howtowrite3e

RESEARCH STUDY

Examining models

RESEARCH STUDY

In a college research paper, Alysha Behn explores the reasons that women,despite talent and interest, so rarely pursue careers in technology and, more specifically, computer programming. Drawing heavily on research studies, Behn’s causal analysis is detailed, complicated, and challenging.

Reading the Genre

You may be surprised that Behn’s causal argument ends on a pessimistic note, pointing out that no one-size-fits-all solution will resolve the complex issues keeping women out of technical careers. Does so tentative a conclusion weaken or add authority to the author’s ethos? Does it affect how credibly she comes across to readers? (Notice that I does not occur in this academic paper.)