Essentials of Academic Writing (D314)

Correct Answer

A. Humanities

Explanation

The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) is primarily used in the humanities, especially for subjects like history, literature, and the arts. It offers two main citation systems: the notes and bibliography style, commonly used in the humanities, and the author-date system, which is often used in the social sciences.

Why other options are wrong

B. Chemistry

Chemistry typically uses other citation styles, such as the American Chemical Society (ACS) style, which is more specialized for scientific research in chemistry.

C. Science

The Chicago Manual of Style is not typically used in scientific disciplines; styles like APA or AMA are more commonly used for scientific writing.

D. Education

Although education may occasionally use Chicago style, it is not the primary style used in this field, as APA style is more commonly applied in educational research.

Correct Answer

A. It provides depth of information rather than breadth, giving extensive detail about a single unit or small number of units.

Explanation

A case study is a research method that focuses on providing an in-depth analysis of a single case or a small group of related cases. It allows researchers to explore the nuances and complexities of the subject in detail, rather than generalizing across many cases.

Why other options are wrong

B. It provides breadth of knowledge, giving an overview of many similar cases

This is more characteristic of a survey or a comparative study, which focuses on the broader context of many cases rather than the deep exploration of a single or small number of cases.

C. It is most useful in studies where the phenomenon of interest is widespread, and many cases exist

Case studies are typically used in more focused, specific situations where detailed, qualitative insights are necessary. They are not designed to analyze widespread or large-scale phenomena.

D. It describes a particular case, but does not apply broadly to a larger solution

While case studies focus on a specific instance, they often do provide insights or lessons that can be generalized to other similar cases, contradicting this option's implication that case studies have no broader relevance.

Correct Answer

C. An overview of the implications of the findings, a reflection on the research question, and suggestions for future research

Explanation

The conclusion should summarize the key findings of the study, reflect on how the results relate to the research question, and discuss the broader implications. It should also provide suggestions for future research based on the study's limitations or unanswered questions.

Why other options are wrong

A. A detailed explanation of the research methodology used in the study

The methodology is typically discussed in its own section, not the conclusion. The conclusion should focus on summarizing the findings and implications, not on reiterating the methods used.

B. A summary of the main arguments presented in the literature review

While the literature review informs the study, its main arguments are generally not summarized again in the conclusion. Instead, the conclusion should focus on the study's outcomes and contributions to the field.

D. A list of all sources cited throughout the paper

The reference list or bibliography contains the citations, not the conclusion. Including a full list of sources in the conclusion would be unnecessary and redundant.

Correct Answer

C. to propose a new study

Explanation

The primary purpose of a literature review is to survey existing research and provide context for the research being conducted. It helps to identify gaps in knowledge, summarize findings, and set the stage for the current study. Proposing a new study is typically a function of the research methodology or discussion sections, not the literature review itself. The literature review is focused on understanding what has already been studied, not introducing new research proposals.

Why other options are wrong

A. to clearly indicate what the new research will add to what is already known

This is a key function of a literature review. It shows how the new research fits into the existing body of knowledge and highlights what new insights or contributions the study will offer. This helps contextualize the study and justify its need.

B. to provide a context for the research that is to be undertaken

Providing context for the research is another essential function of the literature review. By examining what has already been studied, the literature review sets the stage for the current study and demonstrates the relevance and importance of the research question.

D. to learn from previous research in order to be in a position to ask focused questions

The literature review serves as a foundation for developing focused research questions. By analyzing past studies, researchers can identify areas that need further exploration and refine their own research questions based on what has been previously studied.

Correct Answer

D. American Educational Association (AEA)

Explanation

The American Educational Association (AEA) is not a recognized primary documentation style in scholarly writing. The main documentation styles used in academic writing are Chicago, APA (American Psychological Association), and MLA (Modern Language Association).

Why other options are wrong

A. Chicago

Chicago style is widely used in humanities and social sciences and is one of the major documentation styles.

B. APA

APA style is frequently used in the social sciences and is one of the most widely adopted citation formats in academic writing.

C. MLA

MLA style is commonly used in humanities, particularly in literature and language studies, and is another well-established documentation style.

Correct Answer

D. Visualization

Explanation

Visualization is not a standard factor to consider when selecting a research problem. Factors such as personal interest, the significance of the topic, feasibility, and ethical considerations are key elements that help determine whether a research problem is worth pursuing. Visualization, while it may be useful in presenting research findings, does not typically guide the selection of the research problem itself.

Why other options are wrong

A. Personal interest

Personal interest is a crucial factor in selecting a research problem because it can help keep the researcher motivated and invested throughout the research process. It also ensures that the researcher remains engaged with the topic, leading to more meaningful and sustained research.

B. Significance of the topic

The significance of the topic ensures that the research problem is important and contributes to the field. It helps justify the research by showing that it addresses a gap in knowledge or answers a relevant question.

C. Feasibility

Feasibility is important in research problem selection because it ensures that the topic can be studied within the constraints of time, resources, and access to necessary data. If the research problem is not feasible, it may be impossible to conduct the study effectively.

E. Ethical to study

Ethical considerations are crucial when selecting a research problem. The researcher must ensure that the study will not cause harm, that the research complies with ethical guidelines, and that it respects the rights of participants.

Correct Answer

D. social sciences.

Explanation

APA (American Psychological Association) style is commonly used in the social sciences, including fields such as psychology, sociology, education, and other related disciplines. It emphasizes clarity, conciseness, and proper citation of sources, which is essential for academic work in these fields.

Why other options are wrong

A. literature.

Literature is generally associated with MLA (Modern Language Association) documentation style, which is more suitable for the humanities and language arts. APA is not typically used for literary analysis or research in these areas.

B. philosophy.

Philosophy often uses Chicago or MLA style rather than APA. APA is focused on the social sciences, so it's less common in philosophical manuscripts.

C. communications.

While APA is used in communication research, it is not the default style for all communications studies. Other styles such as MLA or Chicago can also be used depending on the specific focus of the communication research. However, APA is the most prevalent for research in communication within the social sciences.

Correct Answer

A. To find similar studies, and ensure that your case study confirms them.

Explanation

The primary goal of a literature review is to understand the existing body of knowledge on the topic, not to ensure your case study confirms the findings of prior research. While it is important to be aware of existing studies, a literature review should focus on finding gaps, understanding the context, and identifying conflicts rather than confirming other studies.

Why other options are wrong

B. To put your case into context with what else has been written.

This is a valid purpose of the literature review. A literature review allows the researcher to situate their own work within the broader context of existing studies. By reviewing the literature, the researcher can identify where their case study fits in and what it adds to the field.

C. To understand what areas have been neglected in prior research.

This is also an important purpose of the literature review. By understanding what areas have been under-researched, the case study can focus on filling those gaps and providing new insights into underexplored issues.

D. To identify conflicts in the current literature that your case may resolve.

This is another valid reason for conducting a literature review. Identifying conflicts or discrepancies in the existing literature can help the researcher highlight how their case study may offer resolutions or new perspectives on existing debates.

Correct Answer

C. A personal reflection on the topic's relevance

Explanation

A personal reflection on the topic's relevance is not typically part of the main body of a research paper outline. The main body of a research paper generally includes the literature review, methodology, results, and discussion sections, which are focused on objective analysis and evidence. Personal reflections are generally reserved for sections such as the introduction or conclusion, where the researcher can share their personal perspective or summarize their findings.

Why other options are wrong

A. A literature review summarizing previous research

A literature review is an essential part of the main body of a research paper. It provides context for the study by summarizing previous research and establishing the foundation for the research question or hypothesis. It is a standard component of the research paper structure.

B. A detailed methodology section

The methodology section is a crucial part of the main body of a research paper. It explains the research design, data collection methods, and analysis techniques used in the study. This section is necessary for others to understand how the research was conducted and assess the validity of the findings.

D. A discussion of the implications of the findings

A discussion of the implications of the findings is another essential element of the main body of a research paper. This section interprets the results, explores their significance, and suggests how they contribute to the field or can be applied in practice. It is a key part of conveying the value of the research.