What to Know about Dissertation Methodologies

Saturday, February 27, 2010 in Dissertation Work by EssayCapital | No Comments |

The methodology you choose for your dissertation influences the outcome of your research to a big extent. Hence you must take all the related aspects into consideration before choosing the methodology for your dissertation. Having a good understanding of the dissertation methodologies used for the various types of research is necessary to be able to choose the appropriate one for your dissertation. Knowing the criteria for choosing a methodology is also important.

The dissertation methodologies can be divided mainly into two – quantitative research and qualitative research. Quantitative research is based on figures and graphs where as qualitative research is based on data gathered from direct interaction with the subjects and research paper sources. There are also assignments which require the use of both the methodologies at different stages of the research. There are various factors which must be considered before determining the appropriate method of going about your research.

As in the case of all aspects related to dissertation writing, the first thing to be checked while choosing the methodology is the guidelines. Certain guidelines will specify the dissertation methodology to suit its objective. In such cases, you are not left with any option but to follow the suggested methodology. But if there are no instructions regarding the same, in your dissertation guidelines, you will need to choose one according to your judgment.

The main factor to be considered is your dissertation topic. If you are dealing with a controversial topic, you will most certainly need to use qualitative methodology as you will need to interact directly with people to find out the root of their view of the controversy. Certain subjects also require qualitative methods for all their researches. The best example for such a subject would be sociology. As it is a study of society, none of the researches can be done without direct interaction with humans.

Quantitative dissertation methodology is mostly used in science subjects and sometimes in arts subjects also to neatly organize the paper. Quantitative research has a better layout to present hence it suits science subjects very well. Whether it is a science subject or an arts subject, it is the objective of the assignment which should be used to determine the suitable methodology for your research.

There are various methods which come under each of these two main methodologies of research. Qualitative research methods include interviews, surveys, group discussions and all other direct data collection techniques. Quantitative research methods also include different types of methods for collecting, organizing and presenting the matter. The right one can be determined only with due consideration to the subject area, the topic and the objective of the research.

It is absolutely necessary to choose the most appropriate dissertation methodology for your research, as a poor choice will not only delay you but will also not give the desired results. If you need any kind of dissertation writing help, our writers will be glad to help you. You may take a look at the samples on our website to get an idea of the process of preparing a dissertation.


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Basic Facts to Know about an MLA style Research Paper

Thursday, February 25, 2010 in Research Paper Writing Guide by EssayCapital | No Comments |

There are various styles which are used for the documentation of research data. The style is determined mostly by the preferences of the subject area and sometimes as per the preference of the instructor. MLA style of writing is mainly used for English language and literature. Many other arts subjects and cultural studies also use MLA style for the documentation purposes. In order to successfully prepare an MLA style research paper, you must know the basics aspects of this documentation style.

MLA style of documentation or writing was developed by the Modern Language Association of America to suit the specific requirements of writing on literature topics. It is one of the simplest of the lot and gives a lot of liberty to the writer. This was designed to be so, keeping in mind, the need for the writing in literature to be easy and free-flowing. But due to its simplicity of nature it is much easier to understand and work on. For the same reason it is preferred not only by literature but also many other subjects. Art students are usually asked to write their first few research papers in MLA style because it is a style that is rather easy to comprehend. This style is not much preferred by science subjects due to the lenient rules of writing and documentation which doesn’t suit the precise nature of science.

Each of the specific aspects of research paper writing has been clearly covered in the MLA style guidelines. While writing a research paper in MLA format, it is necessary to keep a manual of the style, in handy. You will need to refer to it while preparing the various parts of the research paper to make sure that you have got all the instruction right.

The methods used for research paper citations is one of the most important parts of the rules of all documentation methods. MLA style research papers also follow a unique method of citing the sources. It has a long list of the various types of research paper sources and clear instructions on how to cite them in your MLA style research paper. It is absolutely necessary that you follow these guidelines while citing your sources in order to avoid plagiarism charges.

Since MLA style is a rather flexible one, you must study the guidelines properly to determine the research paper requirements of that particular project. Most assignments let the students format their research paper according to the instructions given in the style manual. But you will also come across certain assignments which ask for alterations in the basic rules of the style. This would be with due consideration to the requirements of the particular project and the preference of the instructor. You must adhere to these instructions and wherever not specified, you must go by the instructions given in the MLA style manual.

An MLA style research paper is not difficult to format. But it is always time-consuming to write according to certain rules. Since you cannot take a chance with the format of your research paper, you must make sure that you have done it perfectly. If you are tight for time you can opt to get professional help to format your research paper in MLA style.


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Examples and Options of Classification Essay Topics

Friday, February 19, 2010 in All About Essay by EssayCapital | 2 Comments |

Classification essays are the most organized type of assignments where all points are neatly laid out in an easily comprehensible way. Even though classification assignments are easy for the readers to follow, it is not easy to prepare an effective assignment of this nature. A good choice of topic can reduce the strain involved in the process and make it easier to write an interesting essay.

Instead of making a hasty choice, you must take time to find a topic that would suit your interests as well as the assignment guidelines. The advantage of a classification essay is that there is no dearth of topics that can be used for it. Any topic can be classified using its specific characteristics. Here are some examples of topics which can be considered for your essay writing project.

• The types of jobs available for those who specialize in a particular subject. Try to stick to the subject you are pursuing as it will help you to understand your own career options better.
• The various career levels of a particular job. Choose a job on which you can get first-hand information. For that you must have someone who works or has worked in that job category, who would volunteer to give information on the topic.
• The various types of art forms that exist in a country. You may narrow it down to topics like ‘the various types of dance forms’ or any other art form in that country.
• The different kinds of people who opt to travel to remote places. You can choose one particular remote area of a country if you wish to focus on a more specific aspect.
• The migratory birds of a particular region. It is not an easy topic to write on even though it sounds like one. It is nothing like studying birds in smaller levels of education. Hence consider it well before choosing it for your classification essay.
• The fashion trends in modern America. This topic would require you to lay hands on the most updated information. Hence confirm your sources before choosing this topic or a similar one which is on a contemporary matter.
• The different types of medicinal compositions that work for a particular illness. Or you may try categorizing the illnesses depending on a particular medicine that works for all of those.
• The sub-divisions of poetry, drama or prose. Another option would be to classify the authors who are famous for their contribution to a particular literature division or genre.
• The famous poets of the Elizabethan era or any of the other periods marked in literature.
• A classification of the various tribes of an area depending on their social or religious aspects.
• A classification of the various nations as per the religion practiced by majority of the citizens.

Classification essays can be effectively written on any of these topics. You just need to make sure that the topic you choose come well within the instructions given in the guidelines of your assignment. If you need help to find a suitable topic for your essay assignment or to handle your academic project, we shall be glad to assist you.


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Facts to Consider while Choosing Classification Essay Topics

Thursday, February 18, 2010 in All About Essay by EssayCapital | No Comments |

A classification essay is aimed at categorizing an object or a subject depending on its characteristics. It not only helps in identifying the peculiar nature and features of the object but also gives the student a very good understanding of the topic in question. Some classification assignments come with a pre-assigned topic or a choice of topics. But there are assignments which leave it to the student to decide on what topic to write on. If it is your job to choose the topic, it would help to have an idea of what all to look for in a classification essay topic.

First consider the subject in relation to which you are preparing the essay. Even if you are permitted to choose any topic that you like, it would be better to stick to your subject as it would be easier for you to handle. Consider the kind of topics that come within your subject area. Short-list a few which appeals to you. For example, if you are studying sociology, choose topics within the range of sociology which you can classify satisfactorily. Please note that all topics can be classified in one way or the other but what matters is how well you can classify it. In sociology you will find options like “types of family structures”, “the various socializing methods” and so on.

Consider if you wish to classify one topic depending on its features or whether you want to classify multiple topics by categorizing them according to the characteristics. Think of the classifying principle you wish to apply to the topic. A classifying principle is the common platform which would help you categorize the topic or topics. Without a classifying principle you will not have a base to work on. Once you identify the principle then you can proceed to choosing a topic that appeals to you the most.

An in-depth knowledge of all the aspects of a topic is absolutely necessary while writing a classification essay. Without having a good grasp of the topic you will not be able to classify it. Hence you must choose a topic which you are already familiar with or one which you can get familiar with, within the allotted time for the project. While considering the deadline for the purpose of choosing a topic, you must also consider the method you will need to use to classify the topic.

The method of research while writing a classification essay depends completely on the topic. There are topics which can be dealt with using text sources and there are also certain topics which require qualitative research methods. For example, you can classify ‘the various types of poetry’ by referring to the books in your library. But if you are choosing a topic like “the preferred fashion trends of the men and women who belong to the modern generation, in India” you will have to use qualitative research methods by interacting with those who belong to the new generation and find out the preferences. Since qualitative research is more time-consuming, you must consider the deadline before choosing the topic.

Without a suitable topic, it will not be easy to handle a classification essay assignment satisfactorily. If your objective is to score well in your academic assignments, it is important to understand what kind of topics would suit each type of assignment.


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Tips for Choosing an Argumentative Research Paper Topic

Sunday, February 7, 2010 in Research Paper Writing Guide by EssayCapital | No Comments |

Many aspects need to be taken into consideration while choosing a topic for a writing assignment. The type, the nature and the objective of the assignment are just a few of them. Without a good and appropriate topic, you will not be able to put together, an interesting research paper. There are various factors which determine the suitability of an argumentative research paper topic.

In order to be able to understand what a good argumentative topic could be, you will need to first appreciate the fact that the audience or readers of your argumentative research paper would be expecting an ‘interesting argument’ and not an interesting subject of discussion. For a good example, as ‘global warming’ is a theory which is arguable from both ends, it will make an interesting topic for discussion. But if you state that ‘global warming is harmful’ it will not make an interesting argumentative thesis. It is a common and popular belief and you will not find many who would argue against it. On the other hand, if you present a theory saying ‘global warming is not so much of a threat as projected’ that will make an interesting argument. Understanding this difference between an interesting topic and an interesting argument is crucial for the purpose of choosing a suitable argumentative topic.

The first step to finding the right topic would be to study the guidelines well enough. Once you understand the given instructions well, the job of choosing a suitable topic would be much easier. In an argumentative research paper, you are expected to take a view or present a theory, on the topic, which is an arguable one. That narrows your search into topics which are not proved as yet and also views which are not very common. The more arguable your theory is, the more interesting the argument would be. Theories which contradict existing views make excellent topics for argumentative researches. But while opting to choose such a topic, make sure that you have the means of proving your argument. Only if the argument is proved with substantial evidence would your research paper get accepted.

The sources you choose for your research paper influences the value or credibility of your argument. But finding good sources alone will not help if you can’t access them whenever you need to. Hence the availability of good credible sources and easy access to them also should be confirmed before you close in on a topic.

Your knowledge of the topic also should be considered in relation to the deadline of the assignment. If you have a lot of time to finish the assignment, you can choose topics which are not so familiar to you as well. But if the deadline is tight, choose a familiar topic to make the research process easier and faster.

Choosing a suitable topic is not an impossible task. It will be easy enough if you know what you want and what your options are. Do not take a chance with the topic of your argumentative research paper as it will not be easy to change your first choice at a later stage of your research paper writing process.


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The APA format for Citing the sources

Sunday, January 31, 2010 in Source Citation by EssayCapital | No Comments |

APA or the American Psychological Association has developed a particular style of documentation which is known as the APA style. This is widely used for the documentation purposes of research findings in subjects like sociology. This style has strict guidelines on the methods of formatting the research paper. The method of citing the sources used for the research is also unique for APA style.

APA style uses in-text citations, also known as parenthetical references. The details to be given in the in-text citations include the surname of the author as well as the year of publication. This appears right next to the cited information. The information is to be separated from the text by brackets. If you are directly quoting a paragraph, you will need to include the page number also in the in-text citation. Separate the information using commas. This style of citation is also known as the author-date system referring to the information given on the author and the date of publication.

A references list is to be attached to the end of the research paper. This has to be a separate page, unlike an MLA style research paper where the works cited page can be a continuation of the research paper. The heading should be given as ‘References’. Giving appropriate heading is absolutely necessary while citing sources because each style has its own unique method of doing it. The sources used should be listed under this heading. The list should be arranged in the alphabetical order with reference to the last names of the authors. Use double-spacing between lines. The pattern to be used for the reference page would be: Author, (date of publication), Title of the book, Place of publishing: Publisher, Page number.

APA style does not permit the use of footnotes for the purpose of citing the sources. That is one aspect that sets the style apart from the other documentation styles. It does allow the use of footnotes for the purpose of giving additional information on the discussed matter but while using footnotes, you should make sure that you don’t accidentally include any bibliographic information in it.

Even though these are the methods for citing articles and books, the method of citing other sources like internet sources, television documentaries or interviews would be different. It is necessary that you keep the respective style manual in hand for reference while handling a research paper assignment. It will not be enough to have it in your school library as you might need to refer to it at various stages of your research paper writing.

You also need to pay attention to the assignment guidelines and the instructions given regarding any alterations in the citation methods suggested by the style manual. Each instructor would have his or her own preferences regarding the formatting and citation of the research paper. The guidelines should be your first concern while citing the sources. If there are no specifications regarding the citation in your assignment guidelines, then you should follow the instructions in the style manual for the purpose of formatting your research paper.


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How to Cite your Sources in MLA format

 Source Citation by EssayCapital | No Comments |

Citing the sources is a vital part of the research paper writing exercise. This serves the purpose of giving due credit to the sources who have assisted you and contributed to your research. The MLA style of documentation offers very simple methods for citing your sources. An MLA style manual should be used for reference while writing a research paper in this style.

The MLA style of documentation offers various methods of citing the sources including in-text citations or parenthetical references, footnotes or end notes and the separate section of ‘works cited’ listings. The method of citation to be used for your assignment should be determined after studying the guidelines of the assignment. Each of these methods has a different format. It may not be easy to memorize each of these clauses. There is also the fact that the manual keeps getting updated once in a while. Even though no major changes would be made in the style, it is always ideal to refer to an updated manual while handling an MLA style research paper assignment.

The in-text citations or parenthetical references in MLA style are made by mentioning the surname of the author of the book and the page number next to the cited information, in brackets. If you do not know the page number of if it is an article which is being cited, you just need to give the name of the author in the parenthetical reference. The complete bibliographical data would be given in the works cited page. In-text citations are only meant to make it possible for the reader to link the information given in the ‘works cited’ page, to the respective citation.

The use of footnotes and endnotes is not mandatory in the MLA style of documentation. However, if the assignment guidelines ask you to include footnotes or endnotes, MLA has a format for that as well. Footnotes and endnotes should not both be included in the same assignment. It should either be footnotes or endnotes. The format for a footnote would be that of “name of the author, the title of the book (the place of publication: name of publisher, year of publishing) page number.” The number which links the footnote to the citation would appear as a superscript at the end of the citation after the period.

MLA style does not require you to cite the sources in a separate page unless your research paper ends at the bottom of a sheet. You can add the references as a continuation of the research paper document, with the heading of ‘Works Cited’. The information given in the ‘works cited’ page should be arranged in the alphabetical order with reference to the surname of the author. The details to be cited depend on the type of the source used. A complete list of citing various types of sources would be available in the style manual. Please not that the author’s name is to be reversed in the works cited page but not so in the footnotes.

If you are not confident about citing the sources as per MLA style guidelines, you can opt to take help from professional academic writers for the purpose. You may also choose to get a custom research paper done according to the specifications given in your assignment guidelines.


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