Introduction
A research paper is a common form of academic writing. Research papers require students and academics alike to locate information about a topic, take a stand on that topic, and provide supporting evidence for their argument. This paper will provide examples of how to write an effective research paper by defining key terms, developing a thesis statement, citing sources, and more. Writing in-depth research papers require diligent research, proper citation of sources, and clear communication of ideas.
What is a Research Paper?
A research paper is a document that presents the results of original research, meaning the student has conducted an investigation into a particular topic, evaluated sources, and presented their analysis and interpretation of the information and evidence they have discovered. Typically, a research paper follows a standard organizational structure consisting of an introduction, literature review, research methodology, presentation of findings or results, discussion of implications, and a bibliography or works cited page. Research papers are important for allowing students to practice competent research skills, which involves identifying credible sources, finding evidence to support an argument, properly citing sources to avoid plagiarism, and communicating ideas in a clear and concise manner.
Defining Key Terms
Before beginning the research process, it is important to clearly define key terms and concepts related to the topic. Having clear definitions allows the writer to better focus their research and develop a thesis statement. Here are some key terms defined for this paper:
Thesis statement: A one to two sentence declaration of the central argument or claim that a paper will develop and prove. An effective thesis states the main topic, makes a specific argument about that topic, and previews the structure of the paper.
Literature review: A survey and analysis of the relevant published research and sources that have addressed the topic being studied. The literature review establishes the context of the research being proposed and demonstrates the writer’s knowledge of the subject matter.
Methodology: The specific procedures or processes used to conduct original research. This includes how data was collected, the approaches and design of the study, and limitations. For papers without original research, methodology describes how sources will be evaluated and analyzed.
Sources: References used to conduct research and develop arguments, such as books, journal articles, government reports, interviews, or websites from credible institutions. High quality sources are crucial for an effective research paper.
Citation: A notation linking a reference in the body of the paper to the full reference listed on the works cited page. There are different citation styles such as APA, MLA, Chicago, etc. Citations avoid plagiarism by giving credit to the original authors of ideas.
Plagiarism: Presenting another individual’s language, ideas, or works as one’s own original work through verbatim use or paraphrasing without proper citation. Plagiarism is considered academic dishonesty and can result in failure on an assignment or expulsion.
Having clearly defined these key terms provides a framework for successfully completing the components of a research paper. With common understandings established, the writer can progress to developing a thesis statement and outline, finding relevant sources, and then drafting the paper.
Developing the Thesis Statement and Outline
With background research completed and key terms defined, the next step is developing a precise thesis statement and outline. The thesis statement is the most important sentence of the paper as it declares the specific argument that will be substantiated throughout the rest of the document. An outline helps organize the structure of the paper and ensures each section addresses and supports the thesis.
A good research paper thesis would state a debatable claim about the topic while also demonstrating the writer’s stance and main point. For example, if researching how societal views of intelligence have evolved, a thesis statement could be:
“While intelligence was traditionally viewed as an innate and fixed capacity, modern research has demonstrated intelligence is multifaceted and can be developed through experience and education.”
This thesis makes an arguable claim, establishes the writer’s position that intelligence is not immutable, and previews how the paper will discuss both traditional and modern perspectives on the topic. Additionally, it directly relates back to one of the key terms defined earlier – that the research paper will develop and prove this thesis statement.
After determining the thesis, an outline helps structure the paper in a logical progression. A basic outline may include:
I. Introduction
A. Background on topic
B. Thesis statement
II. Traditional views of intelligence
A. Innate abilities perspective
B. Supporting evidence and sources
III. Modern research on intelligence
A. Developmental perspective
B. Supporting evidence and sources
IV. Implications of an evolving view
A. Educational practices
B. Social perceptions
V. Conclusion
A. Restate thesis
B. Concluding remarks
With the thesis and outline established, the writer can conduct research to fill in each section with supporting points, examples, paraphrases and quotations from credible sources. The outline ensures the paper flows logically and every part reinforces proving the central thesis claim.
Locating and Evaluating Academic Sources
The quality and relevance of sources directly impacts how well a research paper accomplishes its purpose in investigating a topic, responding to others’ work, and persuading the reader of an argument. Therefore, finding reliable sources through careful searching and evaluation is of utmost importance. Some tips include:
Use library databases and search engines to locate peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and other academic materials.
Evaluate sources based on authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, and intended audience or purpose. Prioritize credible sources from experts writing for similar assignments or professionals in the field.
Vary sources between popular presses and scholarly works. Integrate a mix of theories, data, and opinions rather than relying too heavily on one perspective.
Take detailed notes capturing the author, title, publisher, date, main ideas, evidence, and page numbers for easy citation later.
Skim sources first before deciding their relevance and then do a close reading while analyzing arguments, addressing potential counterarguments, and identifying how sources relate back to the research question.
Set reasonable limits on the number of sources rather than citing every article found. Balance breadth with depth by closely examining a selection of highly applicable materials.
Following through to thoughtfully locate, read, analyze, and take notes on credible sources provides substantive content to develop the major points in the research paper and support the thesis. With diligent source evaluation, a writer can feel confident the information synthesized represents objective scholarship on the topic.
Integrating Sources through Paraphrasing and Quotation
Once sources are found, the next step in assembling a draft is learning to effectively incorporate relevant evidence through paraphrasing and quotation. Paraphrasing demonstrates understanding while avoiding plagiarism since it is putting an idea into the writer’s own words. Quotations have their place, but overuse can become distracting – they are best reserved for concise, compelling statements directly relating to key points. Some guidelines:
Introduce quotations and paraphrases with a signal phrase including the author’s name and a key verb like “argues” or “contends.” Sentences should grammatically connect to the source.
For paraphrases, change around the sentence structure and replace some words while keeping the core meaning intact. Use your own words to avoid direct copying.
When quoting, reproduce the passage verbatim while inserting the page number parenthetically afterwards. Keep quotes brief – usually no more than 3-4 lines.
Analyze quoted and paraphrased material by commenting how the source relates to and supports the point being made. Without analysis, the source may seem randomly inserted.
If summarizing multiple sources on a topic, synthesize common ideas across articles rather than listing their separate points individually.
By paraphrasing properly and integrating quotations selectively as evidence when particularly relevant, a paper demonstrates control over the research materials while crediting the original authors ethically through citations. This is vital for constructing a compelling argument.
Creating a Works Cited Page
The integrity of research requires properly attributing any outside information used within the text through inline citations. To supplement these, source details must then be compiled on a works cited page formatted in MLA, APA or other style guide standards. This acknowledges the full scope of sources consulted and allows readers to conveniently locate materials mentioned if desired. Key elements of the works cited page include:
Title the page “Works Cited” and center it at the top.
List sources alphabetically by author’s last name or title if no author is given. Double space between entries.
Include all required publication information such as author, title, publisher, date and page numbers. Consult a style guide for precise formatting.
Apply the same citation style consistently used within the text, whether Parenthetical or Numbered system references.
Websites and other electronic sources follow particular guidelines regarding dates accessed, URLs, and distinguishing between types of content on the page itself.
Check sources for errors or inconsistencies. Providing accurate citations maintains integrity.
Including a properly formatted works cited page completes attribution of ideas and information from external sources utilized within the research paper. This demonstrates academic honesty while also directing readers seeking additional resources on the topic.
Conclusion
By synthesizing a variety of credible sources, a well-developed research paper presents an insightful analysis on investigating a complex topic through evaluating evidence rather than simply reporting disconnected facts or opinions. Key components such as a clear thesis statement, outline, source integration, and citations substantiate original research, unique perspectives, and a response to the work of others. When elements are thoughtfully included and
Andrew Stroud