Writing a research paper is an essential part of academic life for college students. At UCLA, research papers allow students to delve deeply into topics and issues, develop critical thinking skills, and learn how to effectively communicate ideas and arguments. While researching and writing long papers can seem daunting, breaking the process down into manageable steps makes it less overwhelming.
When first assigned a research paper, the very first step is to choose a topic. UCLA librarians are a great resource for students at this stage. Schedule a consultation with a research librarian to brainstorm potential topics and get guidance on how to narrow your focus. Librarians have expertise in exploring academic databases to find recent, credible sources on any subject. They can also recommend books, journals, and other materials to help scope your paper topic.
After choosing a topic and doing some preliminary research, it’s time to develop a working thesis statement. An effective thesis statement makes a specific claim or argument, and includes the key points and information that will be covered in the paper. Run draft thesis statements by your professor or TA to ensure your thesis is focused enough to adequately cover in the assigned length. Refining the thesis may take multiple iterations as research uncovers new angles or perspectives on the topic.
With a working thesis in hand, it’s time to deep dive into research. Scholarly books, peer-reviewed journal articles, and credible websites are the best sources for academic papers. UCLA’s extensive online databases like JSTOR, Academic Search Complete, and others are a one-stop-shop for accessing these sources. Be sure to take detailed notes as you research – record quotes, paraphrases, summaries, key ideas, page numbers, and complete bibliographic information for every source. Staying organized from the start will save time in the long run. Research is an iterative process – as new information emerges, be prepared to refine or adjust the thesis statement accordingly.
After substantial research, create an outline to organize the information and arguments. The paper’s structure should logically flow from the thesis statement. Typical sections include an introduction, body paragraphs addressing the main points of the thesis, and a conclusion. Within each section, details the information and evidence gathered from research sources to support the thesis. Discuss themes, facts, ideas and perspectives uncovered during research. Connect evidence back to the thesis for coherence.
With an outline prepared, it’s time to start writing. At UCLA, most research papers are between 10-15 double spaced pages. Developing a writing schedule and allotting sufficient time each day ensures timely completion. Write drafts section by section, focusing on clearly communicating the content through a logical flow of ideas. Support all claims and analysis with well-integrated, properly cited research. Use footnotes or parenthetical citations consistently. When drafted, set papers aside for a day or two before thoroughly editing and proofreading. Peer review groups are also hugely helpful at this stage.
Finally, research papers require a complete and accurate bibliography or works cited list according to the specific style guide (usually APA, MLA, or Chicago style). Double check that all in-text citations match full citations, and that bibliographic details are correctly presented. Also proofread the final paper for typos, clarity, grammar, and formatting consistency. Meet all length, formatting and submission requirements outlined for the assignment.
Research papers foster deeper learning, and can be very rewarding when completed successfully. At UCLA, take advantage of abundant library resources and guidance from professors to help manage the research process. Starting early, staying organized, and gradually developing content leads to high quality final papers. Mastering research and academic writing skills serves students well both in their UCLA careers and beyond.