Analysis & Answering

analyzing & answering your research question

ENL 102 | Unit 2: Research Paper

Introduction

The most important part of your research paper is how you analyze your sources and use them to develop an answer to your research question. In the hybrid model, this happens in the investigation, results, and discussion sections.

Steps for Effective Analysis

1. Reexamine your research question.
2. Identify Source Perspectives Related to Your Question
3. Analyze Points of Agreement and Tension
4. Identify Gaps or Overlooked Issues
5. Generate Hypotheses or Partial Answers
6. Frame Your Answer as a Response to the Conversation

RESEARCH QUESTION

Why do vampires prefer living in Europe over other continents?

1. Reexamine your research question

Begin by clarifying the assumptions and scope of your research question:

• What specific context or perspective does my question address?
• Are there any embedded assumptions in the way I’ve phrased my question?

1. Reexamine your research question

Begin by clarifying the assumptions and scope of your research question:

• What specific context or perspective does my question address?
• Are there any embedded assumptions in the way I’ve phrased my question?

Q: Why do vampires prefer living in Europe over other continents?

What assumptions does this question make?

• Vampires are real
• Vampires have a preferred continent
• Vampires have a preference for Europe

2. Identify Relevant Perspectives

Assess whether each source’s claim either supports, contradicts, or complicates potential answers to your question.

• How does this source answer or respond to my question?
• Does this source suggest a partial answer or limitation relevant to my question?

Q: Why do vampires prefer living in Europe over other continents?

How does each source respond to or answer your question?

• Source A: “Historical records of vampire sightings in Eastern Europe suggest a cultural affinity for European castles and foggy landscapes.”
• Source B: “Some argue that Europe’s long winters provide the optimal environment for vampires, minimizing exposure to sunlight.”

3. Analyze Agreements & Tensions

Map out where sources agree or disagree in relation to your question.

• Where do sources converge on an answer?

• What underlying tensions or contradictions exist between sources?

Q: Why do vampires prefer living in Europe over other continents?

Where do your sources converge or diverge on an answer?

• Agreement: Both Source A and Source B agree that Europe offers favorable conditions for vampires.
• Tension: Source A emphasizes cultural appeal (architecture, history), while Source B focuses on environmental factors (climate).

4. Identify Gaps

Look for limitations in existing sources, considering what might be missing from the current research.

• What perspectives do the sources overlook that could impact the answer?
• Is there a specific case that hasn’t been explored?

Q: Why do vampires prefer living in Europe over other continents?

What missing factors might affect your question’s answer?

• Neither source considers whether modern European cities, with electric lighting and urbanization, still attract vampires.
• Could there be a vampire migration pattern linked to different continents based on tourism seasons?

5. Generate Hypotheses or Partial Answers

Propose provisional answers based on the synthesis of sources.

• Given the evidence and perspectives, what preliminary answer is emerging?
• Does the evidence support a single, unified answer, or multiple possible answers?

Q: Why do vampires prefer living in Europe over other continents?

Based on your sources, what partial answer is forming?

• Vampires likely prefer Europe because its architecture and climate allow for more convenient nighttime activity while preserving traditions that align with vampire culture.

5. Frame your answer in broader conversation

Update or confirm a proposition that presents your answer as a response within the ongoing scholarly conversation:

• In light of Source A and Source B, this paper proposes…
• While X provides insight into [aspect], my research suggests that…

Q: Why do vampires prefer living in Europe over other continents?

How can your answer contribute to the conversation?

• While historical evidence highlights Europe’s vampire-friendly architecture, this paper argues that climate and cultural nostalgia are equally important factors in vampires’ continued preference for Europe.