
Competence of the researcher. The researcher must have a workable understanding of his study such as the method of research to be used to the problem to his problem. Specialization of the researcher. Research problem or topic should be within the specialization of the researcher to make research work easier for him. This will also improve his specialization skills, and competence of his profession. Research budget. The researcher should be able to finance or find funding for his research until his study is completed. Personal choice of the researcher problem or topic. This is to prevent from blaming others or offering excuses for any problem encountered. Researchable and manageable research problem or topic. All the data used should be accessible as well as equipment and instruments for research are available and can give valid and reliable results. Also, the hypothesis formulated are testable and the research problem or topic should be able to meet the standards of accuracy, objectivity and verifiability. Within period of time. Research topic should be completed within a reasonable period of time. There must be a project time table. Relevant to the present time. Research topic should be significant, important and relevant to the present time and situation, and of current interest. In addition, it should be able to arouse peoples interest. Add human knowledge. Research topic must contribute a new bit of knowledge to what we already have since all the facts and knowledge are the products of research. Solve problems. Prove the way for the solution of the problems or problems intended to be solved. After research or project have been conducted, recommendations are made for the solution and if implemented can solve the problems. Moral and spiritual values. Research topic must promote divine values and admirable human values including love, peace, goodwill, etc. Quality of human life. Research topic must improve the quality of human life or show how to improve unsatisfactory conditions.
Abstract - Contains that brief discussion of the background and objectives of the problem, statement of the problem, short discussion of research design as well as findings, conclusion and recommendations.
Ms. April J. Rivera | Error! No text of specified style in document.