The Value of Research in Writing
The Importance of Thoroughly Exploring a Topic
Nov 12, 2009 Michelle Pannecoucke
In any writing, whether it be academic, professional, fiction or non-fiction, research is a valuable tool for good writing. Well done research helps a writer to write easier, to write more knowledgeably on the topic and to broaden the scope of his or her writing.
Academic Writing
Academic writing requires research to prove that the student understands the importance of proper research, to help the student learn how to research, and to give the student good practice. Beyond that, it makes a student’s writing more informed.
Proper research helps a history major, for example, better defend a thesis because it will give the student a better grasp on the history in question. Research helps a science major better prepare a hypothesis because it explores possibilities. Research certainly helps an English major relate art to life. This research can be done best through reading books and journals on the topic, whether they be print or online resources.
Professional Writing
Professional writing requires research to give the writing and the writer credibility. Magazine articles need to be well researched to properly target an audience and to interest the audience. Beyond interesting the audience, good research will help the writer write authoritatively.
Market research is important for magazines. Most magazines or other non-fiction venues are directed at a particular audience. A writer would do well to know the audience. Magazines may do their own research, but a writer can research for himself. A few great ways to research are to: check in a bookstore for what else is currently on the shelf; conduct surveys of different groups of people to find out what interests them; keep up with the news and the latest statistics; spend time talking to different people who fall into the audience category.
Fiction Writing
Research is just as important for fiction writing as it is for professional or academic writing. An author who wants to write better fiction can benefit from a little market research. Knowing what the audience looks for in a story or in a novel can help an author write fiction that will be well read. Similar techniques of market research for professional writing can be used for fiction writing.
Also, researching locations will help an author chose appropriate settings for his or her fiction and describe them well. A little research helps an author keep historical or current facts within the writing correct. Researching for fiction writing can also be as simple as people watching for inspiration and character development ideas. Studying the actions and attitudes of real people helps with creating interesting characters.
Research is a valuable to tool to any writer for any kind of writing, although used in different ways. It helps the writing remain informed, authoritative and credible. Moreover, it helps a writer reach more readers with better writing.
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