• 1.2: Preparing for Your Research

      • 1.2.1: The Research Process: An Overview

        Before you choose your topic, it is important to get a sense of the overall process you will follow to complete your research paper.
      • 1.2.2: What Is Your Research Community?

      • 1.2.3: Identifying and Understanding Your Audience

        Once you have identified your discourse community, you must analyze the specific audience that will read your research paper. Although members of your audience may be part of a larger discourse community, they may or may not be familiar with previous research in the field you are exploring.

      • 1.2.4: Understanding Your Audience and Purpose

      • 1.2.5: Purpose, Audience, Tone, and Content