Mixing
What should the purpose of a draft of a research paper be? [closed]
Clash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP
up vote
9
down vote
favorite
When writing a research paper draft, what should be the purpose? Is the goal to write the draft with the aim of producing a finished product but expecting that it may need changes? Or is the draft more of a glorified outline that shows the path in which the author is going to take?
I'm referring to the objective/intent of the draft writing. For example, writing the draft with the goal of creating a near completed product (assuming there will be edits) versus writing the draft as a mere outline of the "plan" you want to take.
graduate-school thesis masters
asked Aug 8 at 12:56
Programmer
1485
closed as unclear what you're asking by D.W., Scientist, E.P., Buzz, scaaahu Aug 9 at 2:58
Please clarify your specific problem or add additional details to highlight exactly what you need. As it's currently written, it’s hard to tell exactly what you're asking. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
add a comment |Â
up vote
9
down vote
favorite
When writing a research paper draft, what should be the purpose? Is the goal to write the draft with the aim of producing a finished product but expecting that it may need changes? Or is the draft more of a glorified outline that shows the path in which the author is going to take?
I'm referring to the objective/intent of the draft writing. For example, writing the draft with the goal of creating a near completed product (assuming there will be edits) versus writing the draft as a mere outline of the "plan" you want to take.
graduate-school thesis masters
asked Aug 8 at 12:56
Programmer
1485
closed as unclear what you're asking by D.W., Scientist, E.P., Buzz, scaaahu Aug 9 at 2:58
Please clarify your specific problem or add additional details to highlight exactly what you need. As it's currently written, it’s hard to tell exactly what you're asking. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
5
It is possible to have 1, 5 or 10 or more drafts before the final version - it depends on what needs correcting...
– Solar Mike
Aug 8 at 12:58
2
You have it backwards: How different should the final version be from the first draft? Answer: As different as necessary.
– henning
Aug 8 at 12:59
I added some content to help with clarity of my question. Maybe I should have changed the title as well.
– Programmer
Aug 8 at 13:01
4
I'm a bit confused, for me that question doesn't make much sense. Paper drafts are usually written after most of the data was collected so writing an outline of the project doesn't make any sense. And if your goal would be writing a paper why would you aim for just a rough outline?
– DSVA
Aug 8 at 13:14
@DSVA I know it sounds goofy, but the reason I am asking is because one of my instructors has stated that the draft is basically a glorified outline, ect... This goes against what I thought the objective of a draft to be but I wanted to get a better understanding on the purpose of a draft since this has made me question my previous drafts. The question you asked is the very thing I am wondering as well.
– Programmer
Aug 8 at 13:34
add a comment |Â
up vote
9
down vote
favorite
up vote
9
down vote
favorite
When writing a research paper draft, what should be the purpose? Is the goal to write the draft with the aim of producing a finished product but expecting that it may need changes? Or is the draft more of a glorified outline that shows the path in which the author is going to take?
I'm referring to the objective/intent of the draft writing. For example, writing the draft with the goal of creating a near completed product (assuming there will be edits) versus writing the draft as a mere outline of the "plan" you want to take.
graduate-school thesis masters
asked Aug 8 at 12:56
Programmer
1485
When writing a research paper draft, what should be the purpose? Is the goal to write the draft with the aim of producing a finished product but expecting that it may need changes? Or is the draft more of a glorified outline that shows the path in which the author is going to take?
I'm referring to the objective/intent of the draft writing. For example, writing the draft with the goal of creating a near completed product (assuming there will be edits) versus writing the draft as a mere outline of the "plan" you want to take.
graduate-school thesis masters
asked Aug 8 at 12:56
Programmer
1485
edited Aug 9 at 15:42
asked Aug 8 at 12:56
Programmer
1485
asked Aug 8 at 12:56
Programmer
1485
asked Aug 8 at 12:56
Programmer
1485
1485
closed as unclear what you're asking by D.W., Scientist, E.P., Buzz, scaaahu Aug 9 at 2:58
Please clarify your specific problem or add additional details to highlight exactly what you need. As it's currently written, it’s hard to tell exactly what you're asking. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
closed as unclear what you're asking by D.W., Scientist, E.P., Buzz, scaaahu Aug 9 at 2:58
Please clarify your specific problem or add additional details to highlight exactly what you need. As it's currently written, it’s hard to tell exactly what you're asking. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
5
It is possible to have 1, 5 or 10 or more drafts before the final version - it depends on what needs correcting...
– Solar Mike
Aug 8 at 12:58
2
You have it backwards: How different should the final version be from the first draft? Answer: As different as necessary.
– henning
Aug 8 at 12:59
I added some content to help with clarity of my question. Maybe I should have changed the title as well.
– Programmer
Aug 8 at 13:01
4
I'm a bit confused, for me that question doesn't make much sense. Paper drafts are usually written after most of the data was collected so writing an outline of the project doesn't make any sense. And if your goal would be writing a paper why would you aim for just a rough outline?
– DSVA
Aug 8 at 13:14
@DSVA I know it sounds goofy, but the reason I am asking is because one of my instructors has stated that the draft is basically a glorified outline, ect... This goes against what I thought the objective of a draft to be but I wanted to get a better understanding on the purpose of a draft since this has made me question my previous drafts. The question you asked is the very thing I am wondering as well.
– Programmer
Aug 8 at 13:34
add a comment |Â
5
It is possible to have 1, 5 or 10 or more drafts before the final version - it depends on what needs correcting...
– Solar Mike
Aug 8 at 12:58
2
You have it backwards: How different should the final version be from the first draft? Answer: As different as necessary.
– henning
Aug 8 at 12:59
I added some content to help with clarity of my question. Maybe I should have changed the title as well.
– Programmer
Aug 8 at 13:01
4
I'm a bit confused, for me that question doesn't make much sense. Paper drafts are usually written after most of the data was collected so writing an outline of the project doesn't make any sense. And if your goal would be writing a paper why would you aim for just a rough outline?
– DSVA
Aug 8 at 13:14
@DSVA I know it sounds goofy, but the reason I am asking is because one of my instructors has stated that the draft is basically a glorified outline, ect... This goes against what I thought the objective of a draft to be but I wanted to get a better understanding on the purpose of a draft since this has made me question my previous drafts. The question you asked is the very thing I am wondering as well.
– Programmer
Aug 8 at 13:34
5
5
It is possible to have 1, 5 or 10 or more drafts before the final version - it depends on what needs correcting...
– Solar Mike
Aug 8 at 12:58
It is possible to have 1, 5 or 10 or more drafts before the final version - it depends on what needs correcting...
– Solar Mike
Aug 8 at 12:58
2
2
You have it backwards: How different should the final version be from the first draft? Answer: As different as necessary.
– henning
Aug 8 at 12:59
You have it backwards: How different should the final version be from the first draft? Answer: As different as necessary.
– henning
Aug 8 at 12:59
I added some content to help with clarity of my question. Maybe I should have changed the title as well.
– Programmer
Aug 8 at 13:01
I added some content to help with clarity of my question. Maybe I should have changed the title as well.
– Programmer
Aug 8 at 13:01
4
4
I'm a bit confused, for me that question doesn't make much sense. Paper drafts are usually written after most of the data was collected so writing an outline of the project doesn't make any sense. And if your goal would be writing a paper why would you aim for just a rough outline?
– DSVA
Aug 8 at 13:14
I'm a bit confused, for me that question doesn't make much sense. Paper drafts are usually written after most of the data was collected so writing an outline of the project doesn't make any sense. And if your goal would be writing a paper why would you aim for just a rough outline?
– DSVA
Aug 8 at 13:14
@DSVA I know it sounds goofy, but the reason I am asking is because one of my instructors has stated that the draft is basically a glorified outline, ect... This goes against what I thought the objective of a draft to be but I wanted to get a better understanding on the purpose of a draft since this has made me question my previous drafts. The question you asked is the very thing I am wondering as well.
– Programmer
Aug 8 at 13:34
@DSVA I know it sounds goofy, but the reason I am asking is because one of my instructors has stated that the draft is basically a glorified outline, ect... This goes against what I thought the objective of a draft to be but I wanted to get a better understanding on the purpose of a draft since this has made me question my previous drafts. The question you asked is the very thing I am wondering as well.
– Programmer
Aug 8 at 13:34
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
15
down vote
accepted
The draft itself is only the term for something that is surely not finished. The purpose depends on what you intend to do with it.
Drafts are often shared with collaborators to have a common ground for further discussion, fixing some notations and in general keeping them up-to-date with the progress.
Drafts can be just for personal use to keep track of ideas and what has already been done.
Draft is also the version of the paper that is 5 pages over the limit and you know you will need to make changes to fit in.
Draft writing is normally not the goal itself, instead it makes sense to think about what the draft will be used for and then write a document that is useful for this.
answered Aug 8 at 13:59
Claude
1,458139
1
I would add that it also makes sense to think about how to go about writing the draft so as to minimize the time spent editing, rewriting, and changing things for the final version. Since the draft is not the goal in itself, time spent polishing it should be minimized, and one should focus on certain things first (e.g. solidifying notation, put in a basic outline of the paper); maybe leave the intro, filler text, and conclusions for the end.
– 6005
Aug 8 at 19:10
Maybe it's a "culture" difference but in every (chemistry) research group I've been a "draft" was simply a version of a thesis/paper before it was either changed or decided to be the final version. I've never heard that a "progress report" or something similar which you would share with collaborators is called a draft.
– DSVA
Aug 8 at 19:51
add a comment |Â
up vote
9
down vote
It is a good idea to start sketching out the paper before writing it. That way you know what you want to write where. If you want to call that first sketch a draft, then the purpose of that draft should be a "glorified outline". Then you fill it in. If you are very good, or the paper is very simple to write, then you may get it right in one go. Probably, you will have many further drafts, which will (hopefully) gradually become closer to the final product. So, the answer to your question is in one word: both.
answered Aug 8 at 13:23
Maarten Buis
20.1k24565
Christian Moller on the way Paul Dirac used to write his articles: "Often he sat alone in the innermost room of the library in a most uncomfortable position... He could spend a whole day in the same position, writing an entire article, slowly and without ever crossing anything out.†(page 9)
– corey979
Aug 8 at 13:34
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
The purpose of a draft is to organize your thoughts about what you intend to say and how. You can continue to fix the language and flesh out the details as you work on it, but your draft should make clear what your paper is about and what it has to say on the topic. It should organize your ideas, arguments and evidence in a logical and understandable way.
answered Aug 8 at 13:39
Nicole Hamilton
15.8k64061
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
15
down vote
accepted
The draft itself is only the term for something that is surely not finished. The purpose depends on what you intend to do with it.
Drafts are often shared with collaborators to have a common ground for further discussion, fixing some notations and in general keeping them up-to-date with the progress.
Drafts can be just for personal use to keep track of ideas and what has already been done.
Draft is also the version of the paper that is 5 pages over the limit and you know you will need to make changes to fit in.
Draft writing is normally not the goal itself, instead it makes sense to think about what the draft will be used for and then write a document that is useful for this.
answered Aug 8 at 13:59
Claude
1,458139
1
I would add that it also makes sense to think about how to go about writing the draft so as to minimize the time spent editing, rewriting, and changing things for the final version. Since the draft is not the goal in itself, time spent polishing it should be minimized, and one should focus on certain things first (e.g. solidifying notation, put in a basic outline of the paper); maybe leave the intro, filler text, and conclusions for the end.
– 6005
Aug 8 at 19:10
Maybe it's a "culture" difference but in every (chemistry) research group I've been a "draft" was simply a version of a thesis/paper before it was either changed or decided to be the final version. I've never heard that a "progress report" or something similar which you would share with collaborators is called a draft.
– DSVA
Aug 8 at 19:51
add a comment |Â
up vote
15
down vote
accepted
The draft itself is only the term for something that is surely not finished. The purpose depends on what you intend to do with it.
Drafts are often shared with collaborators to have a common ground for further discussion, fixing some notations and in general keeping them up-to-date with the progress.
Drafts can be just for personal use to keep track of ideas and what has already been done.
Draft is also the version of the paper that is 5 pages over the limit and you know you will need to make changes to fit in.
Draft writing is normally not the goal itself, instead it makes sense to think about what the draft will be used for and then write a document that is useful for this.
answered Aug 8 at 13:59
Claude
1,458139
1
I would add that it also makes sense to think about how to go about writing the draft so as to minimize the time spent editing, rewriting, and changing things for the final version. Since the draft is not the goal in itself, time spent polishing it should be minimized, and one should focus on certain things first (e.g. solidifying notation, put in a basic outline of the paper); maybe leave the intro, filler text, and conclusions for the end.
– 6005
Aug 8 at 19:10
Maybe it's a "culture" difference but in every (chemistry) research group I've been a "draft" was simply a version of a thesis/paper before it was either changed or decided to be the final version. I've never heard that a "progress report" or something similar which you would share with collaborators is called a draft.
– DSVA
Aug 8 at 19:51
add a comment |Â
up vote
15
down vote
accepted
up vote
15
down vote
accepted
The draft itself is only the term for something that is surely not finished. The purpose depends on what you intend to do with it.
Drafts are often shared with collaborators to have a common ground for further discussion, fixing some notations and in general keeping them up-to-date with the progress.
Drafts can be just for personal use to keep track of ideas and what has already been done.
Draft is also the version of the paper that is 5 pages over the limit and you know you will need to make changes to fit in.
Draft writing is normally not the goal itself, instead it makes sense to think about what the draft will be used for and then write a document that is useful for this.
answered Aug 8 at 13:59
Claude
1,458139
The draft itself is only the term for something that is surely not finished. The purpose depends on what you intend to do with it.
Drafts are often shared with collaborators to have a common ground for further discussion, fixing some notations and in general keeping them up-to-date with the progress.
Drafts can be just for personal use to keep track of ideas and what has already been done.
Draft is also the version of the paper that is 5 pages over the limit and you know you will need to make changes to fit in.
Draft writing is normally not the goal itself, instead it makes sense to think about what the draft will be used for and then write a document that is useful for this.
answered Aug 8 at 13:59
Claude
1,458139
answered Aug 8 at 13:59
Claude
1,458139
answered Aug 8 at 13:59
Claude
1,458139
answered Aug 8 at 13:59
Claude
1,458139
1,458139
1
I would add that it also makes sense to think about how to go about writing the draft so as to minimize the time spent editing, rewriting, and changing things for the final version. Since the draft is not the goal in itself, time spent polishing it should be minimized, and one should focus on certain things first (e.g. solidifying notation, put in a basic outline of the paper); maybe leave the intro, filler text, and conclusions for the end.
– 6005
Aug 8 at 19:10
Maybe it's a "culture" difference but in every (chemistry) research group I've been a "draft" was simply a version of a thesis/paper before it was either changed or decided to be the final version. I've never heard that a "progress report" or something similar which you would share with collaborators is called a draft.
– DSVA
Aug 8 at 19:51
add a comment |Â
1
I would add that it also makes sense to think about how to go about writing the draft so as to minimize the time spent editing, rewriting, and changing things for the final version. Since the draft is not the goal in itself, time spent polishing it should be minimized, and one should focus on certain things first (e.g. solidifying notation, put in a basic outline of the paper); maybe leave the intro, filler text, and conclusions for the end.
– 6005
Aug 8 at 19:10
Maybe it's a "culture" difference but in every (chemistry) research group I've been a "draft" was simply a version of a thesis/paper before it was either changed or decided to be the final version. I've never heard that a "progress report" or something similar which you would share with collaborators is called a draft.
– DSVA
Aug 8 at 19:51
1
1
I would add that it also makes sense to think about how to go about writing the draft so as to minimize the time spent editing, rewriting, and changing things for the final version. Since the draft is not the goal in itself, time spent polishing it should be minimized, and one should focus on certain things first (e.g. solidifying notation, put in a basic outline of the paper); maybe leave the intro, filler text, and conclusions for the end.
– 6005
Aug 8 at 19:10
I would add that it also makes sense to think about how to go about writing the draft so as to minimize the time spent editing, rewriting, and changing things for the final version. Since the draft is not the goal in itself, time spent polishing it should be minimized, and one should focus on certain things first (e.g. solidifying notation, put in a basic outline of the paper); maybe leave the intro, filler text, and conclusions for the end.
– 6005
Aug 8 at 19:10
Maybe it's a "culture" difference but in every (chemistry) research group I've been a "draft" was simply a version of a thesis/paper before it was either changed or decided to be the final version. I've never heard that a "progress report" or something similar which you would share with collaborators is called a draft.
– DSVA
Aug 8 at 19:51
Maybe it's a "culture" difference but in every (chemistry) research group I've been a "draft" was simply a version of a thesis/paper before it was either changed or decided to be the final version. I've never heard that a "progress report" or something similar which you would share with collaborators is called a draft.
– DSVA
Aug 8 at 19:51
add a comment |Â
up vote
9
down vote
It is a good idea to start sketching out the paper before writing it. That way you know what you want to write where. If you want to call that first sketch a draft, then the purpose of that draft should be a "glorified outline". Then you fill it in. If you are very good, or the paper is very simple to write, then you may get it right in one go. Probably, you will have many further drafts, which will (hopefully) gradually become closer to the final product. So, the answer to your question is in one word: both.
answered Aug 8 at 13:23
Maarten Buis
20.1k24565
Christian Moller on the way Paul Dirac used to write his articles: "Often he sat alone in the innermost room of the library in a most uncomfortable position... He could spend a whole day in the same position, writing an entire article, slowly and without ever crossing anything out.†(page 9)
– corey979
Aug 8 at 13:34
add a comment |Â
up vote
9
down vote
It is a good idea to start sketching out the paper before writing it. That way you know what you want to write where. If you want to call that first sketch a draft, then the purpose of that draft should be a "glorified outline". Then you fill it in. If you are very good, or the paper is very simple to write, then you may get it right in one go. Probably, you will have many further drafts, which will (hopefully) gradually become closer to the final product. So, the answer to your question is in one word: both.
answered Aug 8 at 13:23
Maarten Buis
20.1k24565
Christian Moller on the way Paul Dirac used to write his articles: "Often he sat alone in the innermost room of the library in a most uncomfortable position... He could spend a whole day in the same position, writing an entire article, slowly and without ever crossing anything out.†(page 9)
– corey979
Aug 8 at 13:34
add a comment |Â
up vote
9
down vote
up vote
9
down vote
It is a good idea to start sketching out the paper before writing it. That way you know what you want to write where. If you want to call that first sketch a draft, then the purpose of that draft should be a "glorified outline". Then you fill it in. If you are very good, or the paper is very simple to write, then you may get it right in one go. Probably, you will have many further drafts, which will (hopefully) gradually become closer to the final product. So, the answer to your question is in one word: both.
answered Aug 8 at 13:23
Maarten Buis
20.1k24565
It is a good idea to start sketching out the paper before writing it. That way you know what you want to write where. If you want to call that first sketch a draft, then the purpose of that draft should be a "glorified outline". Then you fill it in. If you are very good, or the paper is very simple to write, then you may get it right in one go. Probably, you will have many further drafts, which will (hopefully) gradually become closer to the final product. So, the answer to your question is in one word: both.
answered Aug 8 at 13:23
Maarten Buis
20.1k24565
answered Aug 8 at 13:23
Maarten Buis
20.1k24565
answered Aug 8 at 13:23
Maarten Buis
20.1k24565
answered Aug 8 at 13:23
Maarten Buis
20.1k24565
20.1k24565
Christian Moller on the way Paul Dirac used to write his articles: "Often he sat alone in the innermost room of the library in a most uncomfortable position... He could spend a whole day in the same position, writing an entire article, slowly and without ever crossing anything out.†(page 9)
– corey979
Aug 8 at 13:34
add a comment |Â
Christian Moller on the way Paul Dirac used to write his articles: "Often he sat alone in the innermost room of the library in a most uncomfortable position... He could spend a whole day in the same position, writing an entire article, slowly and without ever crossing anything out.†(page 9)
– corey979
Aug 8 at 13:34
Christian Moller on the way Paul Dirac used to write his articles: "Often he sat alone in the innermost room of the library in a most uncomfortable position... He could spend a whole day in the same position, writing an entire article, slowly and without ever crossing anything out.†(page 9)
– corey979
Aug 8 at 13:34
Christian Moller on the way Paul Dirac used to write his articles: "Often he sat alone in the innermost room of the library in a most uncomfortable position... He could spend a whole day in the same position, writing an entire article, slowly and without ever crossing anything out.†(page 9)
– corey979
Aug 8 at 13:34
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
The purpose of a draft is to organize your thoughts about what you intend to say and how. You can continue to fix the language and flesh out the details as you work on it, but your draft should make clear what your paper is about and what it has to say on the topic. It should organize your ideas, arguments and evidence in a logical and understandable way.
answered Aug 8 at 13:39
Nicole Hamilton
15.8k64061
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
The purpose of a draft is to organize your thoughts about what you intend to say and how. You can continue to fix the language and flesh out the details as you work on it, but your draft should make clear what your paper is about and what it has to say on the topic. It should organize your ideas, arguments and evidence in a logical and understandable way.
answered Aug 8 at 13:39
Nicole Hamilton
15.8k64061
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
up vote
6
down vote
The purpose of a draft is to organize your thoughts about what you intend to say and how. You can continue to fix the language and flesh out the details as you work on it, but your draft should make clear what your paper is about and what it has to say on the topic. It should organize your ideas, arguments and evidence in a logical and understandable way.
answered Aug 8 at 13:39
Nicole Hamilton
15.8k64061
The purpose of a draft is to organize your thoughts about what you intend to say and how. You can continue to fix the language and flesh out the details as you work on it, but your draft should make clear what your paper is about and what it has to say on the topic. It should organize your ideas, arguments and evidence in a logical and understandable way.
answered Aug 8 at 13:39
Nicole Hamilton
15.8k64061
edited Aug 8 at 14:42
answered Aug 8 at 13:39
Nicole Hamilton
15.8k64061
answered Aug 8 at 13:39
Nicole Hamilton
15.8k64061
answered Aug 8 at 13:39
Nicole Hamilton
15.8k64061
15.8k64061
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
5
It is possible to have 1, 5 or 10 or more drafts before the final version - it depends on what needs correcting...
– Solar Mike
Aug 8 at 12:58
2
You have it backwards: How different should the final version be from the first draft? Answer: As different as necessary.
– henning
Aug 8 at 12:59
I added some content to help with clarity of my question. Maybe I should have changed the title as well.
– Programmer
Aug 8 at 13:01
4
I'm a bit confused, for me that question doesn't make much sense. Paper drafts are usually written after most of the data was collected so writing an outline of the project doesn't make any sense. And if your goal would be writing a paper why would you aim for just a rough outline?
– DSVA
Aug 8 at 13:14
@DSVA I know it sounds goofy, but the reason I am asking is because one of my instructors has stated that the draft is basically a glorified outline, ect... This goes against what I thought the objective of a draft to be but I wanted to get a better understanding on the purpose of a draft since this has made me question my previous drafts. The question you asked is the very thing I am wondering as well.
– Programmer
Aug 8 at 13:34