What is Anthropomorphism in Academic Writing?
Why Avoid Anthropomorphism in Your Dissertation Writing? Anthropomorphism, attributing human characteristics, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities, is a common pitfall in academic writing, particularly dissertations. This stylistic issue can undermine the precision and objectivity essential in scholarly work. To ensure clarity and professionalism in your dissertation, it is crucial to recognize anthropomorphism, understand its potential impact, and learn strategies for rephrasing.
Anthropomorphism refers to the tendency to ascribe human traits to non-human entities such as animals, objects, abstract concepts, or institutions. While this literary device can enrich creative writing, it is unsuitable for academic contexts where accuracy and neutrality are paramount. Anthropomorphism may inadvertently mislead readers by implying that non-human entities possess human-like agency, emotions, or cognition. For example, sentences such as “The study hypothesized that…” or “The data argue that…” improperly assign human-like abilities to studies and data that lack consciousness or intent. Similarly, saying, “The theory believes that…” or “The paper explores the implications…” mistakenly attributes human qualities, like believing or exploring, to theories or documents. These examples highlight how anthropomorphism can diminish the precision and credibility of academic writing.
The Impact of Anthropomorphism on Dissertation Writing
Refraining from anthropomorphism is essential for several reasons. First, it ensures clarity by avoiding expressions that blur the line between the researcher’s intentions and the characteristics of the subject matter. Second, it upholds professionalism, as scholarly writing demands a formal and objective tone devoid of rhetorical flourishes. Finally, avoiding anthropomorphism maintains accuracy by preventing the attribution of human-like qualities to entities incapable of possessing them. Addressing these issues ensures that your dissertation communicates ideas effectively and adheres to academic writing conventions.
Why Avoiding Anthropomorphism is Essential
Several strategies can be employed to eliminate anthropomorphism in your writing. Begin by identifying the subject responsible for the action or thought attributed to a non-human entity. For instance, instead of saying, “The research believes that…,” revise it to, “The researcher believes that…,” to reflect the human subject responsible for the belief. Another approach involves using passive voice or neutral verbs when the subject is unclear or not central to the discussion. For example, rather than writing, “The article argues that…,” consider, “It is argued in the article that…,” which shifts the focus from the entity to the information or argument itself.
Strategies to Eliminate Anthropomorphism in Your Dissertation
Rephrasing to attribute agency accurately is another effective strategy. Instead of stating, “The theory suggests that…,” you can write, “According to the theory, it can be suggested that…,” which maintains accuracy without anthropomorphism. Similarly, focusing on the content or findings of the work rather than attributing actions to the document itself can clarify your writing. For instance, replace “The study concludes that…” with “The study’s findings indicate that…,” emphasizing the results rather than the study as an active agent. Additionally, consulting grammar and style resources like APA, MLA, or the Chicago Manual of Style can help you adhere to scholarly conventions and avoid anthropomorphism.
Examples of Corrected Anthropomorphism
Examples of corrected anthropomorphism illustrate how minor adjustments can enhance clarity and professionalism. For instance, instead of writing, “The results suggest that…,” you can revise it to, “The results indicate that it can be suggested….” Similarly, replacing “The literature discusses…” with “The authors in the literature discuss…” ensures that agency is accurately attributed. Another example is revising “The chart illustrates…” to “The chart shows…,” eliminating unnecessary personification. These refinements demonstrate how careful attention to language can improve the quality of academic writing.
Final Thoughts on Writing with Clarity and Professionalism
While a useful literary device in creative writing, anthropomorphism is inappropriate in academic contexts. By ascribing human traits to non-human entities, anthropomorphism can undermine a dissertation’s clarity, professionalism, and accuracy. Researchers can ensure their writing remains precise and objective through careful rephrasing and adherence to academic conventions. By identifying the true subject, using neutral language, and attributing agency accurately, you can avoid anthropomorphism and produce high-quality, scholarly work.
As you draft and revise your dissertation, remain vigilant for anthropomorphic tendencies. Regularly review your writing for instances where non-human entities are depicted as acting or thinking like humans. By implementing these strategies, you will enhance the credibility and professionalism of your research, ensuring that your contributions are effectively communicated to your academic audience.
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