A research work involves the elaboration of an organized work based on the sophisticated analysis of current research. Research papers can cover anything from medicine to medieval history, and are a common assignment at many high schools and universities. Writing a research paper can be a daunting task, especially in the moments leading up to it. However, organizing your thoughts and sources will allow you to write your research paper more easily and avoid writer's block.
Steps
Part 1 of 6: Prepare for Assignment
Step 1. Read the assignment description carefully
Most research papers are assignments given by instructors, who will provide specific parameters for their completion. Before you start writing, make sure you understand exactly what is being asked of you. Here are some things you probably need to know:
- The extent of work.
- The number and types of fonts to be used.
- The right subject. Did your instructor assign you a specific topic or can you choose one on your own? Do you have any suggestion? Are there any restrictions on the choice of theme?
- The delivery date of the work.
- The presentation of pre-written tasks. For example, your instructor might ask you to submit a draft for peer review or to present an outline along with finished work.
- The type of format you will use. Does the job need to be double spaced? Do you need to use the APA format? How are you supposed to cite your sources?
- If you are still unclear on any of these important details, be sure to check with your instructor.
Step 2. Gather your writing tools
Some people prefer to write on a laptop, while others prefer to write with a pencil and paper. Make sure you have all the necessary materials to start the writing process. Verify that your computer works and that you have enough materials to begin the writing process.
If you need a computer and Internet connection, but don't have the first, see if you can access a computer lab at your public library or university library
Step 3. Break your assignment into parts and create a timeline
Research papers typically consist of many steps, each of which requires a significant amount of time. If you want to write a good research paper, you won't be able to take shortcuts. Make sure you have enough time (at least a day or two) to complete each step. Ideally, spend at least two weeks researching and writing the paper. The exact timeline you create will depend on a number of factors, including the length of the assignment, your familiarity with the subject, your personal writing style, and the many other responsibilities you have. However, the timeline below is an example that can help you create your own:
- 1st day: initial reading and specification of the topic
- 2nd day: compilation of research sources
- Day 3-5: Research-Related Reading and Note-Taking
- 6th day: creation of the scheme
- 7th to 9th day: writing the first draft
- 10th day onwards: review and final structure
- Keep in mind that research papers vary in complexity and scope. A research assignment for school can take two weeks, one for a master's thesis can take a year, while a specialized research can take many years.
Step 4. Pick one or more spaces that you can focus on
Some people like to read and write in a completely quiet and secluded setting, such as a private study in a library. For their part, others may concentrate more in places with a little more activity, such as a cafeteria or a bedroom hall. Consider some places where you can plan and write your research paper. Make sure these places have good lighting (ideally there are a few windows to get natural light) and that there are plenty of power outlets for your laptop.
Part 2 of 6: Determine Your Research Topic
Step 1. Determine if you need to set your own theme
In many cases, your instructor will assign you a topic for your research. If this is your case, you can move on to the next phase of the process. However, if the exact topic of your assignment is open, you should take some time to find a good one.
Step 2. Choose a topic that matches the parameters of the assignment
Even if the topic is open, you will probably have some limitations in your choice. The topic should be relevant to the class you are in and to the specific assignment you have been given. For example, it could be related to something that has been discussed in your class or perhaps something concerning the French Revolution. Make sure you understand what is being asked of you so that your research topic is relevant.
For example, your Microbiology teacher will not want you to present a spectacular piece of research on philosophy in the age of the Enlightenment. In the same way, a literary teacher who asks you to write about a writer from the last century will not be happy if you present a work on a contemporary writer. Focus on the topic and create relevant work
Step 3. Make a list of relevant topics that are of interest to you
Once you understand the parameters of the assignment, you can start thinking about possible themes that match them. You may come up with an excellent topic instantly. Make sure that your possible topics are ones that interest you, as you will have to spend a lot of time researching and the work will be more pleasant if you enjoy it. To come up with interesting topics, you can do the following:
- Review your course books and class notes. Is there a topic that grabs your attention? Did you highlight a passage in your book because you wanted to know more? These can be great clues to help you select a topic.
- Think about which specific assignments you have liked the most so far, as they might give you an idea on a topic.
- Have a conversation with a classmate regarding the course. Talk about what you are excited about (or what you are not) and use as a starting point.
Step 4. Come up with a tentative topic
After you've made your list of cool topics, take a moment to discuss them. Is there one that catches your attention the most? Do you notice any patterns? For example, if half of your list relates to the arsenal of World War I, it is a good indication that the direction in which your interests are oriented. Other aspects that you should take into account when choosing a tentative topic are the following:
- Its relevance to the assignment. Does it fit within all the parameters of the mapping?
- The amount of research material that is available on the topic. You can be very sure that there is a great deal of published information concerning medieval French monasteries. However, there may not be a great deal of material available on the reaction of Catholic priests in Cleveland, USA, to rap music.
- How detailed your investigation should be. Some research papers are very specific. For example, you might be asked to research the history of a single object (like the Frisbee). Other types of assignments are very broad, such as asking you to research how women get involved in warfare. It is useful if your topic is narrow enough so that you do not feel completely overwhelmed by the information, but at the same time that it is broad enough that you can fully immerse yourself in your sources of information. For example, you won't be able to write a good 10-page paper on the topic "World War II," as it is too broad and overwhelming. However, you can write a 10-page paper on "how the newspapers in a certain place described WWII."
Step 5. Learn a bit about the tentative topic for 1-2 hours
Before you have decided on a definite topic, there is no point in getting too involved in the research materials, as it would be a waste of time. However, it helps if you do a little reading on the subject to make sure it's workable. You may find that your tentative topic is too broad or limited, or even that it will not allow you to make a meaningful contribution. After learning about your tentative topic, you can do the following:
- Determine if the tentative topic is viable and carry it out.
- Determine if the tentative topic requires any changes.
- Determine if this topic is completely unworkable and try another on your list.
Step 6. Talk to your instructor about your research topic
Many instructors or teachers will be happy to provide suggestions related to research projects. If you are unsure if your topic is good, one of your instructors may be able to guide you. You can probably come to him during office hours, allowing you to discuss your ideas for work.
- It's also a good idea to talk to your instructors before you start writing so that you can get their advice regarding where to look for your informational sources or what type of structure you will give your project.
- When you meet with an instructor, don't forget to properly prepare and express the topic of your project. Your instructor will want you to have thoroughly informed yourself about your topic and understand your ideas well before meeting with him.
Part 3 of 6: Gather the Research Materials
Step 1. Gather your primary sources
Primary sources are the original objects you write about, while secondary sources are comments on a primary source. You are more likely to get primary sources if you write a research paper in the humanities, art, or social sciences fields. The hard science field is much less likely to encompass analysis from a primary source. Depending on the topic of your research, you may need the following items:
- a work of literature
- a movie
- a manuscript
- historical documents
- letters or diaries
- a painting
Step 2. Search the Internet for secondary sources and references
Many universities and schools subscribe to accessible databases that allow you to search for reference material. These databases could help you find journal articles, academic monographs, scientific papers, source indexes, historical documents, or other media. Look for keywords or headings that help you find published material relevant to your topic.
- If your school does not subscribe to major databases, you can search the Internet for open access journals or use tools such as Jstor and GoogleScholar to help you find solid research material. Just be cautious with the sources you find on the internet.
- Sometimes these databases will give you access to the source itself, such as a PDF version of a magazine article. In other cases, these databases will simply give you a title that leads to a research library.
Step 3. Use a library search engine to compile a list of sources
In addition to accessible databases, your local public library, research library, or university library will likely have useful sources among their collections. Use the library's internal search engine to start searching for relevant headings, authors, keywords, and topics.
Make sure you have a meticulous list of the titles, authors, phone numbers, and locations of these sources. You should keep a record of them in order to avoid the hassle of re-searching
Step 4. Go to the library
Many libraries organize their shelves according to subject matter. This means that if you are collecting material on a single topic, the books you need will most likely be stacked together. Your search results on the library's search engine should tell you the most likely place (or places) where you can find the relevant books. Be sure to check the shelves next to the books you are looking for, as you could find relevant sources that do not appear in the search engine. Review all the books that you consider relevant.
Keep in mind that many libraries keep their periodicals in a separate section from the books. Sometimes these publications are not allowed to leave the premises, in which case you will probably need to make a photocopy or digital scan of the article
Step 5. Talk to a librarian
Librarians have extensive knowledge of their collections. Some libraries even have specialized librarians in particular areas such as law, science, or literature. Talk to a librarian about your topic of interest. He could lead you in surprising and useful directions.
Step 6. Review your potential sources to determine their accuracy
There is a large amount of information, which may or may not be accurate, something that can sometimes be difficult to determine. However, there are a few tools you can use to make sure your research sources don't lead you astray:
- Make sure your sources have gone through a peer review process. In this process, a group of academics and scientists test each other's work to determine its accuracy. If a work has not gone through a peer review process, the source may be incorrect or lax.
- Don't blindly trust popular websites. Wikipedia and similar websites are useful sources for getting information quickly (such as an important date), but they are not the best sources for looking for deep analysis. Take information from popular websites with a grain of salt and cross-check it with other academic sources.
- Look for books published with reputable publishers. If your source is a published book, make sure it comes from a decent publisher. Many of the best publishers are affiliated with major universities, which is a helpful clue. Do not trust the information that comes from a self-publication.
- Consult with experts in your field to find out about their favorite magazines. Some scientific and academic journals are better than others. A student may find it difficult to understand the differences between a higher quality magazine and a lower quality one, so you should consult an expert for advice on the most reliable sources of information.
- Look for sources that have good footers. While there are some exceptions to this point, in general, most solid research will be meticulously cited. If you've found an article that doesn't have footnotes, it's likely that the author didn't review anyone else's research, which is a bad sign.
Step 7. Read the footnotes for more tips
One of the best places to find ideas to expand your research is in the footers of sources that have been particularly helpful to you. Footers are where an author cites their own research sources, creating a paper trail that you can also follow. If you respect an author's conclusions, it would be helpful to examine the sources that inspired their ideas in the first place.
Step 8. Store your research materials together and organized
By this point, you should have a series of books that you have chosen from the library, as well as magazine or science articles printed or scanned on your computer. Develop a system that allows you to organize these materials. For example, create a separate folder on your laptop for relevant magazine articles and keep the books for your research on a single shelf. You don't want these valuable sources to go astray.
Part 4 of 6: Use Research Materials Sensibly
Step 1. Thoroughly analyze your primary sources
If you are writing a research paper that looks at a primary source, you should begin to closely examine the primary materials. Read them carefully, look at them closely, and take meticulous notes. Consider writing some initial observations to help you find a basis. After all, you don't want your own thoughts to get lost when you start reading expert opinions on the subject.
Step 2. Quickly review secondary materials to determine their relevance
Don't assume that each source will be equally relevant to your research topic. Titles are sometimes misleading, and you may find that a study is flawed or completely out of place. Assume that only half of the sources you have compiled will be useful for your purposes. Before you start taking detailed notes, determine if a source is worth reading in depth. Some ways to quickly determine it are as follows:
- Take a look at the chapter and section headings to determine the main topics. Check off each specific section or chapter that may be particularly relevant to you.
- First, read the introduction and conclusion. These sections should tell you what topics the author covers and if they apply to you.
- Take a look at the footnotes. These should give you an idea of the types of conversations the author is participating in. If you are writing a paper on psychology and the footnotes of an article quote philosophers, it means that that source might not be relevant to you.
Step 3. Determine which materials you need to read in depth, which ones are worth reading only part of, and which ones you should discard
After taking a look at the research materials, determine which ones are most likely to help you in your research. A few sources will be very helpful to you, and you will probably want to research all the work. For their part, other sources may only contain small sections that are relevant to your research. Remember that it is perfectly normal to read a single chapter of a book rather than the whole of it. Other sources could be totally irrelevant, so you can simply discard them.
Step 4. Take detailed notes
It is normal to feel overwhelmed with all the information while writing your research paper. You will know new concepts, terms and arguments. To stay organized (and to clearly remember what you've read), be sure to take detailed notes as you go. If you are going to work based on a photocopied article, you can write directly on paper. Otherwise, you should have a separate notebook or word processing document in order to keep track of the information you read. Among the things you should write are the following:
- the main argument or conclusion of the source
- source methods
- key evidence from the source
- alternative explanations for the source results
- anything that surprised or confused you
- key terms and concepts
- anything you disagree with or doubt regarding the source's argument
- questions you have about the source
- useful quotes
Step 5. Quote the information in detail
As you take notes, be sure to indicate exactly which source gave you the information. Most citations include the names of the author (s), publication date, publication title, journal title (if relevant), and page number. Other information you can include is the name of the publisher, the website you used to access the publication, and the city in which the source was published. Don't forget to cite a source when mentioning it directly, as well as when you've collected information from it. Failure to do so could lead to accusations of plagiarism or academic dishonesty.
- Use a citation format requested by the instructor. Common citation formats include the MLA, Chicago, APA, and CSE. They all have online style guides that can help you properly cite sources.
- There are many computer programs that can help you easily format your citations, including EndNote and RefWorks. Some word processing systems also have citation programs that allow you to structure your bibliography.
Step 6. Organize and consolidate the information
As you continue with your note taking, you should begin to see some patterns that emerge in relation to your topic. Are there any major discrepancies that you notice? Is there a general consensus on certain things? Have most sources excluded a key topic from their discussions? Organize your notes according to these key patterns.
Part 5 of 6: Make an outline
Step 1. Open a blank document
This will be the place where you make the outline of your project. An outline is a key step in writing a research paper, especially those that are lengthy. This will help you stay focused on the project, as well as speed up the writing process. Remember that a good outline doesn't necessarily have to be made up of whole, perfect paragraphs. Rather, it should only contain as much vital information as you can organize later. Among this information are the following points:
- your thesis statement
- the topic sentence, key evidence, and the main conclusion of each paragraph
- a sensible order for the paragraphs
- a final statement
Step 2. Create a tentative thesis statement
Most research papers will ask you to make some kind of argument based on the evidence collected, as well as your analysis. You will need to present your argument by means of a thesis statement, and all other paragraphs will be based on that thesis. Remember that the thesis statement should be as follows:
- Argumentative. You can't just say something that is common knowledge or basic information. "The sky is blue" is not a thesis statement.
- Convincing. Your thesis should be based on evidence and detailed analysis. Don't make a wild, deliberately unusual, or unprovable thesis.
- Appropriate for your assignment. Don't forget to stick to all the parameters and guidelines of your assignment.
- Manageable within the assigned space. Keep your thesis limited and focused on one point. That way, you can prove your point in the space they have given you.
Step 3. Write the thesis statement at the top of the outline
Since everything else is based on your thesis, you should keep it in mind at all times. Write it at the top of your outline using large, bold type.
- If you have to modify the thesis throughout the writing process, do so. Most likely, you can change your mind about something during the writing of the paper.
- Other important things to include in an introduction are your methods, the parameters of any studies done, as well as a roadmap of the sections that will follow.
Step 4. Take into account the general information necessary for the topic
Many papers include a section toward the end that provides the reader with key information on the subject. In many cases, you also need to provide a discussion of what other research has mentioned regarding your topic (also known as a literary review). List the information that you will need to explain in order for the reader to understand the later contents of the work.
Step 5. Take into account the necessary information to check if your thesis statement is correct
What kind of evidence do you need to show that you are correct? Do you need textual, visual, historical or scientific evidence? Do you need an expert opinion? Take a look at your research notes to find some of that evidence.
Step 6. Make an outline of the paragraphs
Paragraphs are the place where you will capture your research and analysis. Most of them are only made up of a few sentences, all of which relate to a common theme or idea. Ideally, each paragraph should continue with the idea of the previous one, adding more consistency to your argument. Typically, each paragraph should include the following:
- A topic sentence explaining the evidence you will present as well as why it is relevant.
- Presenting the evidence. This may include citations, results of scientific studies, or surveys.
- Your analysis of the evidence.
- A discussion of how other researchers have treated the evidence.
- A final sentence or two explaining the importance of analysis.
Step 7. Organize the paragraphs
Each paragraph must stand on its own. However, they should all work together to discuss the merits of your thesis statement. Consider how the paragraphs relate to each other. Come up with a compelling and sensible structure for these paragraphs. Depending on the topic, you could organize the paragraphs as follows:
- In chronological order. For example, if your research paper talks about the history of an artifact, you may want to talk about its key functions in chronological order.
- In conceptual order. You can consider the main topics at work and discuss each concept individually. For example, if your work covers how a particular movie deals with gender, race, and sexuality, you may want to have separate sections on each of those concepts.
- According to the scale. For example, if the paper is about the impact of a vaccine, you could organize it according to the size of the population, from the smallest to the largest (e.g. its impact on a particular people, on a nation and, for example, last, in the world).
- According to a conditional structure (yes, no, then). This type of structure involves presenting one perspective (yes) and then its opposite structure (no). Finally, you put together the best parts of each perspective in order to create a new (then) theory. For example, your work may explain why certain health specialists believe in acupuncture, then why others consider it quackery. Finally, you can explain why each part might be a little bit right and a little bit wrong.
- It can be very helpful to include transition sentences between paragraphs. In this way, the reader will understand the reason for this organization.
Step 8. Consider other necessary sections
Depending on the field or parameters of your assignment, you may include other necessary sections in addition to paragraphs. These can vary a lot, so be sure to check the syllabus or check with your instructor to get the clearest ideas. These sections could be the following:
- a summary
- a literary review
- scientific figures
- a method section
- a results section
- an appendix
- an annotated bibliography
Step 9. Outline your conclusion
A conclusion will serve as the final statement that your thesis is correct. This should tie in the loose ends and solidly explain your own perspective. However, your conclusion could also cover other functions, depending on your field, which could include the following:
- possible downsides or alternative explanations for your results
- more questions requiring investigation
- how you hope your work has impacted the general discussion on the topic
Part 6 of 6: Overcoming Writer's Block
Step 1. Don't panic
Most people experience writer's block at some point in their lives, especially when they have a considerable assignment, such as a research paper. Don't forget to relax and breathe deeply a few times. You can also control your anxiety with a few simple tools and tricks.
Step 2. Use free writing exercises to allow your mind to flow
If you are stuck at any point, stay away from your scheme for a few minutes. Instead, just write down everything that is important to you on the subject. What interests you? What should interest others? Remember what you find interesting and fun in your research topic. In addition, just writing for a few minutes, even if it is something that you do not include in your final draft, will allow your ideas to flow to structure a more organized writing later.
Step 3. Choose a different section to write
You don't need to write a research paper in an order from start to finish. If you have a well-defined outline, you can complete the job no matter which paragraph you write first. If you have difficulty writing the introduction, focus better on the most interesting paragraph. You may find that it is a more manageable task, and you may also get ideas to help you get through the more difficult sections.
Step 4. Say out loud what you want to say
If you get stuck on a complicated sentence or concept, try explaining it out loud instead of on paper. Talk to your parents or a friend about the concept. How would you explain it over the phone? Only start putting it on paper after you've gotten used to explaining it orally.
Step 5. Let your first draft be imperfect
The first drafts are never perfect. You can always fix imperfections or clumsy sentences during the proofreading process. Instead of obsessing over finding the perfect word, just highlight it as a reminder so you can think about it later. You may find the right word after a day or two, but for now, focus on putting your ideas down on paper.
Step 6. Go for a walk
You don't want to get used to procrastinating, but your brain sometimes needs to take breaks to function properly. If you've had trouble writing a paragraph for more than an hour, take a 20-minute walk and pick it up later. After getting some fresh air, you may find that it is much easier for you to write it.
Step 7. Change your audience
Some people experience writer's block because they are anxious about who will read their work, such as a teacher who is notoriously demanding. To overcome your anxiety, pretend that you are writing the work for someone else, such as your counselor, your roommate, your parents, etc. This can help you set a better mindset and will also help you clarify your ideas.
Advice
- Take a lot of time (preferably at least two weeks) to work on your research paper. For some of these jobs, an even greater amount of time is required to be completed properly.
- In your mind, always be clear about the purpose of the assignment. Make sure the work is relevant and covers what they ask for.
- Make sure to cite your sources correctly, depending on the format and specifications of your instructor. This is an essential skill in research work.
- The keys to doing good research work are excellent sources, solid analysis, and a well-organized structure. If you have mastered these aspects, you will have a great chance of writing a really good work.
- Don't be afraid to talk to your advisor, instructor, or classmates about your work. Many instructors will be happy to talk to students about writing strategies, good topics, and good sources.
Warnings
- It is considered plagiarism not to cite the information from the sources, even if it is not presented in a direct quote.
- Don't plagiarize. This is dishonest action and can have serious repercussions including suspension, expulsion, and failure of a course.