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Information: Research and Professional Writing

Over this past summer, my home computer stopped working. Because I built the computer myself, I don’t have a company like Dell or Apple to turn to for tech support. To identify which part (or parts) malfunctioned, I had to search online for guidance. I found numerous forums and sites with possible information but most of them were not helpful or ads for software cleverly disguised as blog posts or articles.

I eventually found instructions that helped me identify the problem. By process of elimination, I was able to determine that the motherboard had expired. I then discovered that the motherboard was no longer being manufactured, which meant I had to now figure out a suitable replacement. Computer technology quickly becomes obsolete so I had to be sure to buy parts that were compatible. Before long, the cost of purchasing separate parts prompted me to question whether or not I should just buy a pre-built computer instead.

This led me to look up computer manufacturers…

Throughout this process, research skills were vital to determining the cause of the malfunction, the status of the part, the cost of replacement parts, and reliable computer brands. Much of my research turned up bad or unhelpful information. Many of my questions were answered, but those answers usually yielded more questions! Once I had the necessary information, I could compare my options, analyze the costs and benefits, and choose. Even though the pre-built computer cost more, I decided that the tech support and time it would take to build another computer from scratch made it worthwhile.
It may not seem obvious from this sad tale of my broken computer, but research is all about making an argument. These are rarely the type of arguments made on a debate stage or that involve obnoxious siblings, friends, or roommates. To make a professional argument, you are asserting a position and providing evidence that supports that position.
In this scenario, my research helped me construct an argument for buying a pre-built computer over building another one. In the world of business, research is also used to construct arguments. Should this candidate be hired? Could a new pizza restaurant succeed in a particular neighborhood? What date can we use to determine whether or not a social media campaign is working?
What sorts of arguments are we making when we answer these questions? What questions are among the most asked in your field?
In other words, conducting research is how we become part of the professional dialog or “conversation.” With sufficient research, we can help ourselves, our coworkers, supervisors, and clients make better, well-informed decisions. But business is also about connecting with others, identifying trends, solving problems, and identifying gaps in our existing resources. These are also – not so coincidentally – the same research skills that you need in your academic and professional careers!
The results of your research should confirm your argument while providing contextual information that helps situate your position in a specific context. A pizza restaurant in one neighborhood may not last long in another; a marketing campaign may perform incredibly well on Facebook while failing on Reddit.
Conducting research also helps develop our expertise in a subject, reinforcing our professional persona. When we engage in that “conversation” mentioned earlier, it demonstrates our dedication to the profession. Although flawed or weak arguments can also be valuable, presenting a well-researched argument establishes credibility among your peers and displays expertise.
In this chapter, we’ll review research procedures that complement your professional writing. We’ll distinguish scholarly resources from more popular ones, such as journalistic publications. Professional trade publications – which you may find yourself contributing to in your career – are also valuable sources to consider. We’ll also review three fundamental forms of citing sources and some best practices for incorporating your research into your work.
We’ll conclude the chapter by thinking about misinformation and the importance of verifying sources. As we’ll examine, it is incredibly easy for anyone to compose and publish an article based on faulty or false information that appears to be an accurate work of quality research. Fortunately, there are usually clues that can help us distinguish works of information from those that are more authentic.

Even more important than being aware of misinformation is the understanding that you – the researcher – are engaging in an ongoing dialog about the subject you are researching. Applying the work of scholars and experts to answer your own research questions isn’t enough! You must also be willing to question and critique those experts.

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Professional Writing and Communications for Business Copyright © by Kris Purzycki is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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