Analysis of the Introduction of a Research Article

Analysis of a Research Article Introduction

Considering the Create a Research Space Model (C.A.R.S.) (Swales and Feak, 1994, p.174), the present report will evaluate the Research Article (RA) “Modes of Professional Development: An evaluation of the impact of different course modes operated across the National Network of Science Learning Centres” by Bennett, Braund, Lubben and Mason (2011). This RA has been taken from the social sciences in order to depict the distinctive features of the introduction of an action research by identifying the three moves the model suggests.

Move 1 consists of stating the needs for the study and establishing the research territory. This move is presented under the following headings “Background and Context”, and  “Previous studies and evaluations” (p.3). The former is mainly written in present simple passive voice depicting the characteristics of the institution in which the research was carried out. The latter deals with a review of the literature as well as with the explanation of what actions the centre has conducted.

As regards the second move, it can be found under the heading “Factors influencing classroom impact of PD for the systemic context” (p.4) which acknowledges the gap that exists among them revealing what has been left aside. This move is within a long piece of text that describes more studies containing a negative connector signaling the beginning of Move 2. It reads: “ However, they may not be very informative for the current study, since the PD programmes being evaluated in these studies all supported centrally initiated science in 15 participating schools” (p.8).

Move 3 is stated in the last paragraph of the introduction section; however an anticipation of this move can be noted in the paragraph under the heading “Review of relevant literature” (p.7). A purposive/descriptive structure has been chosen in order to report both the purpose and a brief description of the current study. It states: “The current study fills some gaps (….). Usually, each of these PD interventions was preceded by explication of (…)”(p.9).

The analyzed RA illustrates the C.A.R.S. Model which proves to be a useful tool to provide the introduction with the necessary elements to cater a rationale and attract the reader’s attention. Interestingly noticeable is how each move serves to be a link to the following one while reflecting particular discourse conventions.

 

 

 

References

Bennett, J., Braund, M., Lubben, F., & Mason, Y. (2011). Modes of Professional Development: An evaluation of the impact of different course modes operated across the National Network of Science Learning Centres. Report commissioned by the National Science Learning Centre, York: University of York, Department of Education.

Swales, J.M., & Feak, C.B. (1994). Academic writing for graduate students: Essential tasks and skills. Ann Harbor, MI: The University of Michigan Press.