Clarifies the hypothesis.
Explains why the hypothesis is worth testing; shows how the researchers will build on previous research.
OR
What does this mean to me?
(What are connections to my research purpose?)
What background info am I learning?
(Do I come across new concepts, terms, or facts?)
Details the experiment.
Explains why the researchers wanted to test their hypothesis in this way. Describes what they did, in detail.
OR
What is the sample?
(How representative is the sample? How large?)
Is this a good way to test the hypothesis?
(What is or isn’t measured? What could skew results?)
Provides data outcomes.
May include averages, tables, graphs, summaries, etc., but no judgement calls!
OR
Why is the data being presented this way?
(Look at graph labels and ranges. What is the author highlighting?)
Evaluates the hypothesis.
Explores what the findings mean, for our understanding of the topic. It may also point out limitations of the experiment, or make suggestions for future research.
OR
What are the strengths of this study?
(How much can it help me understand what I am studying?)
What are the limitations of this study? (What’s left out? What can’t be seen?)
Lists sources.
The work of other researchers should have been mentioned throughout the rest of the essay. This is the works cited section.
OR
Should I check out any of these sources?
(You may need to revisit the earlier sections. If there’s a source that seems particularly important, you may want to “swim upstream” to read the original.)