Academic writing in the social sciences is required in a variety of forms, including research papers, essays, reports, reviews, dissertations, and thesis. It involves a systematic approach to exploring, analysing, and utilising a collection of reputable sources. Out of the 100 students we surveyed, about 58% struggle with academic writing as part of their course work. The sample used cannot be used to make a general claim but this results means there are a number of students who will share similar views. To excel in your studies it is crucial to learn how to write academically. Here are some key features and guidelines for writing in this field:

Key Features

1. Clarity and Precision: Social science writing should be clear, concise, and free of ambiguity (vagueness). Use precise terminologies and define key concepts.
2. Objectivity and Impartiality: Maintain an objective tone and avoid biased or emotive language. The focus should be on presenting evidence-based arguments.
3. Structured Format: Follow a clear structure, typically including an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
4. Use of Evidence: Support arguments with evidence, including data from surveys, experiments, case studies, or secondary sources. Google Scholar can be a vital source of journal articles but most universities are subscribed to all the major journals who maintain updated papers considered as credible.
5. Critical Analysis: Engage critically with sources. This means use your knowledge acquire from other sources to challenge existing ideas. For example, are those ideas valid? Do they apply to the context you are writing about? If not how do your new context help bring in fresh ideas? Analysing and evaluating different perspectives and theories shows your depth of understanding of the key concepts and theories you are working with.
6. Referencing and Citations: Properly cite all sources using a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Harvard, and Chicago). This adds credibility and allows readers to locate the original sources.

Guidelines for Writing

1. Introduction

• Introduce the topic and provide context.
• State the research question or thesis statement.
• Outline the structure of your essay or paper.

2. Literature Review

• Summarize and synthesize existing research on the topic. Present this is an analytical manner.
• Identify gaps in the literature and explain how your research addresses them.
• Demonstrate familiarity with key theories and debates.
• Based on the information gleaned from the literature review, summarise your argument and preliminary conclusions about the research questions.

3. Methodology

• Describe the research design and methods used to collect data.
• Explain the rationale for choosing these methods.
• Discuss any limitations or biases in the methodology.

4. Results

• Present the findings of your research clearly and systematically.
• Make sure your results seeks to provide answers to the research questions set out at the onset.
• Use tables, charts, and graphs where appropriate.
• Avoid interpretation or discussion of the results in this section.

5. Discussion

• Interpret the results and relate them to the research question and the key theories and concepts.
• Discuss the implications of the findings for theory, practice, and future research.
• Address any limitations of the study.

6. Conclusion

• Summarize the main findings and their significance.
• Restate the research question and how it has been addressed.
• Suggest areas for further research.

7. References

• List all sources cited in the paper.
• Follow the specific citation style required by your institution or publisher.

Writing Tips

• Plan and Outline: Start with a clear plan and outline to organize your thoughts and structure your paper logically.
• Draft and Revise: Write multiple drafts and revise thoroughly. Pay attention to coherence, flow, and clarity.
• Be clear of what to next after a day’s work of writing. This will give something to think about while away from your writing.
• Make sure each section or chapter delivers what you promised to achieve at the beginning
• Seek Feedback: Get feedback from peers or mentors to improve your work.
• Proofread: Check for grammatical errors, typos, and adherence to the citation style.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Overgeneralization: Avoid making broad claims that are not supported by evidence.
• Lack of Focus: Stay focused on the research question and avoid tangential discussions.
• Poor Structure: Ensure your paper has a logical flow and is well-organized.
• Inadequate Referencing: Always cite sources to avoid plagiarism and give credit to original authors.

Conclusion

Academic writing in the social sciences requires a critical thinking, evidence-based analysis, and clear communication. By adhering to these guidelines and focusing on clarity, structure, and objectivity, you can effectively contribute to scholarly discourse in your field.

Written by: The Legacy Research Team