Guiding Question:
What does my paper contribute?

Learning Objectives

• distinguish a research project from a research article;

• articulate a research problem;

• identify a central message or argument;

• connect research questions, evidence, claims, and contribution;

• formulate an explicit statement of scholarly contribution.

Reading

Mur Dueñas, P. (2014). “The main contribution of this study is…”: An analysis of statements of contribution in English published research articles and L2 manuscripts. Journal of Writing Research, 5(3), 271–283. https://www.jowr.org/jowr/article/view/687

Mentor Reading

Furberg & Silseth (2022): Abstract and Introduction.

Core Framework

Students develop four statements:

We know that...

However, we do not sufficiently understand...

This study shows...

This matters because...

Workshop — Contribution Mapping

Students map:

Research problem → Research question → Evidence → Finding → Claim → Contribution

Students develop several possible formulations:

“This study contributes to research on _____ by…”

“Our findings extend current understanding of _____ by…”

“This study shows _____, suggesting that…”

These are used as thinking tools rather than prescribed formulas.

Writing Studio Task — Article Blueprint

Prepare a 2–3 page blueprint containing:

• working title;

• target journal;

• intended audience;

• research problem;

• research question(s);

• central message;

• principal claims;

• supporting evidence;

• anticipated contribution;

• proposed manuscript structure.