The process of developing and writing a research paper can be intimidating. The following steps will help you organize your research, make the process less intimidating, and create good quality research papers.
Develop or Select a Topic
(Try to choose a topic that interests you.)
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What are the main concepts?
(Keywords, synonyms, related terms)
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Find overview or background info on the topic
(General or subject specific encyclopedias)
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Review your topic
(Your topic needs broadening – it is too narrow not enough information available)
(Your topic needs narrowing – it is too broad, too much information, cannot be knowledgeable on all aspects of the topic)
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Locate and retrieve materials
(Library Catalog, databases for eBooks, databases for scholarly journals, Internet resources)
(Save time - Make notes of what and where you find your information)
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Evaluate your sources and select best sources
(Review sources by authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, and coverage)
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Organize, Write and Revise
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Document your sources
(Cite)
*Having trouble – Check with a librarian
*Be willing to use a Thesaurus or Subject resource (encyclopedia, subject heading list in a database or catalog)