Original Research

Home

Original Research

Although you'll probably conduct most of your research online or in the library, remember that there's a great deal of material you can find in laboratories, in courthouses, and in private archives. Consider the possibility of conducting some original research for your research paper. You can do this by interviewing knowledgeable people and devising and distributing questionnaires or surveys. This may be required in class, so always check with your instructor.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews allow you to conduct primary research and acquire valuable information unavailable in print and online sources. By including quotations from people who have direct knowledge of a particular subject, you add considerable authority and immediacy to your paper. You can conduct interviews by telephone, by e-mail, or in person.
Who should you interview? Include only respected people in the field. Don't waste your time with cranks and people with private agendas to further.
Also:
• Be sure to call and confirm the interview.
• Prepare a series of questions well in advance of the interview. The questions should all focus on your topic and the person's recognized area of expertise.

• After the interview, write a note thanking the person tor his or her time.
• Get the person's permission beforehand if you decide to tape-record or videotape the interview.
• Also obtain a signed release for the right to use their remarks on the record.

SURVEYS

Surveys are useful when you want to measure the behavior or attitudes of a fairly large group. On the basis of the responses, you can draw some conclusions. Such generalizations are usually made in quantitative terms: "Fewer than one-third of the respondents said that they favored further governmental funding for schools," for example. If you decide to create a survey, follow these guidelines:
• Be sure to get a large enough sampling to make your results fair and unbiased. Include at least 50 people, but more is better.
• Don't ask loaded questions that lead people toward a specific response. Be sure that your questions are neutral andunbiased.
• To get honest answers to your questions, it is essential to guarantee your respondents' anonymity. Written surveys are best for this purpose.
• Make the form simple and easy. Few people are willing to take the time to fill out a long, complex form.
• Carefully tabulate your results. Check your math.

In addition, many topics have been extensively discussed by experts on respected television news programs and documentaries. It is often possible to write to the television station and obtain printed transcripts of the programs. You might also be able to videotape the programs or borrow copies of the programs that have already been recorded.

< Prev		Next >

[ Back ]

Service features

24/7 customer support

Written from scratch papers only

Any citation style

Fully referenced

Never resold papers

275 words per page Courier New font

Our benefits

Free extras

Main Menu

Service features