Writing a Research Paper for the Humanities and Social Sciences: Key Considerations
Introduction
Research papers are the most common assignment in the humanities and social sciences (HUMSS). They allow students to explore topics in depth and analyze information using research and critical thinking skills. Writing a HUMSS research paper can seem like an overwhelming task. This guide outlines key things to consider when writing a research paper for the humanities or social sciences to help make the process easier.
Choosing a Topic
Choosing an appropriate topic is the first important step. It’s best to select something you genuinely find interesting as you’ll spend hours researching and writing about it. Topics should also be sufficiently narrow and focused to be addressed within the required page or word limits. Some tips for choosing a HUMSS research paper topic include:
Brainstorm potential topics based on your interests, courses, or specializations. Keep a running list of ideas.
Discuss potential topics with your professor or TA. They can provide guidance on what works well within the course framework or discipline.
Browse academic databases and review course materials. This helps identify trending topics and subtopics within your field of study.
Consider how much research is available. The topic should have enough peer-reviewed sources and information to analyze without being too broad.
Discuss topic ideas with others who may have related experience or knowledge to offer feedback. Narrowing a broad topic takes time.
Developing a Thesis Statement
Once you have a topic area, the next key step is forming a focused thesis statement. This thesis statement is essentially the main argument or assertion that your entire paper will aim to prove or disprove through research and analysis. Some qualities of a strong thesis statement include:
It makes a clear claim that others might reasonably disagree with, leaving room for debate and exploration.
The claim is specific and takes a position rather than stating a general fact or observation about the topic.
It is narrow enough to thoroughly discuss within the paper’s scope or page limits but not so narrow it lacks research or analysis.
Key terms and concepts are clearly defined so readers understand exactly what you plan to discuss.
It introduces the topic in an engaging way while hinting at how you will argue your point.
Conducting Research
Researching your topic and thesis statement forms the backbone of any HUMSS paper. Plan to spend significant time doing background reading, taking detailed notes, and evaluating credible sources. Some tips:
Use your university’s online library resources and databases. These contain peer-reviewed journals, books, studies, reports, and other academic materials.
Search by subject terms and keywords from your topic and thesis. This helps uncover relevant sources.
Skim sources and read ones closely related to your specific focus. Take detailed notes by hand or digitally on key quotes, data, theories, and arguments.
Evaluate source credibility using CRAAP or similar framework. Prioritize academic journals, books, and reports from experts and institutions for a strong reference list.
Keep an organized bibliography as you research using your preferred citation style like APA or Chicago. This streamlines reference list building later.
Leave time to dig deeper if initial research doesn’t reveal necessary information or sources to support your thesis. Be flexible if needed.
Developing an Outline
Organizing your thoughts and the structure of the paper itself is crucial. Create a detailed outline that maps out what will go in each section and paragraph based on your research. This helps ensure a logical flow and that your points link coherently to prove or disprove the thesis. Typical HUMSS paper outlines include:
Title page with paper information (don’t include in page/word count).
Introduction with thesis statement, topic background, and overview of what’s to come.
Body paragraphs each focused on analyzing a key aspect of your thesis using research.
Topics advance the argument in a logical flow over multiple paragraphs.
Conclusion paragraph restates thesis and main points while wrapping up analysis.
References list with citations in chosen style formatted consistently.
Sticking to your well-thought-out outline maximizes coherence while allowing some flexibility to incorporate new research insights that develop along the way. Outlines are living documents to adapt as needed.
Drafting and Revising
With research complete and outline in hand, now comes the writing stage. Focus on conveying your synthesis and analysis clearly using proper grammar and style while addressing all outline points. Integral to any paper are multiple rounds of review and feedback both internal and from others. Use revisions to:
Polish writing style, flow, sentence structure for readability.
Maintain logical argument advancing your thesis statement point-by-point.
Remove any unnecessary information not directly relevant to your focus.
Ensure consistent in-text citations and references formatting per style guidelines.
Check for any factual, grammatical, or organizational errors. Careful proofreading is crucial.
It generally takes a few revisions to distill ideas clearly and reach final form. Writing centers can provide knowledgeable feedback at any stage too. Leave time after revisions to walk away and return with fresh eyes before submission.
Conclusion
Following proper research methods, source evaluation, and organizational strategies results in a solid, credible paper meeting the assignment parameters. Taking each step thoughtfully maximizes success whether this is your first HUMSS paper or developing more advanced skills. With practice and commitment to the process, you will become a skilled researcher, analyzer and writer in no time.
Andrew Stroud