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What personal pronouns can you use in a research paper?

Research papers generally adhere to a formal and objective tone, which means you should avoid using personal pronouns like "I," "me," "my," "we," "our," "you," and "your."

Here's why:

* Objectivity: Research should be presented in a way that is unbiased and focused on the evidence. Using personal pronouns can make your writing seem subjective and less credible.

* Formal Tone: Research papers are typically written in a formal style that emphasizes clarity and precision. Personal pronouns can make the writing seem informal or conversational.

* Focus on the Research: The focus should be on the research findings, not on the researcher's opinions or experiences.

Instead of using personal pronouns, consider using:

* Third-person: "This study found..." "The results indicate..."

* Passive voice: "The data was analyzed..." "The experiment was conducted..."

* Impersonal constructions: "It is important to note..." "It has been suggested that..."

* Direct statements: "The findings support the hypothesis..." "The study demonstrates a clear relationship..."

However, there are a few exceptions:

* In certain disciplines: Some fields, such as the humanities, may allow for more personal voice.

* When discussing your own research: You may use "I" or "we" in the introduction to briefly describe your role in the research.

* When writing a literature review: You can sometimes use "we" to refer to the research community, e.g., "We have seen a growing body of research on...".

Always consult your professor or the style guide for your specific discipline for guidance on appropriate pronoun usage.

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