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Can You Use First-Person Pronouns (I/we) in a Research Paper?

should a research paper be in first person

Research writers frequently wonder whether the first person can be used in academic and scientific writing. In truth, for generations, we’ve been discouraged from using “I” and “we” in academic writing simply due to old habits. That’s right—there’s no reason why you can’t use these words! In fact, the academic community used first-person pronouns until the 1920s, when the third person and passive-voice constructions (that is, “boring” writing) were adopted–prominently expressed, for example, in Strunk and White’s classic writing manual “Elements of Style” first published in 1918, that advised writers to place themselves “in the background” and not draw attention to themselves.

In recent decades, however, changing attitudes about the first person in academic writing has led to a paradigm shift, and we have, however, we’ve shifted back to producing active and engaging prose that incorporates the first person.

Can You Use “I” in a Research Paper?

However, “I” and “we” still have some generally accepted pronoun rules writers should follow. For example, the first person is more likely used in the abstract , Introduction section , Discussion section , and Conclusion section of an academic paper while the third person and passive constructions are found in the Methods section and Results section .

In this article, we discuss when you should avoid personal pronouns and when they may enhance your writing.

It’s Okay to Use First-Person Pronouns to:

  • clarify meaning by eliminating passive voice constructions;
  • establish authority and credibility (e.g., assert ethos, the Aristotelian rhetorical term referring to the personal character);
  • express interest in a subject matter (typically found in rapid correspondence);
  • establish personal connections with readers, particularly regarding anecdotal or hypothetical situations (common in philosophy, religion, and similar fields, particularly to explore how certain concepts might impact personal life. Additionally, artistic disciplines may also encourage personal perspectives more than other subjects);
  • to emphasize or distinguish your perspective while discussing existing literature; and
  • to create a conversational tone (rare in academic writing).

The First Person Should Be Avoided When:

  • doing so would remove objectivity and give the impression that results or observations are unique to your perspective;
  • you wish to maintain an objective tone that would suggest your study minimized biases as best as possible; and
  • expressing your thoughts generally (phrases like “I think” are unnecessary because any statement that isn’t cited should be yours).

Usage Examples

The following examples compare the impact of using and avoiding first-person pronouns.

Example 1 (First Person Preferred):

To understand the effects of global warming on coastal regions,  changes in sea levels, storm surge occurrences and precipitation amounts  were examined .

[Note: When a long phrase acts as the subject of a passive-voice construction, the sentence becomes difficult to digest. Additionally, since the author(s) conducted the research, it would be clearer to specifically mention them when discussing the focus of a project.]

We examined  changes in sea levels, storm surge occurrences, and precipitation amounts to understand how global warming impacts coastal regions.

[Note: When describing the focus of a research project, authors often replace “we” with phrases such as “this study” or “this paper.” “We,” however, is acceptable in this context, including for scientific disciplines. In fact, papers published the vast majority of scientific journals these days use “we” to establish an active voice.   Be careful when using “this study” or “this paper” with verbs that clearly couldn’t have performed the action.   For example, “we attempt to demonstrate” works, but “the study attempts to demonstrate” does not; the study is not a person.]

Example 2 (First Person Discouraged):

From the various data points  we have received ,  we observed  that higher frequencies of runoffs from heavy rainfall have occurred in coastal regions where temperatures have increased by at least 0.9°C.

[Note: Introducing personal pronouns when discussing results raises questions regarding the reproducibility of a study. However, mathematics fields generally tolerate phrases such as “in X example, we see…”]

Coastal regions  with temperature increases averaging more than 0.9°C  experienced  higher frequencies of runoffs from heavy rainfall.

[Note: We removed the passive voice and maintained objectivity and assertiveness by specifically identifying the cause-and-effect elements as the actor and recipient of the main action verb. Additionally, in this version, the results appear independent of any person’s perspective.] 

Example 3 (First Person Preferred):

In contrast to the study by Jones et al. (2001), which suggests that milk consumption is safe for adults, the Miller study (2005) revealed the potential hazards of ingesting milk.  The authors confirm  this latter finding.

[Note: “Authors” in the last sentence above is unclear. Does the term refer to Jones et al., Miller, or the authors of the current paper?]

In contrast to the study by Jones et al. (2001), which suggests that milk consumption is safe for adults, the Miller study (2005) revealed the potential hazards of ingesting milk.  We confirm  this latter finding.

[Note: By using “we,” this sentence clarifies the actor and emphasizes the significance of the recent findings reported in this paper. Indeed, “I” and “we” are acceptable in most scientific fields to compare an author’s works with other researchers’ publications. The APA encourages using personal pronouns for this context. The social sciences broaden this scope to allow discussion of personal perspectives, irrespective of comparisons to other literature.]

Other Tips about Using Personal Pronouns

  • Avoid starting a sentence with personal pronouns. The beginning of a sentence is a noticeable position that draws readers’ attention. Thus, using personal pronouns as the first one or two words of a sentence will draw unnecessary attention to them (unless, of course, that was your intent).
  • Be careful how you define “we.” It should only refer to the authors and never the audience unless your intention is to write a conversational piece rather than a scholarly document! After all, the readers were not involved in analyzing or formulating the conclusions presented in your paper (although, we note that the point of your paper is to persuade readers to reach the same conclusions you did). While this is not a hard-and-fast rule, if you do want to use “we” to refer to a larger class of people, clearly define the term “we” in the sentence. For example, “As researchers, we frequently question…”
  • First-person writing is becoming more acceptable under Modern English usage standards; however, the second-person pronoun “you” is still generally unacceptable because it is too casual for academic writing.
  • Take all of the above notes with a grain of salt. That is,  double-check your institution or target journal’s author guidelines .  Some organizations may prohibit the use of personal pronouns.
  • As an extra tip, before submission, you should always read through the most recent issues of a journal to get a better sense of the editors’ preferred writing styles and conventions.

Wordvice Resources

For more general advice on how to use active and passive voice in research papers, on how to paraphrase , or for a list of useful phrases for academic writing , head over to the Wordvice Academic Resources pages . And for more professional proofreading services , visit our Academic Editing and P aper Editing Services pages.

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Can I Use First Person In a Research Paper? (Quick Answer)

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by  Antony W

July 6, 2022

use first person in research paper

High school teachers, college tutors, and university professors often frown assignments that include personal pronouns. That’s so because writing in first, second, or third person demonstrates an author’s point of view, which, in many cases, tends to be unacceptable.

With the exception of college admission essays , personal statements , and persuasive essays , the use of personal pronoun in academic writing is something you should avoid completely.

One of the questions we get a lot at Help for Assessment is can I use first person in a research paper?

We understand how difficult choosing the right language for research paper writing can be, particularly because there are many language rules that you need to observe. So our goal with this guide is to help you learn more about personal pronouns in research paper.

By the time you finish reading this article, you will have a very clear picture on the issue of using first person in your research paper assignment. 

What’s First Person Pronoun? 

what is first person in research paper

In written and spoken communication, the use of first person pronoun refers to incorporating text that refers to oneself in an assignment. The reference can be in singular or plural form. First person singular include “I”, “Me”, “Mine”, and “My” and first person plural are “we”, “us”, “our”, and “ours”.

Can I Use First Person in a Research Paper? 

The use of first person in a research paper indicates presentation of information based on what you’ve found from your research.

Unfortunately, you can’t and shouldn’t use first person pronoun in your research assignment. From a scientific and mathematical standpoint, the pronoun presents you to your target audience as a self-serving and arrogant person.

Keep in mind that the purpose of a research paper is to provide a comprehensive analysis and response to the research question . The focus is therefore on the research, not the person conducting the research.

We understand that you might want to persuade readers to consider a certain aspect of your research, especially if it’s a personal opinion you want to give. However, you can do so without necessarily sounding personal.

Another reason why it’s a bad idea to use first person pronouns in your research paper is that they to make your overall assignment. Precisely, the first person pronoun can easily underestimate the findings of your research as readers might wonder whether you based your conclusions on facts or just personal opinions.

What’s Second Person Pronoun? 

second person pronoun

The second person pronoun is any word that refers to the reader. These pronouns are “you”, “your”, and “yours”.

This point of view is helpful in the context of providing advice, guides, and tutorials to a given audience.

For example, students searching for programming assignment help online will often land on written and video tutorials that use the second person point of view to give direction on setting up projects and writing code.

Using, the goal of using the second person point of view is to engage an audience to a discussion or a guide, and it tends to serve its purpose quite well.

Can I Use Second Person Pronoun in a Research Paper? 

using second person pronoun

The problem with the second person pronoun is that it gives instructions to an audience, which means it’s not quite effective in academic writing. As such, you should not use the second person pronoun in your research paper.

What’s Third Person Pronoun?

This point of view can use pronouns of individuals or groups or a person’s name. Words such as “he”, “she”, and “one” refers to individuals and words such as  “everyone”,  “they” and “them” refer to a group of people.

Can I Use Third Person Pronoun in a Research Paper? 

The third person pronoun is usually the most appropriate option to use in scientific paper. However, you need to be very careful with how you integrate them in your writing.

First, you have to use indefinite pronoun to refer back to the subject. Second, you should avoid using feminine or masculine terminologies when using third person point of view. So instead of using him, her, him, or her in your research paper, make the subject plural.

What are the Exceptions to these Rules? 

when to use first person in research paper

The argument among academics is that it’s fine to use first person in a research paper. To be precise, you can use the term “I” in the abstract, introduction, discussion, and conclusion in some research papers. However, it’s best to avoid this completely.

If you must use personal pronouns in the assignment, “we” would be the most appropriate.

Also, be careful with how you write the methods and results section. If you must use personal pronouns here, the third person point of view will be most appropriate.

Another important exception that we can’t ignore is the assignment brief. Even if you know certain that personal pronouns are not appropriate in research paper writing, look at the assignment guidelines to figure out what your teacher wants. Your instructor might ask you to use personal pronouns in the assignment, so make sure you don’t skip this part.

When Writing Your Research Paper 

The third person point of view, and particularly referring to subjects and entities by their names (or title) is the acceptable option when writing a research paper.

Another important point worth mentioning is that you need to make sure you’re consistent in your writing. Switching from one point of view to another can only make your research paper hard to read since leads to distraction.

Makes sure you check the assignment guideline provided by your teacher to make sure you’re on the right track as far as using first person pronoun in your assignment is concerned.

Get Help with Research Paper Writing 

Is your research paper almost due but you haven’t started working on it yet? Or maybe you started but you have other urgent assignments to complete? You can take advantage of our  research paper writing service  and get professional academic writing help that enables students to score high grades.

It doesn’t matter if your research topic is complicated or you can’t find the right sources for the assignment. We’re here to help.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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Can You Use I or We in a Research Paper?

Can You Use I or We in a Research Paper?

4-minute read

  • 11th July 2023

Writing in the first person, or using I and we pronouns, has traditionally been frowned upon in academic writing . But despite this long-standing norm, writing in the first person isn’t actually prohibited. In fact, it’s becoming more acceptable – even in research papers.

 If you’re wondering whether you can use I (or we ) in your research paper, you should check with your institution first and foremost. Many schools have rules regarding first-person use. If it’s up to you, though, we still recommend some guidelines. Check out our tips below!

When Is It Most Acceptable to Write in the First Person?

Certain sections of your paper are more conducive to writing in the first person. Typically, the first person makes sense in the abstract, introduction, discussion, and conclusion sections. You should still limit your use of I and we , though, or your essay may start to sound like a personal narrative .

 Using first-person pronouns is most useful and acceptable in the following circumstances.

When doing so removes the passive voice and adds flow

Sometimes, writers have to bend over backward just to avoid using the first person, often producing clunky sentences and a lot of passive voice constructions. The first person can remedy this. For example: 

Both sentences are fine, but the second one flows better and is easier to read.

When doing so differentiates between your research and other literature

When discussing literature from other researchers and authors, you might be comparing it with your own findings or hypotheses . Using the first person can help clarify that you are engaging in such a comparison. For example: 

 In the first sentence, using “the author” to avoid the first person creates ambiguity. The second sentence prevents misinterpretation.

When doing so allows you to express your interest in the subject

In some instances, you may need to provide background for why you’re researching your topic. This information may include your personal interest in or experience with the subject, both of which are easier to express using first-person pronouns. For example:

Expressing personal experiences and viewpoints isn’t always a good idea in research papers. When it’s appropriate to do so, though, just make sure you don’t overuse the first person.

When to Avoid Writing in the First Person

It’s usually a good idea to stick to the third person in the methods and results sections of your research paper. Additionally, be careful not to use the first person when:

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●  It makes your findings seem like personal observations rather than factual results.

●  It removes objectivity and implies that the writing may be biased .

●  It appears in phrases such as I think or I believe , which can weaken your writing.

Keeping Your Writing Formal and Objective

Using the first person while maintaining a formal tone can be tricky, but keeping a few tips in mind can help you strike a balance. The important thing is to make sure the tone isn’t too conversational.

 To achieve this, avoid referring to the readers, such as with the second-person you . Use we and us only when referring to yourself and the other authors/researchers involved in the paper, not the audience.

It’s becoming more acceptable in the academic world to use first-person pronouns such as we and I in research papers. But make sure you check with your instructor or institution first because they may have strict rules regarding this practice.

 If you do decide to use the first person, make sure you do so effectively by following the tips we’ve laid out in this guide. And once you’ve written a draft, send us a copy! Our expert proofreaders and editors will be happy to check your grammar, spelling, word choice, references, tone, and more. Submit a 500-word sample today!

Is it ever acceptable to use I or we in a research paper?

In some instances, using first-person pronouns can help you to establish credibility, add clarity, and make the writing easier to read.

How can I avoid using I in my writing?

Writing in the passive voice can help you to avoid using the first person.

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Capstone Form and Style

Scholarly voice: writing in the first person, first-person point of view.

Since 2007, Walden academic leadership has endorsed the APA manual guidance on appropriate use of the first-person singular pronoun "I," allowing the use of this pronoun in all Walden academic writing except doctoral capstone abstracts, which should not contain a first-person pronoun.

In addition to the pointers below, the APA manual provides information on the appropriate use of first person in scholarly writing (see APA 7, Section 4.16).

APA Style and First-Person Pronouns

APA prefers that writers use the first person for clarity and self-reference.

To promote clear communication, writers should use the first person, rather than passive voice or the third person, to indicate the action the writer is taking.

  • This passive voice is unclear as it does not indicate who collected these data.
  • This third-person voice is not preferred in APA style and is not specific about who "the researcher" is or which researcher collected these data.
  • This sentence clearly indicates who collected these data. Active voice, first-person sentence construction is clear and precise.

Avoid Overusing First-Person Pronouns

However, using a lot of "I" statements is repetitious and may distract readers. Remember, avoiding repetitious phrasing is also recommended in the APA manual.

  • Example of repetitive use of "I": In this study, I administered a survey. I created a convenience sample of 68 teachers. I invited them to participate in the survey by emailing them an invitation. I obtained email addresses from the principal of the school…
  • We suggest that students use "I" in the first sentence of the paragraph. Then, if it is clear to the reader that the student (writer) is the actor in the remaining sentences, use the active and passive voices appropriately to achieve precision and clarity.

Avoid Second-Person Pronouns

In addition, avoid the second person ("you").

  • Example using the second person: As a leader, you have to decide what kind of leadership approach you want to use with your employees.
  • It is important for writers to clearly indicate who or what they mean (again back to precision and clarity). Writers need to opt for specificity instead of the second person. Remember, the capstone is not a speech; the writer is not talking to anyone.

Restrict Use of Plural First-Person Pronouns

Also, for clarity, restrict the use of "we" and "our." These should only be used when writers are referring to themselves and other, specific individuals, not in the general sense.

  • Example of plural first-person pronoun: We must change society to reflect the needs of current-day children and parents.
  • Here, it is important to clarify who "we" means as the writer is not referring to specific individuals. Being specific about the who is important to clarity and precision.

Avoid Unsupported Opinion Statements

When using the first-person "I," avoid opinion statements.

As writers write, revise, and self-edit, they should pay specific attention to opinion statements. The following phrases have no place in scholarly writing:

  • I think…
  • I believe…
  • I feel…

Writers and scholars need to base arguments, conclusions, and claims on evidence. When encountering "I" statements like this, do the following:

  • Consider whether this really an opinion or whether this can be supported by evidence (citations).
  • If there is evidence, remove the “I think…”, “I believe…”, “I feel…” phrasing and write a declarative statement, including the citation.
  • If there is no evidence to cite, consider whether the claim or argument can be made. Remember that scholarly writing is not based on opinion, so if writers cannot support a claim with citations to scholarly literature or other credible sources, they need to reconsider whether they can make that claim.
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Should I Use First, Second, or Third Person?

should a research paper be in first person

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 A Definitive Guide to Using Perspective in Academic, Business, and Fiction

Is it OK to use first person (I/my/we/our) in a research paper or job application ? Is all formal writing done in third person (he/she/they/one)? Why does the teacher keep crossing out second person (you/your) in student essays?

The issue here is perspective. First person is direct and personal. Second person is aimed at the audience, as in advertising (“You should buy this car now!”), or is quite informal, as in e-mails to a friend (“So, you know how it is when you don’t have any money?”). Third person doesn’t target anyone, and so it’s the most distant and universal.

It’s pretty easy to avoid second person in formal writing, so the main source of confusion comes from whether to use first or third person.

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 Academic Writing

The battle between first and third, at least in academia, stems from the tradition to favor third person in formal writing because it was considered more modest, professional, and (above all) objective. Scientists thought it was better to favor the research, not the researcher, so “I conducted a study on” was changed to “the researcher conducted a study on.”

This business of having to use third person, however, can result in imprecise language and, worse, ambiguity. Most academic styles now recommend first person, with APA leading the way.

Take the following:

“A study was conducted on animals. The researchers utilized a longitudinal study. This paper will examine the mating habits of the fennec fox.”

What at first seems like a nice formal start to a paper is actually quite ambiguous. Regarding the first sentence: what study? Conducted by whom? This passive voice is too imprecise.

The second sentence uses third person, but if your paper is talking about other studies and sources, then you might confuse your reader. Is this your term you’re talking about, or one of the past researchers?

should a research paper be in first person

For these reasons and more, first person is now more often being recommended. Of the “big three” (APA, Chicago, MLA) style guides, APA urges first person. The Chicago Manual of Style is also in favor and says under 5.220 (16th ed.), “When you need the first-person singular, use it. It’s not immodest to use it; it’s superstitious not to.”

MLA (used for the humanities) has skirted the issue, but seems to prefer the formality of third person. It doesn’t like self-aware statements like, “I am going to say in this paper…” However, as long as the instructor or client does not mind, MLA finds first person acceptable when necessary.

 Fiction

The question of what perspective to use in a story or novel is a personal one. There are no rules. Generally, writers are recommended to use third person when they’re just starting out because it’s a bit easier to get right. With third person, you can write in a detached, generic way, and when you write fiction in first person, it’s exceedingly real and present. Everyone has a different (and distinct) personality, and that personality leaps out when you write in first. In first person, little mistakes and breaks in personality really stand out for the reader.

It is not accepted in mainstream fiction to mix first person and third person .

Don’t write fiction in second person. Please.

 Autobiographies/Nonfiction

Use first person for such situations as autobiographies (unless you’re Donald Trump), but for most non-fiction work, it’s best to stay detached. Use third person.

 Journalism

AP style for journalism and marketing is strict about not using first person to refer to oneself. Stick to third, try to avoid pronouns, and reserve first person for direct quotes in interviews.

 Resumes

Don’t refer to yourself in the third person in resumes. Just as in life (unless you’re Trump) you wouldn’t say, “John develops synergistic platitudes,” when you’re John. In a resume, just assume the first person is understood. Under current job duties, say “Develop synergetic programs,” not “Develops.”

With business, there are no hard and fast rules. Gear your writing to your purpose and what level of formality you think is appropriate. Perspective can increase and decrease that level. For example, look at this formal sentence:

“Microsoft is looking to expand into new areas. It aims to attract talented new people.”

Formally, organizations use “it,” not “they” or “we.”

However, some people might say that looks too stiff, so look at this more easy-going and personal version:

“Microsoft is looking to expand into new areas. We are looking to attract talented new people.”

Second person can also be useful in business writing, especially when giving orders or advice:

“Microsoft is looking to expand into new areas. Be sure to attract talented new people.”

Just remember that choosing your person-perspective has real consequences. Be careful, and good luck.

 Nick S .

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We Vs. They: Using the First & Third Person in Research Papers

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Writing in the first , second , or third person is referred to as the author’s point of view . When we write, our tendency is to personalize the text by writing in the first person . That is, we use pronouns such as “I” and “we”. This is acceptable when writing personal information, a journal, or a book. However, it is not common in academic writing.

Some writers find the use of first , second , or third person point of view a bit confusing while writing research papers. Since second person is avoided while writing in academic or scientific papers, the main confusion remains within first or third person.

In the following sections, we will discuss the usage and examples of the first , second , and third person point of view.

First Person Pronouns

The first person point of view simply means that we use the pronouns that refer to ourselves in the text. These are as follows:

Can we use I or We In the Scientific Paper?

Using these, we present the information based on what “we” found. In science and mathematics, this point of view is rarely used. It is often considered to be somewhat self-serving and arrogant . It is important to remember that when writing your research results, the focus of the communication is the research and not the persons who conducted the research. When you want to persuade the reader, it is best to avoid personal pronouns in academic writing even when it is personal opinion from the authors of the study. In addition to sounding somewhat arrogant, the strength of your findings might be underestimated.

For example:

Based on my results, I concluded that A and B did not equal to C.

In this example, the entire meaning of the research could be misconstrued. The results discussed are not those of the author ; they are generated from the experiment. To refer to the results in this context is incorrect and should be avoided. To make it more appropriate, the above sentence can be revised as follows:

Based on the results of the assay, A and B did not equal to C.

Second Person Pronouns

The second person point of view uses pronouns that refer to the reader. These are as follows:

This point of view is usually used in the context of providing instructions or advice , such as in “how to” manuals or recipe books. The reason behind using the second person is to engage the reader.

You will want to buy a turkey that is large enough to feed your extended family. Before cooking it, you must wash it first thoroughly with cold water.

Although this is a good technique for giving instructions, it is not appropriate in academic or scientific writing.

Third Person Pronouns

The third person point of view uses both proper nouns, such as a person’s name, and pronouns that refer to individuals or groups (e.g., doctors, researchers) but not directly to the reader. The ones that refer to individuals are as follows:

  • Hers (possessive form)
  • His (possessive form)
  • Its (possessive form)
  • One’s (possessive form)

The third person point of view that refers to groups include the following:

  • Their (possessive form)
  • Theirs (plural possessive form)
Everyone at the convention was interested in what Dr. Johnson presented. The instructors decided that the students should help pay for lab supplies. The researchers determined that there was not enough sample material to conduct the assay.

The third person point of view is generally used in scientific papers but, at times, the format can be difficult. We use indefinite pronouns to refer back to the subject but must avoid using masculine or feminine terminology. For example:

A researcher must ensure that he has enough material for his experiment. The nurse must ensure that she has a large enough blood sample for her assay.

Many authors attempt to resolve this issue by using “he or she” or “him or her,” but this gets cumbersome and too many of these can distract the reader. For example:

A researcher must ensure that he or she has enough material for his or her experiment. The nurse must ensure that he or she has a large enough blood sample for his or her assay.

These issues can easily be resolved by making the subjects plural as follows:

Researchers must ensure that they have enough material for their experiment. Nurses must ensure that they have large enough blood samples for their assay.

Exceptions to the Rules

As mentioned earlier, the third person is generally used in scientific writing, but the rules are not quite as stringent anymore. It is now acceptable to use both the first and third person pronouns  in some contexts, but this is still under controversy.  

In a February 2011 blog on Eloquent Science , Professor David M. Schultz presented several opinions on whether the author viewpoints differed. However, there appeared to be no consensus. Some believed that the old rules should stand to avoid subjectivity, while others believed that if the facts were valid, it didn’t matter which point of view was used.

First or Third Person: What Do The Journals Say

In general, it is acceptable in to use the first person point of view in abstracts, introductions, discussions, and conclusions, in some journals. Even then, avoid using “I” in these sections. Instead, use “we” to refer to the group of researchers that were part of the study. The third person point of view is used for writing methods and results sections. Consistency is the key and switching from one point of view to another within sections of a manuscript can be distracting and is discouraged. It is best to always check your author guidelines for that particular journal. Once that is done, make sure your manuscript is free from the above-mentioned or any other grammatical error.

You are the only researcher involved in your thesis project. You want to avoid using the first person point of view throughout, but there are no other researchers on the project so the pronoun “we” would not be appropriate. What do you do and why? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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I am writing the history of an engineering company for which I worked. How do I relate a significant incident that involved me?

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Hi Roger, Thank you for your question. If you are narrating the history for the company that you worked at, you would have to refer to it from an employee’s perspective (third person). If you are writing the history as an account of your experiences with the company (including the significant incident), you could refer to yourself as ”I” or ”My.” (first person) You could go through other articles related to language and grammar on Enago Academy’s website https://enago.com/academy/ to help you with your document drafting. Did you get a chance to install our free Mobile App? https://www.enago.com/academy/mobile-app/ . Make sure you subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://www.enago.com/academy/subscribe-now/ .

Good day , i am writing a research paper and m y setting is a company . is it ethical to put the name of the company in the research paper . i the management has allowed me to conduct my research in thir company .

thanks docarlene diaz

Generally authors do not mention the names of the organization separately within the research paper. The name of the educational institution the researcher or the PhD student is working in needs to be mentioned along with the name in the list of authors. However, if the research has been carried out in a company, it might not be mandatory to mention the name after the name in the list of authors. You can check with the author guidelines of your target journal and if needed confirm with the editor of the journal. Also check with the mangement of the company whether they want the name of the company to be mentioned in the research paper.

Finishing up my dissertation the information is clear and concise.

How to write the right first person pronoun if there is a single researcher? Thanks

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Collaboration, information literacy, writing process, a synthesis of professor perspectives on using first and third person in academic writing.

  • CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 by Brian Stone

For many novice academic writers, the decision of whether to use first-person or third-person voice is determined by several factors. First and third-person refers to the point of view the author adopts, where first-person uses the singular and plural pronouns “I,” “we,” “me,” and “us,” as in “I argue that,” and third-person uses “she,” “he,” “it,” or “they.” Often times, academic writers will identify the subject in the third-person, as in “Stone argues that,” or “The researchers suggest.” While these pronoun and subject uses are most common, there are also what we might call “stand-ins” in the third-person, where an inanimate “thing” stands in for the subject of the sentence, as in “This paper argues that,” or “The researcher suggests.” Second-person, which should rarely be used in academic writing, uses the pronoun “you.”

To begin, as a student, the professor’s desires should be of primary consideration. After all, successfully completing a paper is your primary goal. Second, whether to use first or third person can be determined by the discipline in which you’re writing, as well. Relative to this, which voice to use is ultimately determined by the shared philosophy of what knowledge is and how it’s created in the discipline. This is what is known as epistemology : the study of knowledge, how it’s created, and how we know what we know. Domains of knowledge are constructed by those who participate in and contribute to that domain; they are dynamic and changing, never static. We will look at each of these differing ideas about the use of first- and third-person voice in academic writing so that you can get a better idea of why you are expected to use one in some cases and not in others.

Pronoun use is a rhetorical element of writing, not just a simple matter of word choice. When we use “I” in our writing, we make our self the focus. In many disciplines, this is considered to be a good thing. However, for some disciplines, especially those that consider their work to be “objective,” using the first person is seen as weakening the argument by making it seem subjective. For scholars in such disciplines, using the first person makes the argument seem opinionated, rather than objective.

Ultimately, most professors who approve of using the first person agree that its use is effective only if the student knows how to use it properly. Some professors who generally like the use of the first person suggest students avoid it when it weakens an argumentative claim—for example, “I feel that [insert argument here]” or “In my opinion, [insert argument here].” Getting rid of “I feel” makes the argument more concise and less redundant. Also, it makes it feel less like the student is taking a shot at asserting an argument and doesn’t know what s/he’s talking about. That student “feels” like s/he is right; s/he doesn’t “know.” Many professors agree that this use of first person weakens a student’s argument and makes the writing sound more like a personal response or journal entry. Importantly, for some professors, seeing too much first person indicates that the student might be the only source of knowledge consulted for the paper, which is a real problem for a research paper.

Many writers will find themselves in a writing situation where avoiding the first person is almost impossible. For example, if you are relaying anecdotes that involve you, making direct observations, or are involved in a teacher research study, etc., it would be nearly impossible to avoid the first person without sounding convoluted and stilted. Also, in some areas of research, it is ethically imperative to acknowledge how who you are shapes what you perceive and know. For example, some disciplines, such as anthropology, do empirical research but emphasize recognition and examination of one’s own subjectivity and how that shapes what we value, believe, and perceive.

This gets us to a discussion of the third person and when it is deemed imperative. As mentioned above, whether to use the first or third person is largely a matter of disciplinary convention. Reading journal articles in your major area of study will help give you an idea of whether researchers in your discipline prefer the first or third person, or both. Earlier I mentioned “epistemology.” Different disciplines operate according to different epistemic models. Disciplines that value third-person writing, such as medicine, engineering, philosophy, the hard sciences, etc., believe that removing the “I” removes subjectivity, therefore making the claim that follows more objective and factual.

Even for these disciplines that favor third-person objective pronoun usage, times are changing. Scientists once needed to assert that their observations, not them, were made more powerful when aligned with other observations. The research was meant to speak for itself, not the researcher. Today, the scientific community is becoming more comfortable with acknowledging the subjective role of the researcher. This epistemic shift shows that “rules” regarding the use of the first and third person are not really rules at all but are characteristics of specific sorts of writing. As with most things, they change.

When faced with the decision to use the first or third person, you ultimately are in a rhetorical situation. The genre in which you are writing, as well as the conventions of your discipline, should help you make your decision. Also, examples from published articles in your field will serve as good models for how and when to use the first or third person. Most importantly, consult the professor for whom you are writing, as each of us has a different stance on this issue.

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Exploring the First-Person in Research Papers

Research papers in the field of academic writing can often be seen as a tool to explore and discuss ideas. However, rarely is it seen as an opportunity for researchers to use first-person perspective when exploring these topics. This article aims to demonstrate how incorporating a first-person narrative into research papers can prove beneficial both in terms of its content and efficacy. Through this exploration, we will outline why using the first person may help enhance our understanding of specific concepts, examine various approaches that have already been adopted by experts within certain disciplines, while also considering any potential challenges or disadvantages associated with doing so. Ultimately providing readers with further insight into this topic and aid them in forming their own opinion on whether embracing such techniques could add value to their work.

I. Introduction to First-Person Writing in Research Papers

Ii. advantages of employing the first-person perspective, iii. understanding how to effectively utilize the first-person voice, iv. examining the benefits and challenges associated with using ‘we’ vs ‘i’, v. examples of appropriate use cases for incorporating personal reflection and experience into academic work, vi. navigating different situations wherein direct personal involvement is present or absent in texts, vii. conclusion: evaluating whether a desired outcome has been achieved through usage of narrative styles.

Writing research papers in the first-person is an increasingly popular choice among academic authors. The primary benefit of using a personal voice to describe your work is that it allows you to present complex topics from a more relatable perspective and engage with readers on an emotional level. In addition, many researchers believe that adopting this style also helps improve clarity when discussing technical matters.

Can Research Papers Be Written in First Person? Absolutely! Though traditionally most scientific writing has been done in third person, there are some notable exceptions where the use of first person pronouns has become acceptable – especially for those working in humanities or social sciences disciplines such as psychology or sociology. It’s important to note, however, that not all journals accept papers written entirely (or even partially) using first-person narrative; so before submitting your work be sure to check any relevant guidelines provided by the journal.

Using the first-person perspective can offer many advantages to a research paper. The following are just a few:

  • Connection and Clarity. By writing in the first person, you provide yourself with an opportunity to create an immediate connection with your reader. As opposed to using third person language—which often comes off as impersonal or distant—writing in the first person gives you the chance for clarity, sincerity, and engagement. This allows readers not only to trust your words but also be more invested in what you’re saying.
  • Author Credibility. Writing from this point of view lends credibility to any work that is written by giving it personal ownership and authenticity through its narrative approach. Additionally, since most academic papers involve backing up one’s claims with evidence found from sources outside of oneself (e.g., other researchers’ studies), having a personal voice helps give these references weight by making them part of your own story rather than simply being factual statements without context.

The use of the first-person voice in academic writing is an increasingly popular choice for authors. It allows writers to inject a more personalized, direct, and engaging tone into their work. However, this style of writing should be used with caution as it can detract from the overall authority and credibility of an argument if not utilized effectively.

When using the first person voice in research papers, it’s important to strike a balance between personalization and professionalism. While injecting some personality into your work makes it more enjoyable for readers to read, too much subjectivity or opinion may weaken your argument’s impact. Additionally, when referring to yourself within your paper you must do so without bias – rather than using terms such as “I believe” or “in my opinion,” use language that suggests evidence-based findings such as “it has been argued” or “studies suggest.”

  • Yes – however they need to be written carefully in order to maintain objectivity.
  • It’s best practice for authors utilizing this style of writing include only essential details about themselves while avoiding any biased remarks.

This section explores the benefits and challenges associated with using ‘we’ versus ‘I’ in academic writing. As a rule, it is generally accepted that papers should be written from an objective point of view rather than a subjective one. This often leads to writers employing “We” instead of “I.” While this can serve as a useful strategy for maintaining objectivity, there are some potential drawbacks.

The main advantage of using “We” rather than “I” is that it allows the author to create an impression of authority by suggesting collective knowledge or experience on behalf of all authors involved in producing the paper. Using ‘we’ also helps support any claims made within the text; when readers see statements made under collective responsibility, they assume more legitimacy and credibility behind those statements due to shared ownership.

  • Challenges:

On the other hand, care must be taken not to misuse such language if only one person has produced research work – use of we might mislead or deceive your audience into believing multiple people were partaking in your research when this isn’t necessarily true. Additionally, while generally discouraged for scholarly works such as research papers, first-person writing does have its place within certain fields like creative nonfiction where subjectivity is key – thus presenting additional options beyond traditional third-person conventions regarding use of either I/me or We/us pronouns.

A prime example of a use case for incorporating personal reflection and experience into academic work is when writing research papers. Research papers are used to present complex topics in an organized fashion, typically drawing from scholarly sources such as books or journals. Including elements of one’s own reflection and experience can help provide unique insight into the topic being discussed that would otherwise not be possible.

Including one’s own experiences may even offer evidence for certain claims within the paper itself. For instance, if discussing a novel about family dynamics, including how personal past family dynamics have shaped individual beliefs could serve as valuable support for an argument made in the paper. Additionally, many types of essay assignments allow—even encourage—students to include aspects of their lives in order to better engage with questions posed by the assignment. Yes , research papers can be written using first person perspective; this often times allows students to show off their critical thinking abilities more effectively than third-person perspectives.

  • This includes:
  • Journalistic essays
  • Argumentative essays

Navigating the right approach when it comes to texts that involve direct personal involvement can be tricky. There are certain guidelines for each situation, and taking time to understand them is key in order to make sure you’re producing quality work.

  • When writing a paper or essay, aim to stay objective. Avoid using words such as ‘I’ or ‘me’ throughout the piece, as this implies opinionated content instead of factual evidence. Instead use terms like “one”or “the author”.

The conclusion of any narrative style evaluation needs to consider whether the desired outcome has been achieved. Did the story-telling approach effectively communicate its message and bring about meaningful change? To answer this question, we must look at both qualitative and quantitative metrics.

Qualitatively speaking, it is essential to ask if the audience was moved by what they heard or read. Has their attitude shifted in some way? Have relationships changed for better or worse? And did viewers come away with a different understanding than before engaging with your narrative?

Quantitative measures provide more concrete data such as ratings surveys, social media comments, website visits/clicks etc., that can help measure success on various levels – from engagement rate to action taken after viewing.

As for research papers being written in first person – while there may be exceptions depending on field and area of study – most require an objective voice that uses third person language throughout.

In conclusion, this article has explored the implications of using a first-person narrative in research papers. The utilization of such an approach can bring new insights to scholarly works that more traditional methods may not provide. It is important for researchers and academics alike to be aware of these possibilities when considering how best to present their findings. As we continue our exploration into the realm of personal narratives in academic writing, it will become increasingly evident as to why one should consider utilizing a first-person point-of-view where appropriate. Furthermore, with further study being done on this subject matter, we can expect even greater potential benefits and advancements from its use within academia today.

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Can Research Paper be written in First-Person Language or 3rd

should a research paper be in first person

Writing Research Paper in First Person

Well, it is acceptable for one to write the research paper in the first person. However, you can use the first-person perspective in specific circumstances to articulate your points clearly.

For instance, it may be part of the instructions for the author to write in the first person tone to state your personal experiences. Read on. 

should a research paper be in first person

Can the Research Paper be Written in First-Person?

If needed, a research paper can be written in the first-person language if the findings have to be presented by the researcher himself from an observation or ethnography point of view. In presenting observatory research, you can use the first person when discussing research methods and when referring to yourself as an author/researcher.

writing in 1st person

For example, in your methodology chapter, you might say, “I used snowball sampling” (first person). Then, in the results, you might have a subheading, “The responses from the snowball sample” (third person).

In the discussion, you might have the heading “The findings are consistent with other research,” where you would cite papers in the third person.

The research paper is the work of synthesis, assembly, and analysis of information from several sources to support your thesis.

So, you can also use it in references to previous research if you use a narrative style. Here, you have to refer to the research findings of others. However, if you can find a way to fit it into your thesis, you can use the first person.

However, first-paper language is discouraged in academic writing. Avoid using the first person if you are writing a formal academic paper. The general rule is that anything written for academia should sound as if a disinterested third party wrote it.

Do not use the first person when writing a research paper. If you are doing a research paper, your goal should be to convey information clearly and concisely. Using the first person is too subjective and can make your argument sound weak; avoid including personal bias or opinion.

Instances When to Write a Research Paper in First-Person

First-person writing is personal and subjective, using “I” or “me.” Not only will it make your readers feel closer to you, but it will also make your writing more personal, allowing you to express your thoughts, opinions, and feelings.

writing a research

The following are a few instances in which it is appropriate to use the first person in an academic essay:

Including a personal anecdote: Y ou need a strong “hook” to draw your readers in during an introduction. Sometimes, the best hook is a personal anecdote or a short amusing story about yourself.

Giving examples:  Instead of providing general examples, you can use specific ones from your own experience. For example, instead of saying, “Some people have struggled with depression,” you might say, “I have suffered from depression for many years.”

Stating your position concerning others:  Sometimes, it is necessary to express your opinion on the topic, especially in an argumentative where you need to give evidence in the essay or cite sources. Readers want to know where you stand, and it is sometimes helpful to assert yourself by putting your own opinions into the essay. 

For example, if you were to write on the topic of dog training, you may have a thesis statement such as “Dogs listen better to trainers who use positive rewards instead of scolding and hitting.” Your essay would then support this thesis with the reasons why harsher punishments do not work as well.

Instances When Not to Write in the First Person

1. when you are trying to establish objectivity.

If you think readers will be skeptical of your claims or arguments, then an appropriate voice might suggest you are objective and neutral.

This will help convince them that you are not just expressing personal opinions. Examples of such writing include scientific papers and official reports.

2. When you are trying to Give Directions

You may use first-person pronouns in procedural texts) if they refer to the reader or general people but never to the one giving the directions.

For example: “To turn on the computer, press the power button” sounds more professional than “I/We turn on the computer by pressing the power button.”

3. When the whole point is that it is not about you

ready to research

In sales copy, if the product is supposed to be the star of the show, do not distract from it by telling people how great you are.

If the reader never sees “I” or “we” in this kind of copy, they might fail to realize that a human being wrote it — and that can be a good thing.

4. When you have no expertise to offer

If you do not know what you are talking about, do not pretend as you do!

If there are other sources of information out there that are more relevant on a given topic, then point the reader toward them instead of trying to pretend like you know it all yourself.

5. When you want to give a complete view of something

First-person writing gives only one perspective on a topic — yours. If you want to present all sides of an issue, it may be better to avoid the first person and use the third person instead.

6. When you are giving definitions or instructions

In this kind of writing, it is often better not to use the first person because the tone can sound too casual or personal like a friend telling another friend how to do something.

In this situation, it is better to use the third person because it sounds more authoritative and informative.

7. When you are making a claim that lacks universal agreement

Using first-person makes your writing sound subjective and opinionated, so when you make claims that many people might dispute, it is better not to use “I” or “me.” 

Can a Research Paper be Written in the Third Person? 

All research papers and other pieces of academic writing should be written in the third-person language. For academic research, the third-person point of view is often more precise and allows a writer to come across as more credible. For example, in creative writing, it may appear less sincere.

It is really up to your instructor or the publication you are submitting to. Some writers prefer writing in the first person because they want to connect with their audience. There are pros and cons either way.

Importance of Third-Person Language in Academic Writing

1. for expressing general idea .

Third-person writing is most common in academic work, but it can also appear in professional or journalistic writing. It applies when a writer expresses a general idea coming from someone outside of the writer himself, usually an authoritative figure.

Third-person writing is more practical in papers about history or science. 

2. Promotes a Formal Tone 

Third-person language provides a formal tone and more precise word choice. Using third-person language avoids sounding conversational and better reflects the tone of formal academic writing.

Academic writing is a form of communication between the writer and the reader. It seems impersonal, objective, and factual. Third-person language can make your writing sound more assertive and confident when used correctly.

3. Promotes Scholarly Voice and Eliminates Bias 

A key concern when using a third-person voice in academic writing is maintaining an unbiased perspective. Bias often occurs when students write from their perspective rather than what they expect. 

4. Makes the Author Remain Objective 

The main reason for this difference is that academic writers need to be authoritative and objective by avoiding personal opinions and emotions. 

Using third-person language in an academic setting gives readers the impression that an entire academic community supports your argument. Writing from the first-person point of view makes it too easy for readers to assume that everything you say is subjective and potentially biased. 

Therefore, when you write in the third person, you are not simply summarizing information taken from another source; your readers will have confidence that you have conducted your research and analysis.

James Lotta

James Lotta

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COMMENTS

  1. The "no first-person" myth

    When writing an APA Style paper by yourself, use the first-person pronoun "I" to refer to yourself. And use the pronoun "we" when writing an APA Style paper with others. Here are some phrases you might use in your paper: "I think…" "I believe…" "I interviewed the participants…" "I analyzed the data…" "My analysis of the data revealed…"

  2. Can You Use First-Person Pronouns (I/we) in a Research Paper?

    Research writers frequently wonder whether the first person can be used in academic and scientific writing. In truth, for generations, we've been discouraged from using "I" and "we" in academic writing simply due to old habits. That's right—there's no reason why you can't use these words!

  3. Can I Use First Person In a Research Paper? (Quick Answer)

    The use of first person in a research paper indicates presentation of information based on what you've found from your research. Unfortunately, you can't and shouldn't use first person pronoun in your research assignment.

  4. The First Person in Research Papers: Pros and Cons

    Can Research Papers Have First Person? Writing from first person perspective (e.g., using "I" statements) is generally discouraged in formal academic writing as it can introduce bias into arguments; however there may be some flexibility depending on individual disciplinary standards or specific instructor requirements for assignments/papers .

  5. PDF The First Person in Academic Writing

    "But My Professor Told Me Not To..." Given these contemporary arguments for including the authorial I, why do so many teachers and scholars continue to discourage the first-person perspective and the personal voice in academic papers?

  6. Academic Guides: Scholarly Voice: First-Person Point of View

    First-Person Point of View Since 2007, Walden academic leadership has endorsed the APA manual guidance on appropriate use of the first-person singular pronoun "I," allowing the use of this pronoun in all Walden academic writing except doctoral capstone abstracts, which should not contain first person pronouns.

  7. Writing Research Papers in First Person: A Guide

    I. Introduction to Writing Research Papers in First Person II. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using First Person in Research Paper Writing III. Examples of Appropriate Use of the First Person Perspective in a Research Paper IV. How to Avoid Common Errors When Using the First Person Voice in a Research Paper

  8. Can You Use I or We in a Research Paper?

    Can You Use I or We in a Research Paper? Writing in the first person, or using I and we pronouns, has traditionally been frowned upon in academic writing. But despite this long-standing norm, writing in the first person isn't actually prohibited. In fact, it's becoming more acceptable - even in research papers.

  9. PDF First Person Usage in Academic Writing

    1 of 3 First-Person Usage in Academic Writing A common area of difficulty for academic writing is avoiding the usage of first-person pronouns, such as "I" or "we." Using first-person language may detract from the arguments and/or viewpoints present in the writing.

  10. First-person pronouns

    First-Person Pronouns. Use first-person pronouns in APA Style to describe your work as well as your personal reactions. If you are writing a paper by yourself, use the pronoun "I" to refer to yourself. If you are writing a paper with coauthors, use the pronoun "we" to refer yourself and your coauthors together.

  11. Academic Guides: Scholarly Voice: Writing in the First Person

    Since 2007, Walden academic leadership has endorsed the APA manual guidance on appropriate use of the first-person singular pronoun "I," allowing the use of this pronoun in all Walden academic writing except doctoral capstone abstracts, which should not contain a first-person pronoun. In addition to the pointers below, the APA manual provides ...

  12. Is it acceptable to use first person pronouns in scientific writing?

    However, there is no universal rule against the use of the first person in scientific writing . Dr. David Schultz, the author of the book Eloquent Science1, set about finding out whether it is ok to use the first person in scientific writing. He looked up a number of books on writing research papers.

  13. Using First Person in Research Papers: Is it Allowed?

    Can Research Papers Be In First Person? Yes, there are several advantages to utilizing first person within academic works - especially those focusing on social sciences, psychology, education studies and qualitative research methods.

  14. Should I Use First or Third Person?

    Is it OK to use first person (I/my/we/our) in a research paper or job application? Is all formal writing done in third person (he/she/they/one)? Why does the teacher keep crossing out second person (you/your) in student essays? The issue here is perspective. First person is direct and personal.

  15. Using First Person in an Academic Essay: When is It Okay?

    While first person can definitely be overused in academic essays (which is likely why your teachers tell you not to use it), there are moments in a paper when it is not only appropriate, but also more effective and/or persuasive to use first person.

  16. We Vs. They: Using the First & Third Person in Research Papers

    It is important to remember that when writing your research results, the focus of the communication is the research and not the persons who conducted the research. When you want to persuade the reader, it is best to avoid personal pronouns in academic writing even when it is personal opinion from the authors of the study.

  17. To We or Not to We: Corpus-Based Research on First-Person Pronoun Use

    Table 7 shows that three keywords (i.e., "paper, study, and research") are formed, respectively, as clusters to replace first-person pronouns ("I" or "we") in EE abstracts and conclusions. The keyword "paper" is apparently more frequently used by multiple authors in terms of the patterns such as "This/The paper + reporting ...

  18. publications

    Are there written or unwritten rules for avoiding the use of first-person while writing research papers? I was advised at the beginning of my grad school to avoid use of first person - but I still don't know why I should do this. I have seen that, at many places, authors refer to themselves are "the authors" and not "we".

  19. A Synthesis of Professor Perspectives on Using First and Third Person

    Importantly, for some professors, seeing too much first person indicates that the student might be the only source of knowledge consulted for the paper, which is a real problem for a research paper. Many writers will find themselves in a writing situation where avoiding the first person is almost impossible.

  20. Exploring the First-Person in Research Papers

    II. Advantages of Employing the First-Person Perspective. Using the first-person perspective can offer many advantages to a research paper. The following are just a few: Connection and Clarity. By writing in the first person, you provide yourself with an opportunity to create an immediate connection with your reader.

  21. First vs. Third Person

    APA advocates for using first person ("I")when describing your own research study. Do not use "we" unless you have coauthors. Do not refer to either yourself or your coauthors in the third person ("this author" or "these researchers"). Use "I" and "we" instead. First vs. Third Person Writing For Example

  22. Writing in the First Person for Academic and Research Publication

    Use of the first person in APA style se-of-first-person-in-apa-style.html Modern Language Association MLA handbook for writers of research papers Oct 2009 T Mcadoo

  23. Can Research Paper be written in First-Person Language or 3rd

    Well, it is acceptable for one to write the research paper in the first person. However, you can use the first-person perspective in specific circumstances to articulate your points clearly. For instance, it may be part of the instructions for the author to write in the first person tone to state your personal experiences. Read on.

  24. PDF Strategies for Essay Writing

    When you receive a paper assignment, your first step should be to read the assignment prompt carefully to make sure you understand what you are being asked to do. Sometimes your assignment will be open-ended ("write a paper about anything in the course that interests you"). But more often, the instructor will be asking you to do

  25. Alabama embryo ruling: state Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are

    In a first-of-its-kind ruling, Alabama's Supreme Court said frozen embryos are children and those who destroy them can be held liable for wrongful death - a decision that puts back into ...