Most technical research papers are expected to contain original quotes from researchers or research relevant to the topic of the paper. Technical research papers assigned by Graduate University Instructors must use quotes from original source texts. This means by the authorities, whose points of view, you are researching.
Quotes must be presented in the body of the text and immediately referenced by (author, year, page #). In the References section of the paper this original source document but be completely referenced using APA style.
When using a quote, you must use Author's name in the reference only if you did not use the author's name within the sentence in which the quote is used.
Example: Kelly states: "Constructs are the channels in which one's mental processes run. They are two-way streets along which one may travel to reach conclusions. They make it possible to anticipate the changing tides of events." Use: (1955, p.126)
Example: "Constructs are the channels in which one's mental processes run. They are two-way streets along which one may travel to reach conclusions. They make it possible to anticipate the changing tides of events. "Do use: (Kelly,1955, p.126). In the Reference section of the paper, the source for this quote would appear as follows: Kelly, G. (1955). The Psychology of Personal Constructs. W.W. Norton & Company, New York.
In the sentence following the quote go on to explain the meaning of the quote but do not say such things as: This quote means....
Example: This is a quote by Kelly which basically explains how in people's minds they set up systems which they refer to in specific events. Edit: Kelly points out that people set up systems in their mind to which they refer in specific events.
Style of Writing in Technical Papers
1. Keep it Crisp: In writing your research paper you must keep your language simple and crisp. Simple: concisely with out extra verbiage. Crisp: to the point, not running around the mill to say what you want said.
2. Eliminate all Fluff and Fillers Eliminate all fluff, word fillers, and extraneous verbiage from your papers. e.g.: Here is a fluff filled Introduction to a paper followed by a more technical introduction:
Example: Over the past century, psychology has come a long way. The beginning of modern psychology, however, is credited to Sigmund Freud. Through his analytical techniques and explanations, several newer theorists expanded on Freud’s ideas to create their own hypotheses, such is the case with neo-analyst Karen Horney. Each theorist has his/her own explanations and therapies for individuals with low self-esteem. However, the nine types of personality are not easily paired with Freud’s psychoanalytic theory or Horney’s neo-analytic theory. Therefore, these therapists would focus on key elements of the personality traits that parallel ideas in their own theories. In this paper, both a Freud’s and Horney’s perspective will explain the looking-good personality type. Later, low self-esteem will be discussed in relation to the looking-good personality.
Edited: Sigmund Freud and Karen Horney developed theories and therapies related to individuals with low self-esteem. However the nine personality traits of low self-esteem identified by Messina (1999-2001) are not easily paired exactly to either theory. In this paper, both Freud’s (Psychoanalytic) and Horney’s (Neo-analytic) perspectives will be used to explain the “Looking Good” personality trait of low self-esteem. (See how the third person perspective is used, in this paper… this is technically more correct and sounds professional)
3. Be Sparing in Use of Verbiage: Do not use extra words to start new sections like: To begin, or I will begin this paper by looking at…
Example: To begin, the psychoanalytic approach was developed by Sigmund Freud.
Edited: Sigmund Freud developed the psychoanalytic approach.
Example: First we will look at the psychoanalytic theory of personality
Edited: Start your section with the first sentence, which follows this statement.
4. Use Economy of Words Try to use an ECONOMY of WORDS:
Example: According to Freud, looking-good people would be fixated in the anal stage. Looking-good individuals are generally passive-aggressive. They dislike personal conflict and will avoid it if possible. Also, people with this personality type tend to be organized, appear to be “together” or “with it,” obstinate and independent, all of which are characteristics of anal fixation. Besides being fixated, looking-good people use defense mechanisms to reduce their anxiety. They commonly use reaction formation, denial, and sublimation. Looking-good individuals reject their feelings of guilt and inadequacy by overemphasizing the opposite in their thoughts and actions. In this case, they will appear happy, calm, and together, but deep down that is hardly the case. They are confused, lonely individuals with no real direction. Denial is the most common of all defense mechanisms, and looking-good people are exceptionally good at it. They simply refuse to acknowledge any anxiety-provoking stimuli. “Everything is coming up roses” for looking-good individuals. Finally, sublimation is probably the most important defense mechanisms next to denial. They delay gratification of the Id’s desires by transforming them into goals of the Ego. In this way, those dangerous desires and needs are now acceptable societal motivations. Looking-good people tend to experience an enormous amount of anxiety, and so develop low self-esteem.
Edited: According to Freud, looking-good people would be fixated in the anal stage. Looking-good individuals are generally passive-aggressive. They dislike personal conflict and avoid it. These people tend to be organized, appear to be “together” or “with it,” obstinate and independent, characteristics of anal fixation. Besides being fixated, looking-good people use defense mechanisms to reduce their anxiety. They use reaction
Edited: Adler believed birth order motivates personality development. People with the looking good personality are typically the first-born in a family. Some of the characteristics of a first-born child similar to the looking good trait are: favored, pseudo-parent, and high achiever. According to Adler, due to their need for approval and high achievement, looking good people possess an aggression drive. This drive would become apparent if they failed at accomplishing their goals. Looking good people are usually very social and in his personality typology, Adler would conclude that they fit the “socially useful” category. This category is sanguine or cheerful with high social interests and activity.
Information, to reject their feelings of guilt and inadequacy by overemphasizing the opposite in their thoughts and actions. They appear happy, calm, and together, but deep down is hardly the case. They are confused, lonely individuals with no real direction. Looking-good people are good at denial by which they refuse to acknowledge any anxiety-provoking stimuli. “Everything is coming up roses” for them. Through sublimation, they delay gratification of the Id’s desires by transforming them into goals of the Ego. In this way, those dangerous desires and needs are now acceptable societal behaviors.
5. Use KISS: Use the KISS principle in your writing
Example: In this statement, Freud is telling us that a person’s ego reacts in situations of pressure due to psychic trauma.
Edited: Freud points out that a person’s ego reacts with psychic trauma to pressure situations.
Example: Birth order is what Adler believes motivates a person’s behavior. Adler would classify someone with a looking good personality as the first born in a family. Some of the characteristics of a first-born child include, favored, pseudo-parent, and high achiever, all distinctions of a looking good personality. Because of a looking good person’s need for approval and high achievement, Adler might say that a looking good person could very well possess an aggression drive. This drive would only become apparent if the individual failed at accomplishing his or her goals. An individual with a looking good personality is usually very social. Adler created a personality typology with four categories a person would fit into. He would conclude that a looking good person fits into the socially useful category. This category is sanguine or cheerful with high social interests and activity.