Basic Library Research

After conducting research, it comes time for analyzing the data learned. For this part of research you need to reflect back on your question and exactly what you were trying to figure out. It is pertinent in your analysis that you refer to this question.

 

Once it comes to analyzing it is also key that you know what type of research you did. For help on your type of research click here:

 

Below you will see how to analyze the main two types of research, qualitative and quantitative.

 

To Analyze Qualitative Research:

You should use two methods for this type of analysis. Firstly it is important to use coding. Coding is where you group information into categories to help better understand it. The second method is abstraction. In this method you are pulling apart the layers of detail to get a better look at them.

 

To Analyze Quantitative Research:

To analyze quantitative research there are also two methods to use for analysis. Firstly there is comparison. Comparisons allow you to look at two or more sets of data and compare and contrast them. The other method is called statistical significance. This method helps you see your information from a bigger perspective and evaluate the information you learned by deciding if it is important.

 

After you have analyzed your research, you must organize it in a way that will be presentable. One of the most common ways to showcase new found research is by a research paper.

 

Creating a research paper allows you to have a sense of ownership of the data you learned while helping people understand the way you came to your conclusions. When creating a research paper, it is important that you have the skills necessary in organization, structure, clarity and style. With these skills you will be able to successfully relay the story of your methodology. For the organization and structure of your paper, it is important that they are simple so that anyone should be able to understand it. Below you will see a sample outline of the structure of a research paper.

 

Title: Should reflect content, but not be too specific

Abstract: After title there should be a short summary

Introduction: Should set in place the questions or "why" of the topic

Methodology: Must have enough information about the process so that another may be able to easily repeat it

The Findings: Make sure to present all data, both numerical and descriptive

The Discussion:  Must have an analysis of findings and set them into context

Conclusion: Must summarize and draw findings together

References: Make sure to credit all references used at the end in a bibliography

 

After completing your paper, grammatically editing it is always important, though you must also review your ideas. Reviewing will allow you to spot gaps in your writing and overall allow you to check your project as a whole, while still developing your evaluation skills.