Here's why:
* Objectivity: Using third person helps to maintain objectivity and present your findings in a neutral and unbiased way.
* Focus on Research: It emphasizes the research itself rather than your personal opinions or experiences.
* Professional Tone: It maintains a professional tone and avoids overly personal language.
Example:
Instead of: "I found that the results were significant."
Use: "The results of the study showed that..."
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule:
* When discussing personal experiences in qualitative research: If you are conducting qualitative research and your personal experiences are relevant to the study, you may use first person to discuss them.
* When describing your own methodology: You may use first person to describe the methods you used in your research. For example, "We collected data from..." or "I conducted a survey..."
Ultimately, the best approach is to consult your specific course guidelines or journal requirements to ensure you are following the appropriate style.