MONOGRAPH: CHARACTERISTICS, TYPES, EXAMPLES AND STEPS TO MAKE IT - LITERATURE - 2025

A monograph is a written work that develops a specific topic in a certain area. This investigative text stands out for following an order, focusing on detailing each aspect of the content and exposing different points of view of experts in order to have greater depth and accuracy.

The purpose of the monograph is to present information on a topic of interest, which can be scientific, philosophical, environmental, historical or journalistic. On the other hand, in this variety of documents it is important that the author expose his contribution and personal knowledge to give the work originality and personality.

The monographs require a good delimitation in the field of research. Source: pixabay.com.

For the presentation of a monographic work, certain structuring guidelines must be followed, which are: cover, dedication or thanks, index, prologue, introduction, development, conclusions, annexes and bibliographic sources. Compliance with these steps provides order to the investigation, coherence and logic.

In general, a monograph must be governed by the APA Standards (created by the American Psychological Association), which establish the way in which all content should be presented and developed: citations, tables, annexes, style, references and the other components of the work.

Characteristics of a monograph

- Existence of a central theme

A monograph is based on the development of a specific topic, which allows setting specific limits in relation to the points to be discussed. The choice of a content facilitates the precision of the monographic work; this avoids deviations, inconsistencies and misunderstandings of the text.

Example of a monograph with a central theme

- Previous design and extension

The realization of a monograph must be subject to a previously thought design, this means that the author must organize the ideas and the way in which he wishes to present them, in such a way that the work is delimited and precise. On the other hand, the length of the monograph may vary depending on the sources and resources used.

Example

Prior to the development of the monograph on Climate Change, a design sketch was made to delineate the content and length:

What is climate change ?, characteristics, statistics, expert studies, opinions of climate and environment professionals.

- Information gathering

The development of a monograph necessarily includes the investigation and compilation of information on the subject to be discussed. It is important that the author or developer of the document relies on reliable and highly credible sources, for this they should consult the works of experts and specialized material.

Example

Climate change is defined as changes in meteorological phenomena and climate around the world, caused by human-caused global warming.

- Impartiality and objectivity

In all monographs, impartiality in relation to the information collected must prevail; this means that the author should not lean towards a single point of view. The position of the researcher has to be honest and reflect the negative and positive. Another outstanding characteristic is objectivity, which limits the author from giving his opinion.

Example

Child abuse is a scourge that is increasing over time, according to figures from the World Health Organization until 2016, a quarter of the adult population said they had been victims of physical and psychological abuse when they were children.

On the other hand, the Mexican Academy of Pediatrics maintains that "child abuse should be considered as a medical-social-legal problem of humanity and a phenomenon of lagging and re-emerging worldwide."

In addition, the aforementioned institution proposes the constant evaluation of children and their families by specialized medical teams and educational support to prevent abuse.

- Clarity and precision

The content of a monograph is characterized by the use of clear, precise and easily understood language for the receiving public. The information that is gathered around the topic that is developed must be condensed to avoid double meanings or ambivalence.

Example

Monographs need to be well documented. Source: pixabay.com.

The study of child abuse is difficult and complex due to the parameters and estimates that each country has on acts of violence against children and adolescents. This includes the definition of abuse, the studies that have been done, the official statistics and the quality of the testimonies of the victims.

- Contribution

Although a monograph exposes the existing information on the topic being developed, it is important that it contributes and adds new knowledge. The contributions are produced through experimental activities, surveys that provide statistics and through the critical sense of the author.

Example

To the different activities that are carried out to prevent child abuse, we can add the incorporation into the school curriculum of subjects that promote personal growth and self-esteem and self-respect.

A survey of the first-year high school student population on this proposal showed that 60% of those surveyed agreed.

This means that children and adolescents want more information to know how to defend themselves against any situation of abuse or mistreatment. A healthy child population is the guarantee of a society in constant evolution and transformation and that protects its future.

- Citations and references

In a monograph it is important to highlight the sources that are used for its development. These apply through citations or by referring to a particular author. With the citations and references the work gains credibility and depth, at the same time previous research works are valued.

Example

Joan Lombardi (Bernard Van Leer Foundation) asserted: “All children share the same rights. Violence against them is a global issue… It is difficult for an abused child to understand why this happens and blames himself for it. It is difficult to repair the damage caused during early childhood… we know that the key to preventing violence against children is to reduce risk factors, increasing protective factors… ”.

Internal structure and elements

Monographs require the researcher to be as objective as possible. Source: pixabay.com.

Every monograph must have an internal structure that allows the organization of the content, this in turn makes it easier for the receiver to understand the topic being argued. The elements that make up a monograph are: presentation, keywords, introduction, index, development, conclusions, bibliographies and annexes.

Example

Presentation

Institution letterhead, title, author and date.

Keywords

Abuse, childhood, vulnerable population, causes, consequences, violence, abandonment, prevention, risk, health, parents, adolescents, education, self-esteem.

Introduction

Child abuse is a manifestation of violence that persists within all social levels in any country in the world, but is mostly evident in the poorest communities with low educational levels.

The consequences of this scourge put the emotional health of societies at risk and consequently the evolution of man.

Index

- Introduction… 5

- Developing

- What is child abuse?… 6

- Conclusions… 15

- Bibliographies… 16

- Annexes… 17-20

Conclusions

Child abuse is one of the main sufferings suffered by children and adolescents. The consequences prevail throughout life, in some cases infants may present brain and nervous alterations that affect their development in different social settings.

The prevention and eradication of child abuse can be achieved through the participation of different organizations at the social, cultural, educational, psychological and governmental level that provide parents with advice on raising their children

In addition, it is important to maintain campaigns that promote personal safety in children and adolescents, reinforce their self-esteem and remind them of their rights.

Types of monographs

- Research Monograph

A research monograph is characterized primarily by in-depth study and examination of a given topic on which little has been done. The purpose of this type of work is to provide new and necessary information to shed light on this research field.

- Experience analysis monographs

This type of monographic research is almost always used in areas of medicine and science. Its objective is to analyze and debate experiential works carried out on specific topics in order to establish new arguments for the area in which it is investigated.

- Compilation monograph

This type of monograph stands out for selecting, investigating and analyzing the topic on which the work will be based. A compilation of the most relevant information on a specific topic is made. For his part, the author must include his opinion or critical perception in relation to the information he has collected.

Steps to follow to write an essay

Specify the topic

The first step to make a monograph is to specify the topic that you want to develop, this allows to establish the importance and need to make it known.

Consult bibliographic sources

Then you should proceed to consult the bibliographic sources and design the order of work. The approaches that are the starting point of the investigation are exposed.

Development

Subsequently, the author discards the sources that are not helpful and prepares to specify the information. This is how the work begins to develop, comparing and analyzing the different points of view of the previous investigations.

Verification, conclusions and addition of references

Finally the content is verified, the conclusions are made, and the consulted references are added.

References

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2. Monograph. (2019). Spain: Wikipedia. Recovered from: es.wikipedia.org.
3. Meaning of monograph. (2018). (N / a): Meanings. Recovered from: significados.com.
4. Castillero, O. (2019). The 8 characteristics of a monograph. (N / a): Psychology and Mind. Recovered from: psicologiaymente.com.
5. Miranda, D. (2017). What is monograph. Mexico: Diario Cultura. Recovered from: diariocultura.mx.