Monograph: types, parts, steps, examples and characteristics

We explain what a monograph is and what its structure is like. Also, what are its main features, classification and more.

A monograph is a practice of fluent writing on a specific topic.

What is a monograph?

A monograph is written product of more or less exhaustive research work on a given topicThe word monograph comes from ancient Greek and is composed of the words bun (one and graphos (writing), from which it can be deduced that it refers to a writing that deals with a single topic.

Writing a monograph It involves a systematic, methodical, in-depth and detailed examination of the issue under study.. To do this, it uses the review, analysis and contrast of the different sources of information and the available and accredited authors who have studied the topic, as well as their respective presentation in a bibliography.

In this sense, a monograph is a thought ordering exercise and a fluid writing practice, frequently used in the educational field (both at the university and school level) and adaptable to practically any discipline of study (scientific or humanistic).

See also: Documentary research

Characteristics of a monograph

• Theme. There are no thematic limitations for the preparation of a monograph. Scientific, humanistic, public opinion, general culture and even specific experiences topics can all be addressed within the structure and method of the monograph.
• DelimitationA monograph must clearly define the subject of study it addresses, making clear to what extent it will be presented and what the precise perspectives for it will be.
• Originality. A monograph must be a totally original text, presenting a novel, interesting or unpublished perspective on a specific topic.
• Clarity. Monographs are predominantly expository and descriptive texts. Therefore, the language used is expected to be clear and objective, and to demonstrate knowledge of the terminology and understanding of the subject matter.
• Impartiality. The perspective that governs a monograph should be objective and impartial, that is, it should not be affected by the feelings or personal considerations of the author, as an essay could.
• VerifiabilityThe information presented in a monograph must be verifiable at all times. To do so, a bibliographical database must be consulted and a specific methodology applied. All of this gives legitimacy to its preparation and verifiability to its results.
• Methodology. The methodology used by the researcher must adapt to the purpose of the research and the nature of the topic. This is a fundamental aspect, since it gives rigor to the work.
• Format. Monographs have a specific format. Therefore, there are certain standards for the presentation of information and the sources consulted that must be met. The most widespread format for this is APA.
• Structure. They have a specific structure, which is made up of an introduction, the body of the research and the conclusions. Additionally, it will have a part dedicated to the bibliography used, and could include explanatory notes on the research and an index.
• Extension. It may be twenty pages or more. However, the length of the monograph may vary depending on the level of depth and exhaustiveness with which the author has proposed to examine the topic.

Parts of a monograph

The basic structure of a monograph includes these elements:

• Front page. It is the part where the necessary information must be included to identify the monograph, such as title, name of the author, name of the institution, city and date.
• Index. It is where the information of the parts into which the work is divided is organized schematically.
• Index of tables, graphs and figures. Some monographs include this type of graphic elements, which are organized in a particular index.
• Introduction. It is the prior approach to the subject, where a frame of reference is created to understand the topic that will be discussed below.
• Body of research. This is where the full development of the research topic occurs.
• Conclusion. It is the final section where the conclusions obtained once the research topic has been addressed are given.
• Bibliography. It is the methodologically organized relationship of all sources consulted for the preparation of the work.
• Grades. In some cases, explanatory research notes do not appear at the bottom of the page; in others, at the end of the entire document.
• Appendices and annexes. They are all those materials or documents resulting from the research that served as support to develop the monograph. They are complementary to work.

Not all monographs include all of these parts. There may be monographs without graphics or annexes. However, all of them must contain essential sections such as the introduction, the body of the research, the conclusions and the bibliography consulted.

Types of monographs

According to their treatment of the subject matter, three types of monograph can be distinguished:

• Compilation monograph. It reports an exhaustive reading of the available sources on the topic and offers a critical perspective on the references.
• Research monograph. Conduct original research on a topic, aiming to organize what has already been said and explore the newest trends.
• Experience analysis monograph. It accounts for a series of experiences that are organized to obtain conclusions, make comparisons and structure a critical analysis of the issues involved.

How to write a monograph step by step?

The preparation of a monograph follows a progressive process, from the selection of a topic to the obtaining and organization of information in a written document.

1. Select the topic to investigate

Defining the topic on which the monograph will focus is a key step. Ideally, choose a topic that interests us or that is within our area of ​​study or specialty. It is important that this topic is viable, original, useful and pertinent. It is advisable to avoid topics that are too broad, as they could become unmanageable, or topics that are so specific that they lack practical relevance.

1. Conduct source auditing and bibliography review

Once the topic has been defined, it is time to consult the books, magazines, articles or documents to which we have access on the subject, both in physical and digital format. It is important to know everything that has been written and said on the subject, and to identify the most relevant authors and books, that is, those that are an authority on the subject and that can serve as a basis and guide. This will allow us to discover if there is any way to approach the proposed subject in an original way and find the angle from which we will approach the monograph.

1. Develop a work plan

Before moving on to writing the text, it is useful plan how we will carry out the entire processfrom research to delivery of the final work. At this point, we must describe the stages into which the work will be divided, estimate the time each of them will take, and define deadlines for research, writing, and final revisions.

1. Develop an outline

Project an outline of your monograph to us It allows you to organize the way you approach writing the text. In a diagram we can define the angles of the topic to be addressed and the order in which we will do it, as if we were preparing an index that we will fill with content. This step is essential so that the writing process then goes smoothly.

1. Write the monograph

At the time of writing, The best thing is to let the ideas flow. It may be useful to start with development, following the planning scheme. The introduction and conclusion should be the last parts to write, already with an overview of the topic.

1. Check and correct

It is necessary to spend some time on grammar correction as do a final reading of the text. It is important to do this with some distance, having allowed a few days to pass since the end of the writing. This allows for a fresh look at the issue.

Examples of topics for monographs

There are multiple examples of monographs. Some ideas that could lead to examples of monographic studies of greater or lesser extent are:

• Political work of Benito Juárez.
• Political importance of the Admirable Campaign in the Independence of Venezuela.
• The impact of social networks on the academic performance of adolescents.
• Advantages of using tidal energy.
• Renewable energies alternative to the use of oil as fuel.
• Importance of the primary sector in the economy of a rural region.
• Analysis of social criticism in The Colonel has no one writing to him.
• The theme of Venus in Renaissance painting.
• The most important changes of the third industrial revolution.
• The importance of social justice in civic coexistence.

What is a monograph for?

The monograph is usually used as an educational evaluation tool, both at the school and university level, since it allows the teacher to assess:

• The ability to define a study problem;
• The research work and archaeological survey of sources;
• Thorough understanding of the information gathered;
• Interpretation of the bibliography used;
• Skills for information prioritization;
• Writing skills;
• The application of methodological guidelines;
• Meeting deadlines.

Methodological types in the monograph

Currently there are two main methodological methods available for the preparation of monographs. Each one proposes a different source reporting system.

• APA method. It is the method of the American Psychological Association, and is preferred to address topics in social sciences, actuarial sciences, and other scientific approaches.
• MLA method. Promulgated by the Modern Languages ​​Associationis suitable for humanistic research: arts, linguistics, modern languages.

Visual support in the monograph

Monographs often benefit from the inclusion of visual elements such as photographs, tables, graphs, etc. In certain methodological regimes, said material is inserted in the body of the research, while in others its organization is favored in a final section of annexesand we choose to simply refer to them when appropriate throughout the monograph.

Differences from the essay or the report

The essay does not need to scientifically support its postulates.

There are numerous text types for communicating information on a specific topic, such as essays, reports or monographs (or even feature stories and other journalistic genres that are not relevant). In each case, they are distinguished by their…