Differences Between Research Paper and IMRaD Report

In my English 102 class, we have written many assignments. Our most recent writing was a research paper and our next assignment will be an IMRaD report. These two assignments are extremely different. One difference between a research paper and an IMRaD report is the structure. In a research paper, you state the thesis in the beginning and continue to support the thesis in the body paragraphs. However, an IMRaD report is more structured. Before the actual paper, there is an abstract with a summary of the report. Then, the paper begins with the introduction followed by paragraphs that include methods, results, and discussion. Another difference between the two papers is the sources used. In a research paper, primary and secondary sources from other writers are used to back your ideas. In an IMRaD report, you conduct a poll or experiment and use the information that you have gained in the report. There is no need for many outside sources, which brings me to my next point: works cited page. In a research paper, a works cited page is extremely important because the information in the paper is supported by so many sources. A works cited page is needed to avoid plagiarism. However, an IMRaD report does not require a works cited page because most of the information is coming from the writers experiment or poll.

After analyzing both assignments, a research paper and an IMRaD report have many differences. One difference is the structure of the papers. Another difference is the sources used in the papers. Lastly, in a research paper, a works cited page is crucial; however, in an IMRaD report, a works cited page is not necessary. With these differences in mind, our class’s next writing assignment is clearer to me and should be uncomplicated to complete.

Research Paper Outline

Research Paper – Outline

        I.            Introduction

1.       Hook: Mention how many potential lives could be saved by advancing embryonic stem cell research. Include statistics or a quote to emphasize the positivity this research can bring to people and their family. Focus on pathos and also ethos.

2.       Thesis:  I support embryonic stem cell research because of its potential to save billions of lives.

3.       Implications: Is embryonic stem cell research safe? Do Americans spend their money on this research? Are there any success stories with embryo stem cell research? Is it even worth all of this time, money, and debate?

      II.            Background

1.       Explain exactly what embryo research is.

2.       Give a brief history of embryo stem cell research and also mention the controversy that is involved with it.

3.       Source: Roberston, John A. “Embryo Stem Cell Research: Ten Years of Controversy.” Journal Of Law, Medicine & Ethics 38.2 (2010): 191-203. Print.

    III.            Body Paragraphs

1.       The Outcome of Embryo Stem Cell Research Will Save Lives

·   Include a success story that involves embryo stem cell research and mention all of the progress that has been made since the beginning of the research.

·   Sources:

1.        “The Promise of Stem Cells.” NIH Stem Cell Information Home Page. Web http://stemcells.nih.gov/

2.       Roberston, John A. “Embryo Stem Cell Research: Ten Years of Controversy.” Journal Of Law, Medicine & Ethics 38.2 (2010): 191-203. Print.

2.       Financing Embryo Stem Cell Research Is Key

·   Without monetary support, embryo stem cell research cannot reach its full potiential.

·   The flow of money seems to change with each presidency; mention how democratic presidents have supported the research while republican presidents have not.

·   How much money is needed for this research? And where does all of the money go?

1.       Give specifics about how much money is given to scientists and how much is used to purchase equipment for research.

2.       How much tax dollars are Americans spending?

·   Conclude with the fact that all of money used is not going to waste. Embryo stem cell research is a positive aspect to science and funding will only help research prosper.

·   Sources:

1.       “Rethinking stem cell research, funds.” USA Today

2.       Blendon, Robert J., Minah Kang Kim, and John M. Benson. “The Public, Political Parties, And Stem Cell Research.” New England Journal of Medicine 365.20 (2011) 1853-1856

3.       Oppostion to Embryonic Stem Cell Research

·   People believe that this type of research is unethical because of the destruction of human embryos.

1.       Mention exactly what am embryo is and state weather there is life at this stage in a cell.

·   Too much money is spent on this research.

1.       Not enough money is spent on this research. The more funding, the more success.

·   Sources:

1.       Hurlbut, William B. “Ethics And Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Altered Nuclear Transfer As A Way Forward.” Biodrugs 21.2 (2007): 79-83

2.       McClain, Colleen. “Debating Restrictions On Embryonic Stem Cell Research.” Politics & The Life Sciences 28.2 (2009):48-68

3.       Roberston, John A. “Embryo Stem Cell Research: Ten Years of Controversy.” Journal Of Law, Medicine & Ethics 38.2 (2010): 191-203. Print.

    IV.            Conclusion

1.       Restate thesis and summarize main arguments.

2.       Relate embryonic stem cell research to audience. Use pathos.

·   Example: With embryonic stem cell research, your close relative can be saved from there thought to be “terminal” disease.

·   Embryonic Stem Cell Research can eliminate terminal diseases.

Similarities/Differences Between MLA and APA

The essays entitled “Against the Odds: Harry S. Truman and the Election of 1948”, by Dylan Borchers’, and “It’s in Our Genes: The Biological Basis of Human Mating Behavior”, by Carolyn Stonehill, have many similarities even though they are written in two different formats. Borchers’ essay is in MLA format while Stonehill’s essay is in APA format. One similarity in their quoting and citation is that both use parenthesis to cite quotations. Also, block quotations are the same in both formats; both are indented one inch away from the margin and have the citation at the end of the quote. Lastly, the format of their work cited page (MLA format) and Reference (APA format) page are the same. The heading is centered and each citation is in alphabetical order with all lines after the first line of each entry indented.

Even though Borchers’ and Stonehill’s essays have similarities, there are many differences. One difference between the two is the placement of the citations. In MLA format, the citation is at the end of a sentence while in APA format the citation is right after the quote. Although both use parenthesis, as stated in the previous paragraph, the information inside the parenthesis is different. In Borchers essay, most citations included page numbers and last names. In Stonehill’s essay, mostly dates or page numbers were used to cite information. One last difference is the last page of each essay. The essay formatted in MLA has a “Works Cited” page while the APA formatted essay has a “Reference” page.

Analysis of "Organ Sales Will Save Lives"

                In the essay “Organ Sales Will Save Lives” by Joanna MacKay, kidney failure is the main topic. In her thesis, MacKay states that, “Governments should not ban the sale of human organs; they should regulate it.” This thesis is supported by one main reason: it will save lives. MacKay also states that with the legal selling of organs, more people will be willing to give up their kidneys. This is one way the selling of organs will save lives. People in third world countries are extremely willing to sell their kidneys because they need the money. MacKay points out that there is a black market for selling kidneys because it is illegal to sell organs in many countries. The broker who arranges the sale, takes advantage of uneducated poor people who are in desperate need of money, only paying them around $,1,000 for a kidney.

                MacKay’s essay is well written and organized. She clearly states her thesis in the beginning of her essay and gives valid reasons to support her opinion with sources in the body paragraphs. The essay also includes opposing views; for example, this quote from Pope John Paul II: “the selling of organs is morally wrong and violates ‘the dignity of the human person’.” MacKay defends this idea by saying that “We have a responsibility to protect and help those less fortunate…” In MacKay’s conclusion, she restates her thesis and asks a rhetorical question: “Is it moral to sentence thousands to unnecessary death?”

Peer Review for Stephanie Blough

Peer Review Guidelines for Synthesis

1. Does the introduction give you enough background to understand the topic and the controversy? Does it provide some hints about how the sources are organized? Offer your suggestions for improving the introduction? I think your introduction is great. You give good background info. Just fix minor grammar errors and clear up fourth sentence
2.  How many sources are used? 7
3.  Does the writer provide succinct and clear summary of the sources and connect the summary to the problem? yes
4.    Do you see a logical transition from one source to the other? How many sources are used in each paragraph?  yes; there is a logical transition. there are about 2-3 sources in each paragraph
5.   Does the writer incorporate the quotes with her/his own writing in an effective manner and cite the sources correctly? Are there places where the sources seem to take the writer off-track?
• I think that some quotes could be explained more clearly
• most are cited correctly
• I feel like the third paragraph gets off track
6.     Does the writer make succinct and precise conclusion based on the review? Does the conclusion have a clear hypothesis or research question(s)? Is the hypothesis/research question based on the review? yes
7.   Does each paragraph adhere to a single main idea? Note any paragraphs that seem to have multiple topics competing for attention.
• second paragraph: your topic sentence is different from the rest -- make a connection between the tests and ADI
• third paragraph: maybe spend less time on BMI and obesity
8.  Are paragraphs connected with transitions?  Identify any places where transitions between paragraphs can be improved. good transitions
9.  Do paragraphs make good use of repetition of key ideas?  Note any places where the writer might improve coherence by repeating a key term or synonym. yes
10.  Is the overall order of paragraphs in the paper logical? yes
11. Does the writer include a correctly documented works cited page? yes
12. What are the four most significant changes the writer could make to improve this paper?
• explain quotes better
• put periods in correct places
• clear up few confusing sentences
• fix grammar mistakes



Peer Review for Ieisha D.

Peer Review Guidelines for Synthesis

1.  Does the introduction give you enough background to understand the topic and the controversy?Does it provide some hints about how the sources are organized? Offer your suggestions for improving the introduction?

     good, clear up a few sentences 

2.   How many sources are used? Does the writer provide succinct and clear summary of the sources and connect the summary to the problem?

     5

3. Do you see a logical transition from one source to the other? How many sources are used in each paragraph?

         yes  

4.    Does the writer incorporate the quotes with her/his own writing in an effective manner and cite the sources correctly? Are there places where the sources seem to take the writer off-track?

         yes

5.    Does the writer make succinct and precise conclusion based on the review? Does the conclusion have a clear hypothesis or research question(s)? Is the hypothesis/research question based on the review?

          make sure to capitialize sources

6.    Does each paragraph adhere to a single main idea? Note any paragraphs that seem to have multiple topics competing for attention.

          yes, great conclusion

7.    Are paragraphs connected with transitions?  Identify any places where transitions between paragraphs can be improved.

         third paragraph: maybe change topic sentence

         fifth paragraph: explain quote and write more about topic

8.    Do paragraphs make good use of repetition of key ideas?  Note any places where the writer might improve coherence by repeating a key term or synonym.

            make sure all topic sentences are transitions 

9.  Is the overall order of paragraphs in the paper logical?

         yes 

10. Does the writer include a correctly documented works cited page?

         yes 

11.  What are the four most significant changes the writer could make to improve this paper?

       make sure you have correct transition sentences

             make the controversy more clear
             cite sources correctly
             fix long quote in the 5th paragraph (p.434 in book)  

Summary of Sources for Synthesis Essay

Embryo Stem Cell Research: Ten Years of Controversy by John A. Roberston

This source is an article concerned with the many controversies surrounding embryo stem cell research. There are seven main topics mentioned: why ESCs are controversial, legal and constitutional issues, funding issues, regulatory issues, translation into the clinic, future issues, and ethical conflict and the pace of innovation. The author seems to support embryo stem cell research because he is stating all of the obstacles that this scientific development has to go through to succeed. He states that “law and policy affect scientific innovation.” Over the last ten years, funding issues has been the main problem. There are also ethical issues because some people consider embryo’s human life and doing stem cell research is destroying life.

Ethics and Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Altered Nuclear Transfer as a Way Forward by William B. Hurlbut

This source is an article that is concerned with an alternative to embryonic stem cell research. The author mentions that embryos are early forms of human life and should not be experimented upon. Hurlbut also mentions the Dickey Amendment which “effectively prohibits the use of federal funds to support any research that endangers or destroys human embryos.” His alternative is altered nuclear transfer which “employs the technique of somatic cell nuclear transfer, but the somatic cell nucleus or cytoplasm (or both) are first altered before the somatic cell nucleus  is transferred into the oocyte.” This method produces ‘biological artifacts’ “capable of forming pluripotent stem cells without the creation and destruction of human embryos.” Hurlbut believes this method would satisfy both scientist and people’s moral and ethical values.

Debating restrictions on embryonic stem cell research by Colleen McClain

This source is an online experimental study. College students were asked to discuss the new restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research. Their emotions were evaluated because this is such a controversial topic. Opinions varied; some people thought that stem cell research is a good thing and would help save lives while others thought of it as murder. There isn’t really an outcome to the experiment because there is no right or wrong answer, just opinions. The political controversy was also discussed in the beginning of the article. Obama released restrictions on research after Bush had limited federal finances on embryonic stem cell research.