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Some common mistake in research paper

1. Not using proper citation

We are discussing this in our faculty development seminar this month, and it is important for people to really understand. If you use someone’s exact words, wrap that thing in quotes and put

a bow on top of it with a  proper internal citation. If you paraphrase, you still have to put the bow

on it –  but you can leave the wrapping paper at home. Also, did you know if you use LibraryResources, part of our library sources actually format the citation for you for your references

 page? Again, refer to mistake No. 1!

2. A research paper is not “connect the quotes” 

Some students believe that a research paper is 30-40% quotations –  and they simply connectcommentary between each additional quote. That’s not the way research papers work. Good

research papers should synthesize material. I want to know your evaluation of the research –  notwhat the researcher said. I’ve had students literally type three- to four-paragraph quotes. Or theycite verbatim what the DSM says about a diagnosis, taking several pages to do so. Use original

quotes sparingly, and avoid the temptation to play connect the quotes.

3. Complacency

Minimum papers do not receive maximum grades. Sometimes, students forget that a “C”

is for average work. An "A" is defined as excellent work. In fact, if everyone did excellent

work, excellent work would then become average, and we would all revert to getting C’s

again! I can’t tell you how many 4,000-word papers magically end at 4,025-4,050 words.

Students who typically and reliably earn A’s typically and reliably go above and beyond.Unless your teacher has instituted a page maximum or has told you otherwise, shoot for the

stars in your work. When reading papers, I can almost tell that point where students have

decided they’ve met the minimum and they quit writing as much. It really impacts the flow.

Unnecessary background

If you state facts or describe mechanisms, do so in order to make a point or to help interpret

results, and do refer to the present study. If you find yourself writing everything you know about

the subject, you are wasting your time (and that of your reader). Stick to the appropriate point,and include a reference to your source of background information if you feel that it is important.

4.Including material that is inappropriate for the readership

It isn't necessary to tell fellow scientists that your study is pertinent to the field of biochemistry.Your readers can figure out to what field(s) your work applies. You need not define terms that

are well known to the intended readership. For example, do you really think it is necessary to

define systolic blood pressure if your readership consists of phys

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5.Grammar and spellingPlease avoid obvious grammatical errors. Granted, you aren't writing an English paper (heck, an English

teacher would tear my own writing style to shreds). However, clear written communication requires

proper sentence structure and use of words. Make sure that your sentences are complete, that they

make sense when you proofread, and that you have verb/subject agreement.

6. Not using the librarian

We have an amazing Librarian at Grantham, for example, who helps students locate research. Itis amazing to me that some students still do not utilize this resource in their last-ever course.

Don’t be afraid! She doesn’t bite. Everyone who has ever contacted her only speaks of her

amazing-ness. Sometimes, a do-it-yourself attitude can be counter-productive when we have

 people here to help.

7. Not using the proper format

Grantham, for instance, has adopted a system-wide protocol that all papers should be in APA

format. We have a lot of great resources to introduce to you what it is. I always use the metaphor

that it is our music tablet. Any great musician knows how to read sheet music because notes go

on a certain place on the page and represent certain things. Different staffs mean different things.APA format is very similar. It is a format that starts with a running head, a title page, certain

margins, certain font –  and it standardizes everything. Don’t be afraid to check out the OWL

Purdue site, which is also linked in the ANGEL resources. APA is like riding a bike –  onceyou’ve got it, it’s pretty easy –  but it does seem intimidating until you get on the bike. You

should practice it on all assignments and all papers.

8.Superficiality

The purpose of a discussion is to interpret the results, not to simply state them in a different way.In most cases a superficial discussion ignores mechanisms or fails to explain them completely. It

should be clear to the reader why a specific result came to pass. The statement, "The result

agreed with the known theoretical value," tells us nothing about the mechanism(s) behind theresult. What is the basis for expecting a particular result? Explanations may not be easy and your

explanation may not be correct, but you will get most or all of the available credit for posing a

reasonable explanation, even if it is not quite right. Superficial statements, on the other hand, will

cost you.

9.Common mistakes in reporting results

Converted data are data that have been analyzed, usually summarized, and presented in such a way that

only the information pertinent to the objectives of the study is presented. Raw data refers to results of

individual replicate trials, individual observations, chart records, and other information that comes

directly from the laboratory.

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Once you have presented converted data, do not present the same data in a different way. Forexample, if the data are plotted, then don't include a table of data as well. Present a figure (such

as a graph) if appropriate. If the data are better represented by a table, then use a table. Thecaption with any figure or table should include all pertinent information. One should not have to

go into the body of the paper to find out the results of statistical tests on the data, or the rationale

 behind a curve fit.

10.Quotes

When you write a paper related to literature, history, current events, and many other fields, directquotes may be essential to a full discussion of the subject. In science, there is very rarely any call

for a direct quote. On student papers, there is no reason at all to include direct quotes, except in

the case when the student doesn't understand the concept and uses the quote to avoid having to

explain it his/herself. Obviously, this doesn't go over too well with the grader. As a rule, do notuse direct quotes in a scholarly technical paper. Your own thoughts must be expressed, not those

of someone else.