The 8 characteristics of a monograph

It is probable that throughout our life we ​​need to document ourselves more or less extensively on a specific subject, either with a view to perform some type of academic or work task or to solve a problem about which we have limited knowledge, or simply curiosity. For it We can use a large number of sources of information.

In fact, there are so many possible sources that speak of the same subject and describe different aspects of it, sometimes in such a way that they seem to refer to different elements, which it would be possible for us to get lost in an infinity of articles, documents or files several. Fortunately we can resort to monographs, a type of text that systematically collects information on the same subject. What are they? What are the characteristics of a monograph? We are going to see it throughout this article.

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What is a monograph?

In order to see the main characteristics of the monographs, in the first place it is relevant to define what they are, since many of their most distinctive features are already visible in their definition.

We understand a monograph to be any text or document that collects and synthesizes the available information regarding a specific topic.

It is a synthesis that can be more or less extensive and that is generally carried out by one or a few authors. from the compilation of information obtained from various sources, establishing itself as a specialized document on the subject matter and which generally intends to serve as research of the "state of the art" or the state of knowledge on said theme. Its objective is usually to compile and synthesize existing information as well as add new information or points of view on the subject.

The monographs are not made randomly, but have a determined and logical structure in which present the available information, organize it and discuss it without this mediating the personal opinion of its author (despite the fact that what is written may be biased by said opinion).

There are many different types, although in general they tend to be either compiled from other sources or research to provide new information. There are also analyzes of experiences, although these tend to be somewhat more subjective.

Although the term monograph may seem unusual, the truth is that in the academic field these documents are frequently made, as for example in final degree or master's projects or doctoral theses, and even in simpler works prepared as homework during studies. Of course, the work must be based on existing knowledge and carried out with a critical spirit, not being a mere personal opinion without anything to support it.

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Main features of the monograph

Although most of the main characteristics of the monographs have been seen in the previous point, we are going to make them more explicit below by commenting on them separately.

1. Requires choosing a topic or problem

As we have said, the monograph is a text focused on a specific topic, on which the entire document is based. In fact, that is why we properly speak of a monograph. By this we mean that it is necessary to delimit a topic or problem that the monograph in question will deal with, since otherwise we might find ourselves rambling that do not lead to a better understanding of the phenomenon or element treated and could lead us to errors or interpretations.

2. Variable design and extension

The extension of a monograph does not depend on the fact that it is such, but on the type of monograph we carry out, the number of sources consulted, what is intended with its realization or even the characteristics of the own theme. Of course, in general it is intended to make a synthesis of knowledge, not a reproduction as is of it.

In any case, it is something that must be previously designed and delimited, not leaving it to chance but premeditating and delimiting in advance what we intend to do. Thus, one of the first steps will be to design and propose how we want the monograph in question to be.

3. Systematization of existing knowledge

The content of the monograph is not based on assumptions or opinions, and it is first necessary to take into account that a large amount of information will have to be collected in advance, always looking for the most reliable possible. we should try that at least part of our sources are from highly prestigious authors and magazines and recognition in its sector (since it is assumed that the articles written in them have had to pass a hard screening to be able to be published in it). For example, we can search for journals with a very high impact factor.

4. It claims to be objective and impartial

One of the main characteristics of a monograph is that it aims to bring together existing information on a subject reflecting it objectively and without making value judgments regarding its content.

Likewise, it is not only a question of being objective but of being impartial: a good monograph must reflect all or the most of the information available from among the sources collected, regardless of one's own positioning or opinion. We must also collect what we do not agree with, in case of dealing with a controversial phenomenon, reflect the different existing points of view.

Unfortunately, and despite this, it is frequent that there may be biases based on the training, orientation or intention of the author when carrying out the monograph (and even the information that is collected and that which may not have to do with what the author intends), and these may be intentional or even unconscious.

5. Clarity and no ambivalence

It is important to bear in mind that we are making a synthesis of existing information on a specific topic, being necessary that the wording of the same is clear and understandable. Thus, we must reduce ambivalence and use appropriate language for the target audience of the monograph in question.

6. They have a specific basic structure and internal organization

The monographs have a certain structure through which they organize the information that they want to present. Of course, we are talking about a basic structure, and some monographs can be complicated or vary depending on the type of monograph that is being carried out.

In general, we find throughout the monograph a brief initial summary regarding the content (as well as keywords), an introduction or presentation of the data and the frame of reference used, a body or development of the data (in the case of experiments or research processes, the methodology and results found will also be referred to), a discussion or elaboration of the meaning of the set of information previously expressed, some conclusions and finally a section dedicated to mentioning the bibliography used for its elaboration. Optionally we could also find annexes.

7. They mostly try to contribute

It is true that there are compilation monographs whose objective is solely to systematize the already existing knowledge, but as a general rule, research monographs are the most frequent. In this case, it is important to bear in mind that it will not only be an attempt to explain what is known about a subject, but also one must try to contribute something to said knowledge, with a critical vision, or incorporating new knowledge derived from experimentation.

8. References and citations

An important part of our work when preparing a monograph is to take into account the importance of valuing and reflecting the sources from which we start. This allows recognition of the ideas and concepts of the original authors of the information in which we started, and secondarily also allow giving more credibility to the monograph in question.

For this, it is essential to use the bibliographical references, as well as cite the authors when mentioning their theories. When copying its content verbatim, it will be necessary to quote the excerpt and italicize it in addition to quoting it.

Bibliographic references:

• De Cores, S. and Valenzuela, C. (2015). Guide for the presentation of postgraduate monographs: a contribution from the library of the Faculty of Medicine, University of the Republic. National Center for Documentation and Information in Medicine and Health Sciences; Montevideo.
• Espinoza, N. and Rincón, A. (2006). Instructions for the elaboration and presentation of monographs: the vision of the Faculty of Dentistry of the Universidad de los Andes. Venezuelan Dental Act, 44 (3). Caracas.