The Benefits and Surprises of the Research Process

Title: The Benefits and Surprises of the Research Process Introduction: Throughout the course, we have been exposed to various aspects of research, such as proposal writing, outlining, creating annotated bibliographies, and conducting the research itself. These steps serve to enhance our understanding of the research process and help us stay organized and efficient. In this essay, we will discuss which step was most beneficial to our progress, what surprised us the most about the research process, what is still left to complete in our research paper, and how feedback has guided us towards necessary changes. Additionally, we will explore the role of research in future writing endeavors and the importance of engaging in ongoing conversations in our respective fields. Most Beneficial Step: Amongst all the research steps, the process of creating an outline proved to be the most beneficial to our progress. Developing a structured outline allowed us to organize our thoughts, identify gaps in our research, and establish a clear roadmap for our paper. By outlining, we were able to ensure a logical flow of ideas and maintain a coherent structure throughout the writing process. This step also helped us avoid repetitive information and aided in the identification of areas that required further research or elaboration. Surprises in the Research Process: The research process revealed several surprising aspects that we had not anticipated. Firstly, we were amazed by the vast amount of information available on our chosen topics. The depth and breadth of resources enabled us to delve into various perspectives and enriched our understanding of the subject matter. Additionally, we were surprised by the diverse range of research methodologies and approaches employed in different fields. This discovery highlighted the importance of selecting appropriate research methods to address specific research questions effectively. Remaining Tasks and Feedback: In completing our research paper, there are still a few tasks left to accomplish. These include synthesizing the gathered information into a cohesive argument, revising and editing the draft, and ensuring proper citation and formatting. The feedback received from both our instructor and peers has been invaluable in shaping our work. Their input has helped us identify areas that needed improvement, such as strengthening our thesis statement, providing more evidence to support our claims, and refining our writing style. The constructive criticism provided by our peers has also broadened our perspectives and allowed us to consider alternative viewpoints. The Role of Research in Future Writing: In the near future, we anticipate engaging in various types of writing that will continue to incorporate research. Whether it be academic papers, professional reports, or even creative writing, research will remain an integral part of our writing process. Research provides a solid foundation of knowledge, adds credibility to our arguments, and allows us to present well-informed perspectives. It enables us to critically analyze information, identify gaps in existing knowledge, and contribute to ongoing scholarly discussions. Continuing Conversations in Our Field: As we progress in our respective fields, it is crucial to actively participate in ongoing conversations. By engaging in these discussions, we can stay up-to-date with current research, contribute our unique insights, and foster intellectual growth. In Criminal Justice, for example, one may be interested in conversing about the use of technology such as body cameras to improve community-police relationships. By participating in relevant forums, attending conferences, or joining professional associations, one can stay connected with experts and contribute to the advancement of knowledge within their field. Conclusion: The research process has been instrumental in enhancing our understanding of effective writing techniques and has provided valuable skills for future endeavors. The creation of outlines proved particularly beneficial in organizing thoughts and guiding the writingprocess. The research journey also revealed surprising aspects such as the abundance of information available and the diverse methodologies employed across different fields. Through feedback from instructors and peers, we have identified areas for improvement, resulting in a more refined research paper. Moving forward, research will continue to play a crucial role in our writing as it provides a foundation for informed arguments and facilitates ongoing conversations within our fields.        

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