Guidelines for Evaluating Research Articles

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Introduction

This paper provides a brief discussion of the various aspects of writing a research paper. It defines the term project as used in the field of Information Technology, and the importance of setting deliverables and deadlines in project development. In addition, the paper clarifies the distinction between qualitative and quantitative research, and between plagiarism and self-plagiarism. Finally, it asserts the importance of academic integrity and the relevance of APA7 basic citation in academic writing.

What Is Information Technology Project?

As the term suggests, an Information Technology project is an undertaking that involves the application of IT concepts to achieve the stated objectives. The Project Management Body Knowledge (PMBK) defines a project as a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result (Moeller, 2010, p. 376). In the context of IT, a project may be defined as a short-term endeavor designed to create unique solutions, services, or products.

The Major Parts of a Research Paper

A research paper contains several parts, which collectively contribute to the quality of its content. They include the title, the abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, recommendations, conclusion, and references.

Title

The title is a topical heading that captures the focus of the research paper. It highlights the purpose of the paper, the key concepts discussed in the paper, or the outcomes of an experiment/study (Rumrill et al, 2000). A good title should give the reader a clear picture of what the research is about. This aspect of the title helps the reader to make a quick decision on whether they would want to read the whole paper, depending on their research interest.

Abstract

Also known as an executive summary, the abstract is a brief description of the research. It outlines the methodology used (sampling and experiment procedures), the findings, and the recommendations. The abstract should be concise enough, typically between 100 to 150 words (Rumrill et al, 2000). This part provides the reader with information about the research, but in a more detailed manner than the title. For instance, the executive summary outlines the scope, setting, sample size, methodology, and of course, findings. This information is enough for the reader to decide whether the rest of the paper is worth reading. For this purpose, while the abstract should be as concise as possible, it should capture all the essential aspects of the research.

Introduction: Introductory Section

The introduction is a part that sets the stage for the paper by orienting the reader with the topic, the purpose of the study, and expected outcomes. Introduction directly addresses the following questions:

Why is the topic of the research significant?
What have previous studies found about the topic?
How do publish works connect to the research questions of the present study?
How does the researcher intend to answer the studys questions, and what are the predicted outcomes? (Rumrill et al, 2000).

In response to the above questions, introductory sections outline three elements of the study: the research problem, framework of the study, research questions, and their hypothetical answers (Rumrill et al, 2000). A research problem is an issue that the current study intends to address. For example, in a study to explore the inadequacy of existing laws against drug trafficking, authors may begin by citing the national drug addiction statistics. They help highlight the enormity of the problem, and consequently, provide the rationale for the current study.

The framework refers to specific theoretical and conceptual approaches to investigating the problem, analyzing and interpreting the findings. The framework is important because it allows the reader to understand the researchers approach to the problem (Rumrill et al, 2000). For instance, a study on drug addiction may be grounded on sociological theories, which view the problem as a result of the breakdown of social structures in society.

Literature Review

A literature review is an interactive discussion of published works related to the current research. The purpose of this section is to highlight the scope of existing knowledge on the issue in question (Maggio et al., 2016). It includes the findings of previous studies, the insights to be gained from these studies, and how they connect to the present research. More importantly, the literature review identifies gaps in the existing body of knowledge, thereby justifying the current research.

Methodology

The methodology outlines the strategy that the study will utilize to address the research questions and test the hypotheses. A methodology section is especially important in that it predetermines the reliability and validity of findings (Mohajan, 2017). In evidence-based studies, the methods section emphasizes the objectivity of the research and its findings. For this purpose, the methodology should be clearly stated, such that other scholars can replicate the current research (Rumrill et al, 2000). As an indicator of the validity of the current study, the methodology should outline every aspect of the procedures followed to arrive at satisfactory results.

Results

As the title suggests, the results section contains the outcomes of the study. In an attempt to answer the research questions formulated at the beginning, the researcher collects data that will either affirm or refute the hypotheses. This section should contain all the findings of the research, even those that do not support the hypotheses (Rumrill et al, 2000). The results should include a summary of the statistical data relating to the performance of the participants or the interaction of variables. This includes standard deviations, means, percentages, and frequencies (Rumrill et al, 2000). In addition, the results section should contain analysis outcomes, for example relating to regression, variance, and factor analyses.

The significance of the results is to show the causal relationship, if any, between the variables under investigation. In a longitudinal study, for instance, the researcher may establish a relationship between the placement of addicted children in caring foster homes and a decline in drug abuse. This outcome affirms the hypothesis that the breakdown of family structures (in light of sociological theories) promotes drug abuse in young people.

Discussion

The discussion section presents a researchers interpretation of the results, and what the interpretation means in the context of the existing body of knowledge on the subject. For instance, if the findings of a study indicate that technology has become part of the teaching and learning process, the researcher may argue that there is a need to redefine the meaning of literacy. This is because literacy in the age of information technology is different from the traditional understanding of the concept. Previously, literacy meant the ability to read (texts on paper) and write. In the context of technology, literacy incorporates the ability to use digital devices (smartphones and computers) to access, compose, and share information (Wilkinson, 2018). In this regard, the researcher uses the results section to connect the findings to current trends and practices in a given field.

References Page

A references page is the final part of a research paper, which consists of the sources that the researcher consulted. In most referencing styles, including APA, references are organized in alphabetical order (Rumrill et al, 2000). In APA7, all of the authors of a source are listed on the reference page. This is a departure from APA6, which allowed the use of et al. when there are more than three authors.

Qualitative vs Quantitative Research

Qualitative research is a study that focuses on the collection and analysis of unquantifiable (abstract) data. This type of research is considered subjective because the analysis and conclusions are informed by the authors personal beliefs and opinions regarding a given subject (Kennedy, 2013) For instance, a researcher who believes that technology is harmful because it exposes children to immoral and violent content, may conclude that parents should limit childrens access to smartphones and computers.

In contrast, quantitative research relies on empirical data to make conclusions about the problem under investigation. For this reason, quantitative studies are generally reliable compared to qualitative ones, due to the objectivity of the former (Niaz, 2017). More importantly, conclusions in a quantitative study are not drawn by the researchers personal opinions, but by what the data says about the issue in question. For instance, if the data indicates that social media improves users social development, the conclusions would state so despite the researchers reservations about on-line based interactions.

Why Use Peer-reviewed Journals?

Peer-reviewed journals are research articles that are not only written by experts in a given discipline but are also evaluated and critiqued by other scholars before publication. It is recommended to use peer-reviewed journals in academic writing since they are credible in terms of the reliability of the information they provide (Kelly et al, 2014). All peer-reviewed journals use scientific methods of inquiry to discover new knowledge and to advance the current understanding of a given subject. Thus, peer-reviewed journals are reliable sources of knowledge because they do not present personal opinions, but scientifically proven knowledge.

The Reason for Using Key Words during the Literature Review Process

The purpose of using keywords during the literature review process is to ensure that searches for information produce sources that are relevant to the topic of interest. Typically, published journals contain keywords that define a specific issue, sub-topic, or concept. The authors intend to make it easier for other scholars to find the article (Grant, 2010). For researchers looking for information, keywords improve search outcomes by producing articles that are related to the topic of interest.

The Project Deliverables, Limitations & Deadlines during Project

In the context of project development, a deliverable is any tangible or intangible end product of a project. It can be in the form of a system upgrade, report, product, or service (Varajao & Ramos, 2018). A deliverable is an important aspect of project development since it clarifies and defines the objective of the project (Varajao & Ramos, 2018). In turn, clarification helps participants to stay focused on the result. In addition, it provides criteria for assessing the projects success, for example, determining whether the objective was achieved.

Limitations outline the shortcomings of the project, for instance, unavoidable situations that can hinder its success. In this regard, knowledge of the limitations allows project managers not only to anticipate obstacles but more importantly, to set realistic goals (Varajao & Ramos, 2018). Finally, setting deadlines is important, as it ensures that projects are delivered within a given timeframe. It promotes time discipline, and consequently, the efficient use of resources such as human capital.

The Significance of Using APA7 Basic Citation Style

The use of APA7 basic citation is necessary for academic papers for two important reasons. First, it demonstrates the writers acknowledgment of the sources of borrowed ideas, thus avoiding plagiarism. Secondly, APA7 citation provides readers of the paper with the information they need to verify the claims presented in the paper or to carry out further research. This is because in-text citations provide the authors last name, year of publication of the source, and page numbers (in case of direct quotation). The reference page provides additional information such as the title of the source, making it easier for the reader to locate it for further research.

The Importance of Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is important because it inspires confidence in the writers competence. Integrity is undermined when one copies another persons work and presents it as ones own, creating a false impression of mastering the subject (Mehic, 2013). Therefore, academic integrity plays an important role in education, as it promotes deserved grading of learners. In turn, it helps educators accurately assess the learners weaknesses and provide needed assistance.

The Difference between Plagiarism and Self-plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of using other peoples ideas as ones own without properly acknowledging the original authors. A good example of plagiarism is when one copies or paraphrases content from books, journals, and other published sources, without citing the author (Mehic, 2013). In contrast, self-plagiarism involves recycling a paper that one had previously submitted before for grading or publication, thus misleading the reader that it is new content (Mehic, 2013). Even though one is the author of the content in question, it is considered plagiarism because the current paper is supposed to be original in its own right.

In conclusion, an Information Technology project is one in which deliverables are within the field of IT. In a research paper, the major components include the title, abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and discussion. It is necessary to use peer-reviewed journals because they are credible sources of information. Deliverables, limitations, and deadlines are important aspects of project development since they outline the objectives. In addition, they help to set realistic goals and promote the efficient use of resources. Finally, plagiarism involves using borrowed ideas in an academic paper without acknowledging the source, whereas self-plagiarism is reusing ones past papers.

References

Grant, M. J. (2010). Key words and their role in information retrieval.Health Information & Libraries Journal, 27(3). Web.

Kelly, J., Sadeghieh, T., & Adeli, K. (2014). Peer review in scientific publications: Benefits, critiques, & a survival guide.Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, 25(3), 227243. Web.

Kennedy, C. (2013). Two sources of subjectivity: Qualitative assessment and dimensional uncertainty.Inquiry, 56(2-3), 258-277. Web.

Niaz, M. (2017). Understanding Objectivity in Research Reported in the Journal Science & Education (Springer). In Evolving Nature of Objectivity in the History of Science and its Implications for Science Education (pp. 3777). Springer.

Maggio, L. A., Sewell, J. L., & Artino, A. R., Jr (2016). The literature review: A foundation for high-quality medical education research.Journal of Graduate Medical Education, 8(3), 297303. Web.

Mehic, B. (2013). Plagiarism and self-plagiarism. Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 13(3), 139. Web.

Moeller, R. R. (2010). IT audit, control and security. John Wiley & Sons.

Mohajan, H. (2017). The criteria for good measurement in research: Validity and reliability. Annals of Spiru Haret University, 17(3), 58-82. Web.

Varajao, J., & Ramos, J. (2018). Implementing success management in IT projects.Procedia Computer Science, 138, 891-898. Web.

Wilkinson, P. (2018). The use of (digital) literacy. Learning, Media, and Technology, 43(3), 263-279. Web.

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