Which section would NOT typically be included in your outline for a research paper?

Which section would NOT typically be included in your outline for a research paper?

• A. A section explaining why the topic is personally important to you.
• B. A section discussing your research methods, noting what you hope to add to the field.
• C. A section presenting your findings.
• D. A section discussing current theories in the topic area, and how they support or disagree with your findings.

Answer: (A)

The reason why the first choice is not typically included in an outline for a research paper is that it focuses on the personal significance of the topic to the researcher rather than the academic or scholarly aspects of the research. Research papers prioritize objective analysis, methodology, and results, emphasizing data and findings that contribute to the field of study. Outlines are meant to be structured frameworks that guide the development of the research content, and personal anecdotes or reflections on the topic’s importance are generally reserved for reflective essays or personal statements rather than formal research papers. The other options align with the typical components necessary for a research paper, such as discussing methods, presenting findings, and reviewing current theories.

The reason why the first choice is not typically included in an outline for a research paper is that it focuses on the personal significance of the topic to the researcher rather than the academic or scholarly aspects of the research. Research papers prioritize objective analysis, methodology, and results, emphasizing data and findings that contribute to the field of study. Outlines are meant to be structured frameworks that guide the development of the research content, and personal anecdotes or reflections on the topic’s importance are generally reserved for reflective essays or personal statements rather than formal research papers. The other options align with the typical components necessary for a research paper, such as discussing methods, presenting findings, and reviewing current theories.