Choose a topic for your research paper. This is the first and most important step. Choose a topic that genuinely interests you as you will be spending a significant amount of time researching and writing about it. Make sure to choose a topic that has enough research material and sources available. Some factors to consider when choosing a topic include:
Your interests and background knowledge. Pick a topic within your realm of knowledge so you can dive deep into the research.
Timeliness. Choose a topic that is currently relevant so research sources will be recent.
Scope. Choose a topic that is narrow enough to be feasible within the parameters but broad enough to have credible sources to cite.
Once you have your topic, it’s time to research. Conduct preliminary research to get a general idea about the topic and see if there is enough credible information available from reputable sources to write a comprehensive paper. Some ways to conduct preliminary research include:
Search library databases and online sources. Use keywords related to your topic to search library databases and search engines for articles, reports and studies.
Check bibliographies and footnotes of relevant sources. Look through the bibliographies and footnotes of sources you’re using to find even more sources.
Consult subject guides and library resources. Librarians have great expertise – use subject guides and ask a librarian for database and source recommendations.
Skim sources before selecting them. Do a quick skim to ensure the source is on your specific topic before thoroughly reading and taking notes.
As you conduct preliminary research, take detailed notes on potential sources. Record all bibliographic information like author, title, publisher, date of publication. Keep notes organized by source type like books, reports and journal articles. This will help when it’s time to compile your references list.
Once you have an idea about available information, refine your research question or thesis statement. Your research question should be specific, demonstrate knowledge of the topic and be debatable or discussible. Some characteristics of a good research question include:
Clearly defines the topic and scope of investigation
Focuses the research and establishes parameters
Can be answered through credible sources and evidence
Leaves room for analysis, evaluation and discussion
With your research question defined, it’s time to conduct in-depth research and take thorough notes. As you thoroughly read sources, take detailed notes following a consistent notetaking system like the note card method. Record quotes or paraphrases along with corresponding bibliographic details for each note. Continue researching until theoretical saturation when no new discoveries are being made.
organizing notes chronologically or thematically. This will make it easier to identify relationships, patterns and gaps to address in your paper. You can organize notes by:
Time period
Author’s name
Source type (books, articles etc)
Perspectives/themes
Methodologies
With your notes organized, outline your paper before writing the first draft. Your outline will map out how you plan to address your research question or thesis. It should include:
Introduction section with thesis statement and overview
Main body sections with topic sentences and supporting details
Conclusion section recapping main points and implications
Write the first draft following your outline. Fill in sections with paraphrased and quoted evidence from your research notes. Be sure to include APA or MLA in-text citations as applicable.
During the writing process, continue to refine your outline as needed. Revise and edit your writing to improve organization, flow and communication of ideas. Check for consistent use of formatting style, citations, grammar, spelling and punctuation errors.
Upon completion of a draft, request feedback from your instructor or a writing tutor. Incorporate revisions suggested to improve logical reasoning, strengthen analysis and correct any remaining issues.
Finalize your references list adhering to the formatting style guidelines for sources cited in-text. Verify bibliographic details are consistently represented for each source.
Proofread your final paper one last time before submitting. Check for any missed errors, inline with formatting guidelines and your research question is thoroughly addressed through evidence. You’re now ready to turn in a high-quality, well-researched paper!
While researching and writing can feel like an extensive process, following these steps will help ensure you address your research question effectively through an organized, well-written paper supported by credible evidence. Reference librarians and tutoring resources are also very helpful for guiding you through the research and writing process. Take your time, be meticulous and you’ll end up with a paper you’re proud of.