Research and Writing
This blog is assigned by Prakruti Ma’am as part of our academic writing and research studies. In this blog, I attempt to explore important aspects of research methodology based on the guidelines provided in the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. Research is not merely collecting information; it is a systematic and organized process that requires critical thinking, careful planning, and proper documentation.
Through this blog, I have answered two important questions: How do we conduct research? and What is the importance of selecting a topic? While preparing these answers, I understood that research begins with curiosity, develops through careful investigation, and becomes meaningful through proper structure and citation. This task helped me reflect on my own research practices and understand the significance of choosing a focused and manageable topic before beginning any academic work.
1. How do we conduct research? (Explain with the example of your research work)
A. What the MLA Handbook Says about Conducting Research
The MLA Handbook treats conducting research as a systematic exploration of sources to find information that supports your topic or thesis. Key steps include:
Preliminary reading:
Before you begin writing, do preliminary reading in reference works, encyclopedias, books, journal articles, databases, and credible websites to understand the general context of your topic. This helps refine your focus.
Using library and electronic sources:
Consult modern academic libraries, catalogs, bibliographic databases, and full-text databases for books and articles.
Searching the Internet and digital catalogs:
Use library online catalogs and search engines to identify potential sources and check their relevance.
Compiling a working bibliography:
Record essential publication information and create a working bibliography to track your sources.
Evaluating sources:
Evaluate sources for authority, accuracy, currency, and relevance before using them.
Taking notes:
Take clear, organized notes from your sources that will help you write your paper and develop ideas.
Avoiding plagiarism:
Always document sources properly to give credit and avoid plagiarism.
B Example from My Research Work
For my research on Politics, Propaganda, and Power: A Marxist and Foucauldian Social Critique of 1984 and Animal Farm:
Preliminary Reading:
I began by reading overview articles on Marxism and Foucault’s theory of power to understand key concepts like ideology, class struggle, surveillance, discourse, and power/knowledge.
Narrowing the Topic:
After initial reading, I focused specifically on how propaganda and surveillance function as tools of ideological control in both novels.
Finding Sources:
I searched academic databases such as JSTOR and Google Scholar using keywords like “Marxist reading of 1984,” “Foucauldian power in Animal Farm,” and “Orwell propaganda and ideology.”
Evaluating Sources:
I selected peer-reviewed journal articles and recent critical studies to ensure theoretical depth and scholarly reliability.
Working Bibliography:
I maintained a document listing full MLA citations along with short summaries explaining how each source supports my argument.
Taking Notes:
From each source, I noted key theoretical concepts (e.g., hegemony, disciplinary power, false consciousness) and relevant quotations for analysis.
Organizing and Writing:
I structured the paper by first explaining Marxist and Foucauldian frameworks, then applying them to both novels, integrating textual evidence with proper MLA in-text citations and a Works Cited page.
2. Short Note on: Selection of a Topic
A. What It Means
Selecting a topic is the first and most important step in a research project. According to the MLA Handbook:
Start with a general subject that interests you.
Do preliminary reading to see what specific aspects are possible to research.
Refine your topic so that it is focused and manageable for the scope of your assignment.
B. Tips for Choosing a Good Topic
Interest and Engagement:
Choose something that genuinely interests you — this makes research easier and more enjoyable.
Scope and Depth:
Make sure the topic is not too broad (which can make research overwhelming) or too narrow (which can make finding sources difficult).
Availability of Sources:
Conduct early searches in catalogs and databases to confirm that there are enough credible sources to support research.
Revising Topic Choice:
Be prepared to modify or change the topic as you discover more information.
Work cited:
“MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers.” eclass.uoa.gr, University of Athens eClass, uploaded by ISLL125 module, https://eclass.uoa.gr/modules/document/file.php/ISLL125/MLA+Handbook+for+Writers+of+Research+Papers.pdf