Writing a research paper is a multi-step process that requires planning, researching your topic, analyzing information, organizing facts and arguments, drafting the paper, and revising and editing the final product. Here are the key steps to take when writing a research paper:
Choose your topic. The first step is choosing a topic that interests you and is narrow enough to research within your timeframe. Brainstorm potential topics by considering your interests, major, or a current event. Read about topics of interest to get an overview and decide which seems most exciting to delve deeper into.
Develop a research question. Once you’ve chosen your general topic area, formulate a specific research question that can be answered through investigation and analysis. Your research question will guide the focus and direction of your paper. Some examples include “How did the Enlightenment philosophy of John Locke influence the U.S. Declaration of Independence?” or “What impact has social media had on political activism among young people?”
Create an outline. After determining your research question, create an outline that maps out the structure and flow of ideas for your paper. The classic outline format contains an introduction, three main supporting points that each have 2-3 subpoints, and a conclusion. Your outline should list the main topics, arguments, and sources you plan to include in each section.
Locate sources. Use your school’s online library databases and search tools to find credible, academic sources like peer-reviewed journal articles, reports from reputable organizations, and academic books. Search for keywords related to your research question and skim sources to select the most relevant ones. Focus on finding a variety of perspectives from different time periods.
Take notes. As you research, take detailed, organized notes to keep track of important information and quotations from each source. Use note cards or a notebook to record the full citation, a brief summary of key ideas, and any direct quotes you want to include. Note where in your outline the information fits.
Evaluate sources. Not all sources are equally reliable. Use criteria like the author’s credentials, publication date, intended audience, evidence provided, and bias to evaluate each source. Prioritize using the most current and objective sources from academically respected journals, scholarly books, and reputable organizations.
Synthesize information. Reread your notes and sources to find relationships and patterns in the information. Look for agreement and disagreement on your research question among sources. Group and summarize similar ideas from multiple sources to form the body paragraphs of your paper. Consider alternative viewpoints and perspectives.
Create a working thesis statement. Based on your research, formulate a clear, focused thesis statement that makes an argument in response to your research question. Your thesis will be the main assertion or conclusion you will prove and develop throughout the paper.
Draft the paper. Using your outline and thesis statement to guide you, draft an introduction with a hook, thesis, andpreview of main points. Then write body paragraphs with topic sentences, evidence and analysis, and concluding statements. Finally, compose a conclusion that restates the thesis and summarizes main findings.
Cite sources properly. Include in-text citations every time you reference or directly quote a source. Also create a reference list or bibliography at the end organized alphabetically by author’s last names with complete publication details. Consult your style guide like MLA, APA, or Chicago for proper citation formats.
Revise and edit. After drafting, set the paper aside for a day then return to revise the content, organization, flow, and coherence. Check for grammatical errors, inconsistent citations, repetition and clarity. Ask others to proofread as well. Consider rewriting sections as needed based on feedback.
Proofread and format. When revising is complete, carefully proofread for any final typos or citation errors. Adjust formatting details like margins, spacing, headers, and page numbers according to your style guidelines. Save the final draft to submit.
Conducting thorough research, staying organized, meeting deadlines, and following the revision process are keys to writing an excellent research paper. Careful planning up front through thoughtful consideration of your topic, research question, and outlines will streamline the writing process.