How to Use "According to" in Academic Writing
"According to" vs. "Based on" vs. "Research Says"
Understanding the Nuances
The phrase "according to" has several meanings in academic writing. It can indicate:
- In conformity with
- Depending on
- A source cited by the writer
"According to research" is more general and refers to any type of research. In contrast, "according to the research" refers to a specific study or body of research.
"Based on" is used when referring to something that forms the foundation for reasoning or action. "According to" can also mean "in accordance with the results of research," but it's more idiomatic to say "research says."
Citing Sources with "According to"
Proper Attribution
When using "according to" to cite a source, it's important to provide specific attribution:
- "According to the study by Smith et al. (2023)..."
- "As reported by the American Psychological Association (2021)..."
Avoid vague attributions like "According to some researchers..." or "According to a recent study..."
Definition of Research
The Purpose of Research
American sociologist Earl Robert Babbie defines research as:
"A systematic inquiry to describe, explain, predict, and control the observed phenomenon." - Earl Robert Babbie
Research aims to provide objective and evidence-based insights into a particular subject matter.
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