Step 1: Chose a Topic.
Pick a topic that is not too broad
and not too narrow. Also, don’t pick a topic that doesn't somewhat interest you
or the process will become harder than it should be.
Step 2: Preliminary Research.
Take some time to research your topic
to get a basic knowledge of it. This is where you decide if this is the correct
topic for you; also, your last early chance to see if it’s too broad or too
narrow.
Step 3: Research Question.
After choosing
your topic, develop a question you are trying to solve or prove with your
research paper.
Step 4: Research Time.
Check out some sources relating to
your topic. Be sure these sources are credible and unbiased while also
remaining aware of the authors and evaluating where the information is coming from.
Also consider if the source is going to boost up your paper; don’t use sketchy,
random web-sources—try to use sources with URL’s ending in .gov or .edu. The
even better sources are peer-reviewed and coming from trusted databases.
Step 5: Organize Your Sources.
With ANY paper you write that stems
off of knowledge you've gained from outside sources you have to cite where you
got it. There are no loop holes for this rule—you find it, you cite it. The
lucky part is that there are tons of sources that can help you cite them
correctly. A website that is always highly used and recommended is Easy Bib (http://www.easybib.com/). This website helps
you create bibliographies for sources used in research and even allows you to organize
them in folders and projects.
Another website that can be helpful
is Evernote (https://evernote.com/) which
works best when using FireFox or Google Chrome. This website acts as an online
notebook and is very helpful if you are struggling with organizing a lot of
sources. Once you download the WebClipper (https://evernote.com/webclipper/),
you can clip a whole or parts of articles being used and keep them stored a folder
under your account—which takes less than a minute to create. The website keeps
the URL with the article so you can go back to cite sources at any time with a
click.
Step 6: Create an Outline.
Outline what you want your paper to
look like including ideas, sections with topics, and your thesis statement. New
sections and research can always be added on but as a way to get started an
outline is extremely helpful. Try to provide a topic sentence for each
paragraph to help keep you on track of the information you need and throw out
the information that doesn’t have as strong of a relation.
Step 7: Write Your Paper.
You have your research and your
knowledge—it’s time to get writing. Use your outline and sources to write a
well-thought paper. Keep in mind, this is your first draft, you can always go
back and make some changes. Be sure to stay on track and only add sources that
help your topic and not anything that will distract from it.
Step 8: Editing.
Once you’ve written your paper, go
back and edit it yourself, then have a friend or two edit it; the more editors,
the better. Be sure to double-check that all of your bibliographies are written
and formatted correctly. When you think your paper is done with the editing process,
use the corrections and comments to turn it into a final draft.
Step 9: Final Draft.
This is the last step of the
process, the moment has come! Re-read your paper a few times and then, if
possible, wait until the next day to look at it again. Make any last minute
minor changes if you need to and submit your paper.
Sources:
Pittman,
Joseph. "Conducting Preliminary Research." Prezi.com. N.p., 6 Apr.
2015. Web. 16 Apr. 2015.
