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The Research Writing Process

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How to Use This MicroSim

Click on any source node to see its type (primary, secondary, or tertiary), its credibility indicators, and its role in the research argument. Explore the directed edges connecting sources to see how one source supports, qualifies, or challenges another. Switch to "Map My Sources" mode to add your own sources, draw relationships between them, and visualize how your research network supports your central argument.

Learning Objective

Apply (L3 — Apply) the research methodology framework by mapping a research project's sources, their relationships, and their roles in the argument.

Specification

The full specification below is extracted from Chapter 11: Research, Citation, and Academic Integrity.

Type: Interactive Flowchart and Node Map
**sim-id:** research-process-explorer<br/>
**Library:** vis-network<br/>
**Status:** Specified

**Learning Objective:** Apply (L3 — Apply) the research methodology framework by mapping a research project's sources, their relationships, and their roles in the argument.

**Description:** A two-panel tool. Left panel: a flowchart of the five-phase research methodology (Background Research → Research Question → Focused Research → Reading/Notes → Synthesis/Outline → Draft), with each phase as a clickable node. Right panel: a node-and-edge source map that the user can build by adding sources.

**Interactions:**
- Clicking any phase node opens a guide explaining what the phase involves, what its outputs are, and common pitfalls.
- In the right panel, an "Add Source" button opens a form: the user enters the source's author, title, type (primary/secondary), and a one-sentence description of its relevance. The source appears as a labeled node.
- The user can draw edges between source nodes by clicking "Connect Sources" and selecting two nodes. An edge-label field prompts: "How do these sources relate?" (options: Agrees with, Contradicts, Extends, Provides context for).
- A "Generate Synthesis Note" button produces a brief synthesis paragraph the user can use as a starting point for their introduction or body synthesis.

**Canvas:** Responsive, minimum 700px wide, split-panel layout collapses to single-panel on small screens.

Lesson Plan

This MicroSim can be used as an in-class activity or assigned for independent practice.

  1. Introduction (5 min): Review the key concept before opening the sim.
  2. Exploration (10 min): Students interact with the sim and record observations.
  3. Discussion (5 min): Class shares findings and discusses connections to the text.

References

  • Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts (CCSS.ELA)
  • National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) framework

Bloom's Taxonomy

  • Bloom Level: 3 — Apply
  • Bloom Verb: Apply
  • Library: vis-network