Learning the Research Styles in the Field

An important element of understanding a research community is learning the styles of research conducted by its members. According to Janice Lauer and William Asher, two major methods or styles of research and presentation exist within English studies: rhetorical and empirical (1988). These two methods are similar in at least one way: they both begin with a problem or "motivating dissatisfaction" which needs to be resolved (Lauer and Asher, 1988).

But the way in which each style attempts to solve the problem differs dramatically. A rhetorical style proposes a new theory and argues for its advantages over existing theories. It applies many of the rhetorical components (such as making a claim and providing warrants) as we discuss in the section on common features of research in the field.

Empirical research, on the other hand, uses "inductive processes instead of the deductive and analogical processes of rhetorical inquiry" (Lauer and Asher, 1988); empirical research is essentially descriptive and often experimental in design. But in its final discussion of results, empirical research is similar to rhetorical in that it must interpret the data and argue for its relevancy and importance. As Lauer and Asher put it, "the data and results do not speak for themselves."

Writing Guides

Understanding the Rhetoric of Research

Learning the Research Styles in the Field