Creating An Excellent Quantitative Research Paper Step By Step

Quantitative research papers can be among the more difficult assignments you will ever see in the social sciences. Most students find themselves lost when they begin the assignment, with a great portion of those students unsure of how to even get started. We’ve put together this step by step guide to creating an excellent quantitative research paper.

Introduction

It’s a good idea to write the introduction portion of your paper after you have written other sections, since it gives an overview of what your study is all about. But unlike other academic essays, the introduction in this kind of assignment needs to convince other academics that your work is worth the read. Give reasons why your study is important and how it will fit in the terms of furthering the discipline.

Literature Review

This section deals with stating the information that is available before beginning your study. Give brief descriptions of the works you are consulting and state where there are limitations – thus providing the opening that motivated you to take on this particular research project. Be sure you provide a clear understanding of the works consulted as this helps in giving your study credibility.

Methods

There are generally three parts in the methods section of your quantitative research paper: the description of the data set, the variables involved, and the method or approach you are taking. It’s a good idea to look at a few samples of this section from academic journal to get a better feel of what kind of what information is included. Remember that that methods section should be academic and factual without any hint of your personal opinion or argument.

Analysis

Start this section by restating your hypothesis or thesis statement, then move onto a thorough examination of whether your data supports your argument. Be sure to clearly define your data and explain what the information means to your study. You may include things like graphs or charts but be sure that review each one so the reader understands what the information proclaims.

Conclusion

The conclusion section is less formal than the other parts of the paper in that you are allowed to say something about the work as a whole versus having to stick to the strict guidelines of a particular section. Generally, start by remind the reader of your hypothesis, followed by a summary of your findings and whether or not you successfully proved your thesis. Don’t introduce new information; simply restate your main discussion points in different terms.