Focus in the Social Sciences

(adapted from: Tradition and Adaptation: Writing in the Discipline, Dean Ward, pp.51-73)
  1. Deciding on the Point
    1. Diversity for Writing in the Social Sciences
      1. Quantitative Analysis
        • Analytical Study - focus on a need for action
        • Experimental Analysis - presenting measurable findings
      2. Descriptive
        • Interpretive Work - understanding human culture
    2.  Knowing Your Objectives
      1. Initial Questions
        1. What type of paper are you writing?
        2. What form does this type of paper take?
      2. Next Steps
        1. Read some sample papers
        2. Look at style sheets in the discipline
  2. Establishing Focus
    1. Establishing the Value of the Focus
    2. Establishing Focus in the Abstract and in the Introduction
      1. Abstract of an Empirical Study
        1. state the problem under investigation
        2. state the findings and their significance
        3. state the conclusions and their implications
      2. Abstract of a Review or Theoretical Article
        1. state the topic in one sentence
        2. state the purpose, thesis or organizing construct or scope
        3. state the conclusions and their implications
    3. Establishing Focus by Stating the Hypothesis
  3. Maintaining Focus
    1. Using Key Terms from Hypotheses to Maintain Focus
    2. Maintaining Focus Through Structure