Scientific method |
Primary Research
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The scientific method is a way to ask and answer scientific questions by making
observations and doing experiments.
The steps of the scientific method are to:
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is a short statement of the relationship
between the independent and the dependant variable.
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Primary research has some particular requirements. Here is a simple guide for undertaking primary research.
Primary or Secondary SourcesSource Evaluation
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What is a thesis?
What is a thesis? A thesis statement outlines what you believe and what you intend to prove. A good thesis statement makes the difference between a thoughtful research project and a simple retelling of facts. Background reading will help you establish your views after you have examined the evidence. You will likely begin your research with a working, preliminary or tentative thesis which you will continue to refine until you are certain of where the evidence leads. The thesis statement is typically located at the end of your opening paragraph.
A good thesis:
Specific topic + Attitude/Angle/Argument = Thesis
What you plan to argue + How you plan to argue it = Thesis
How will you work out your thesis? Look for:
A good thesis:
- It should propose an arguable point with which people could reasonably disagree. A strong thesis is provocative. It takes a stand and justifies the position you will present.
- It is specific and focused. Instead of music, think "American jazz in the 1930s" and your argument about it.
- It clearly supports your own conclusion based on evidence. Should the evidence lead you to a conclusion didn't think you'd reach it is perfectly okay to change your thesis.
- It anticipates and refutes the counter-arguments.
- It avoids vague language (like "it seems").
- It avoids the first person. ("I believe," "In my opinion").
Specific topic + Attitude/Angle/Argument = Thesis
What you plan to argue + How you plan to argue it = Thesis
How will you work out your thesis? Look for:
- Interesting contrasts or comparisons or patterns emerging in the information.
- Something about the topic that surprises you?
- Ideas that make you wonder why.