Beyond Just Writing: Authorship in Research Papers
Janpha Thadphoothon
One might wonder who an author is. An author is a person who has ideas and writes them on paper. When one sat down to write a research paper, one may wonder, "Who gets to be an author?" I consider myself an author. I have my own ideas and opinions and I share them - publish them to the public and I have some readers. Sometimes, I feel uneasy to regard myself as an author of anything. This may sound arrogant to some.
This is a crucial question, and understanding authorship is key to navigating the world of academic publishing. As far as academic writing is concerned, authorship is a big topic. Shall we delve into it?
Authorship in academic writing is a significant aspect that ensures proper recognition of contributions and upholds the integrity of scholarly work. It involves more than just listing names on a paper; it is about acknowledging the intellectual input and responsibility associated with the work.
What Constitutes Authorship?
Authorship in academic writing signifies that the individuals listed as authors have made substantial contributions to the research and writing process. This may sound too academic. This can include:
Methodology: Designing the study and methodology.
Data Collection and Analysis: Gathering and analyzing data.
Writing: Drafting and revising the manuscript.
Review and Approval: Critically review the manuscript and approve the final version.
It is a big thing for me, personally, to be regarded as 'an author'. I would like to acknowledge this feeling of mine again and again. It's so hard to come up with your own words or ideas.
Is it Dr Johnson who once said that what is good is not original and what is original is not quite good?
I've thought a lot about this. You know that saying by Dr. Johnson? "What's good isn't usually original, and what's original isn't usually good"? Well, I totally get that. In my opinion, it's like, the coolest ideas are often the weirdest ones, but they're not always the most practical. For me, it's all about finding that sweet spot between being wild and sticking to what works.
You Need to Be Passionate about Your Text.
If, as the author, you lack excitement and enthusiasm for your own work, how can you expect your readers to feel passionate about it?
Remember: Maintain a professional tone. I think enthusiasm is important, but avoid overly informal language. As far as I know, exaggerated claims should be avoided. For me, it's crucial to tailor your message to your audience. They say that considering who will read your research (other researchers, policymakers, general public) helps adjust the level of detail accordingly.
By following these tips, you can showcase your passion for your research and demonstrate the importance of your findings to the wider world. I know you can.
What is Authorship, Anyway?
In my opinion, as I said, authorship is like giving credit where credit is due. It's about recognizing the people who significantly contributed to the creation of a scholarly work, like a journal article or book. I think it goes beyond just writing the words on the page.
William Boyd provided insights into what it takes to be a novelist. He emphasized the importance of practicing writing with stamina, advising not to give up easily. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity of imagination and planning. I agree with this famous novelist - you need a certain level of stamina.
Why is Authorship Important?
Authorship plays a big role in academia. As far as I know, it's one of the main ways researchers establish their reputation and secure future opportunities. A strong publication record with your name on it can help you land jobs, get promoted, and gain recognition from your peers.
Who Gets to be an Author?
This can get a little tricky, especially in collaborative research projects. I am sure many researchers contribute in different ways. Here's the general idea: to be considered an author, someone should have made a substantial intellectual contribution to the work. This could include:
Conceptualizing the research question or design. I think conducting experiments or collecting data is crucial. As far as I know, analyzing the data and interpreting the results is essential. For me, writing the manuscript or significantly revising it is a key part of the process.
Authorship Isn't Just About Writing
What does this mean? There might be people who helped with the research but don't quite meet the authorship criteria. For example, a research assistant who meticulously collected data deserves recognition, but maybe not authorship. In these cases, you can acknowledge their contribution in the acknowledgments section of your paper.
Understanding authorship is an important step in becoming a successful researcher. Remember, it's about recognizing everyone who played a key role in bringing your research to life. By following these guidelines and having open communication with your collaborators, you can ensure everyone gets the credit they deserve!
Finding Your Researcher Voice
Now that we've covered authorship basics, let's talk about adding some personality to your writing! Having a strong authorial voice can make your research even more impactful.
Developing your authorial voice takes time and practice. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't come naturally at first. Keep reading, writing, and refining your style, and you'll find your unique voice as a researcher.
Here are some tips: Read widely. I think immersing yourself in other researchers' work helps. As far as I know, you’ll see how they structure arguments, use evidence, and explain complex concepts. For me, writing clearly and concisely is crucial. They say academic writing doesn’t have to be dry. Avoid jargon whenever possible. Aim for a style that informs and engages. Show your passion. Let your enthusiasm for your research shine through. Explain the significance of your findings. Find your balance. Be confident in your research but avoid overstating your claims.
An author, in the context of academic research, carries responsibilities beyond just writing the words. Here's a breakdown of what it means to be an author and the public responsibilities that come with it:
Responsibilities of an Author
As an author, you need to be accountable and responsible for what you have written. Here are some tips I would like to offer: Read widely. They say that immersing yourself in other researchers' work helps you understand how they structure arguments, use evidence, and explain complex concepts. I have heard that by doing this, you can pick up on their writing styles and find inspiration for your own work.
For me, writing clearly and concisely is crucial. Personally, I believe academic writing doesn’t have to be dry. They say that you should avoid jargon whenever possible and aim for a style that both informs and engages your reader. This approach makes your work more accessible and enjoyable to read.
Show your passion in your writing. Let your enthusiasm for your research shine through. I have heard that explaining the significance of your findings and why they matter to your field is essential. Find your balance between confidence and humility. For me, being confident in your research is important, but you should avoid overstating your claims.
To put it simply, being an author goes beyond just having your name on a paper. It's about taking responsibility for the quality and integrity of the research you present to the world.
In the age of "publish or perish," authorship is unavoidable. For me, the pressure to continually produce research and publish results is a reality that cannot be ignored in academia. In my opinion, this environment necessitates a keen understanding of what constitutes proper authorship. Ensuring that credit is fairly distributed and contributions are accurately acknowledged becomes even more crucial. This not only upholds the integrity of academic work but also fosters a collaborative and respectful research culture.
Stephen King offers us this valuable advice:
“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There's no way around these two things that I'm aware of, no shortcut.” “If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”I've read that reading helps in your writing, and I'm sure you would agree with me. They say that understanding the connections between reading and writing is crucial because these complementary skills enhance each other significantly. For example, as students read, they not only gain content knowledge but also become familiar with elements of genre and structure that they can emulate, which in turn enriches their writing.
I have read that writing is a lonely job. My personal experience is that having someone who believes in you makes a lot of difference. Stephen King, a great author, said that. In my own journey as a writer, I've found this to be profoundly true. Writing often involves long hours of solitude, wrestling with ideas and words. But having someone in your corner, someone who believes in your talent and supports your creative endeavors, can provide a crucial source of encouragement and motivation. Their belief in you can help bolster your confidence, sustain you through the challenges, and celebrate your successes. It transforms the solitary act of writing into a shared endeavor, making the journey less lonely and the achievements more meaningful.
My best advice is this:
My best advice is to pen down your thoughts and ideas, recording them for later use and revisions. Capture every insight as it comes to you, ensuring nothing is lost. You may wish to do some research to enrich your ideas and talk to other people to gain different perspectives. Discussing your thoughts with others can provide valuable feedback and help refine your concepts. Continuously revise and expand on your ideas, allowing them to evolve and improve over time. This iterative process is key to developing strong, well-formed concepts and arguments.
References
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen KingWilliam Boyd: my advice for budding authors
https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/sep/15/william-boyd-my-advice-for-budding-authors
Unlocking the “Write” Path: How Reading and Writing Work Together
https://www.achievementnetwork.org/resource-center/readingwriting-instruction
Janpha Thadphoothon is an assistant professor of ELT at the International College, Dhurakij Pundit University in Bangkok, Thailand. Janpha Thadphoothon also holds a certificate of Generative AI with Large Language Models issued by DeepLearning.AI.
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