Writing a Scientific Paper: From Proposal to Results

Instructor: Professor Nikolaos Michelakakis

Course Purpose and Brief Description

The course has a dual aim. On one hand, it seeks to introduce students to the contemporary interdisciplinary approach in educational research. On the other hand, it aspires to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills required to successfully combine classical methods with modern tools for writing and presenting a scientific paper. These two objectives are closely interlinked, and their connection is highlighted throughout the course.

Students will be exposed to examples of successfully written and presented scientific work and, by the end of the lectures, are expected to be able to draft and present their own technically sound research proposal or article.

The course will be taught autonomously, based on a wide range of recent research articles selected by the instructor. As a result, the bibliography listed below is indicative and provided for completeness.

Course Outline

→ The Scientific Method

• Inductive, deductive, abstract, and inferential reasoning
• Interdisciplinary research approach in education
• Quantitative and qualitative research
• Theoretical, experimental, and ex post facto research
• Field research

→ Formulating a Research Question – Brainstorming

• Identifying appropriate research methods
• Structure of a scientific paper

→ Searching and Evaluating Bibliographic References

• Databases, AI-assisted searches, search algorithms
• Systematic review flowcharts (PRISMA, DRIZZLE)

→ Note-Taking and Information Organization

• Note-taking systems: ZETTELKASTEN, OBSIDIAN
• Literature review and presentation: MENDELEY
• Citation styles: MLA and CHICAGO

→ Hypotheses in Quantitative Research

• Types of hypotheses
• Data processing: central tendency measures, correlation, statistical tests

→ Questionnaire-Based Research

• Types and techniques
• Question formulation and structure

→ Introduction to Qualitative Research

• Key features and research design
• Ethnographic, narrative, and phenomenological research
• Analysis and evaluation

→ Action Research

• Ethical constraints
• Data collection, analysis, and interpretation
• Applications in education

→ Experimental Research

• Design, randomization, internal and external validity
• Ex post facto research
• Correlation and causality – practical examples

→ Participation in National and International Competitions

• Structure of a research proposal
• Analysis of “successful” proposal submissions for funding

→ Communicating Results

• Finding appropriate forums or journals
• Reporting and presenting findings
• Examples of progress and final reports

→ Final Examination

Evaluation Criteria

• Assignment: 50%
• Final Exam: 50%

Suggested (Indicative) Bibliography

• Zafiropoulos K., How to Write a Scientific Paper?, Kritiki Editions, 2015
• LaPointe-Terosky A., Baker V.L., Sun J.C. (Eds), A Practical Guide to Teaching Research Methods in Education: Lesson Plans and Advice from Faculty, Routledge, 2023
• Ary D., Cheser-Jacobs L., Sorensen C., Razavieh A., Introduction to Research in Education, Wadsworth, 2010
• Cohen L., Manion L., Morrison K., Research Methods in Education, Routledge, 2007
• Scott D., Usher R., Researching Education, Continuum, USA, 2011
• Sherman R.R., Webb R.B., Qualitative Research in Education: Focus and Methods, Taylor & Francis, 2005