Making research papers includes the preparation of arguments based on the analysis of a research result. Research papers are assignments that are usually given at the high school or college level. Paper content can cover a wide range of topics, from medical science to medieval history. Writing a research paper can be overwhelming, especially when you're just starting out. By properly organizing your ideas and sources, it will be easier to start writing a research paper and you will have less trouble writing.
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Part 1 of 6: Preparation for Assignment
Step 1. Read the job description carefully
Most research paper assignments are given by teachers with certain rules. Before you start writing it, make sure you understand exactly what the paper is asking for. Some things you should know are:
- Paper length.
- Number and types of references to be cited.
- Paper topic. Are you asked to write in a specific topic area or are you asked to choose your own topic? Do your teachers/lecturers give suggestions for choosing a topic? Are there any restrictions on the choice of topics?
- Paper submission deadline.
- Do you have to submit other assignments before submitting papers? For example, your professor/teacher may ask you to submit a rough draft for review or an outline for a paper to be submitted along with the finished paper.
- The format you will use. Should your paper be double-spaced? Do you have to write it in WHAT format? Do you have to make a bibliography?
- If you feel unsure about any of the things above, don't hesitate to ask your lecturer/teacher.
Step 2. Prepare tools for writing
Many people like to write using a laptop. Others prefer to write in books with a pen. Make sure you have all the materials you need to write. Make sure your computer is working properly and that you have enough material to write on.
If you don't have a computer with internet access but you need one, try requesting access to a computer at a university, school, or library
Step 3. Break the assignment into small parts, then make a work schedule
Often, the creation of a research paper involves many stages; each of them takes a lot of time. If you want to write a good paper, make sure you have enough time-at least a day or two-to complete each stage. The ideal time required to research and write a paper is two weeks. The length of time will depend on several factors, including the length of the assignment, your knowledge of the topic of the paper, your writing style, and any other assignments you have. Here is an example of a common schedule that can be tailored to your needs:
- Day 1: Start reading and decide on a topic
- Day 2: Gathering research resources
- 3rd day s.d. 5: Read and record research results
- Day 6: Prepare the outline of the paper
- 7th day s.d. 9: Writing the first draft
- Day 10 etc.: Revise the draft to completion
- The scope and complexity of a research paper varies widely. A high school student's paper takes two weeks to complete, a graduate student's paper takes a year, and for a professor, a paper he or she has written in his field may take years to prepare.
Step 4. Choose a few places that can give you space to concentrate
Some people like to read and write in a quiet and isolated environment such as a private study room or library. Others are more able to concentrate in places that have more activities such as cafes or dormitory recreation rooms. Find a few convenient places for you to write your term paper. Make sure these places have adequate lighting (ideally, with windows for natural light to enter) and a power outlet for your laptop.
Part 2 of 6: Determining the Research Topic
Step 1. Find out if you should define the topic yourself
Usually, the research topic will be determined by the teacher. Once your topic has also been determined, move on to the next step. However, you are free to choose your own topic, you will need some time to decide.
Step 2. Choose a topic that matches the assignment rules
Even if the topic is free, you will still be limited by certain rules. Your topic should be relevant to the class you are taking and to the assignment. For example, your topic may have to relate to something that has been given in class. Or, your topic should be related to the French Revolution. Make sure you understand the assignment and that your topic is relevant to the assignment.
For example, a lecturer in a microbiology course would not accept a comprehensive research paper on the Enlightenment. Similarly, an American literature professor who asks for a paper on F. Scott Fitzgerald will not be happy if you submit an essay on Jeff van der Meer. Make sure your essay topic remains relevant
Step 3. Make a list of relevant topics that interest you
Once you understand the assignment rules, you can start looking around for appropriate topics. There's a good chance you'll find a good topic right away. However, often times, you have to look for it for a long time before finding one that fits. Make sure the potential topics you choose are of interest to you. This is important because you will spend a lot of time researching it, and therefore the task will be more enjoyable if you enjoy it. You can search for a topic in the following ways:
- Skim through lecture notes and textbooks. Is there a topic that interests you? Do you underline sentences in books because you want to learn more about them? These things can lead you to a topic.
- Remember the last reading assignment you enjoyed the most. The reading can contribute to a topic for you.
- Talk to classmates about lectures. Discuss the things that interest (and don't) interest you.
Step 4. Choose a topic
After you have written a list of interesting topics, try to check them one by one. Is there anything that really interests you? Did you find anything in common between them? For example, if half of the topics on your list have to do with weaponry in World War I, your interest may be more directed there. Other things to consider when choosing a topic are:
- Relevance to assignment. Does a topic meet all the assignment rules?
- The amount of research material available on the topic. For example, on the topic of places of worship in Indonesia, there must be a lot of information available. However, the number of references regarding the response of the Catholic church in Banyumas to rap songs may not be too many.
- How narrow is the topic requested. Some paper assignments ask for very specific topics: for example, you might be asked to research the history of a single object (such as a top). Other paper assignments may have a wider scope, for example regarding the involvement of women in the struggle for independence of the Republic of Indonesia. If your topic is narrow enough, you will be less overwhelmed by the breadth of information and you will be able to understand reference sources more deeply. For example, you won't be able to write a perfect 10-page paper on the topic “World War II”. The topic is too broad and heavy. However, you might be able to write a good 10-page paper on “World War II Imagery in Indonesian Newspapers.”
Step 5. Skim through sources on a potential topic for one to two hours
Before you decide to choose a particular topic, don't read the references too thoroughly as it will be a waste of time. However, you can skim through things related to the topics on the list that you have created. You can find out if a topic is too broad or narrow, or you will be able to recognize the level of relevance of the topic to the assignment. After reading it at a glance, you can:
- Decide on a topic that can be used and start writing about it
- Determine whether or not modifications to the topic you choose
- Determine if a topic can be used or not and test if any other topics from your list are applicable
Step 6. Discuss your topic with the teacher
Many teachers, lecturers, and teaching assistants will be happy to provide advice and input to students who are writing papers. If you are not sure whether your topic is good or not, one of the lecturers may be able to direct you. Make an appointment to meet to discuss your paper ideas.
- It's a good idea to have an early discussion with your teacher or lecturer so that you can take suggestions on where to look for references or how to structure your paper.
- Always come prepared, articulate the topic of the paper well. Your professor or teacher will want you to come to them with well-thought-out topics and ideas.
Part 3 of 6: Collecting Research Materials
Step 1. Gather key sources
Primary sources are the original objects that you wrote, while secondary sources are comments about the main source. You will be more likely to have a primary source if you are writing a research paper in the social sciences or arts. It is unlikely that you will need primary source analysis in the natural sciences. Relative to the topic of the paper, you will probably need to have:
- A literary work
- A movie
- A manuscript
- Historical documents
- Letter or diary
- A painting
Step 2. Look for secondary sources and references on the internet
Many universities and schools subscribe to online databases as a place to find reference materials. These databases will help you find scientific articles, academic monographs, scientific papers, source indexes, historical documents, or other materials. Use the keyword search feature to search for materials relevant to the topic.
- If your school doesn't subscribe to major databases, you can search the internet for open access journals or with Jstor and Google Scholar to start looking for solid research material. However, you should also be careful with the information you find on the internet.
- Sometimes, these databases will provide direct access to the source-for example, a PDF version of a scientific article. In other cases, the database will simply give you an article title that you have to look up yourself in the library.
Step 3. Use a search engine in the library to collect references
In addition to searchable databases, local, university, or national libraries also have reference sources in their collections. Use the library's search engine to search for relevant titles, authors, keywords, and topics.
Make sure you have a complete list of titles, authors, article numbers, and the location of these sources. This is because you may have to retrace it
Step 4. Visit the library
Most libraries organize their shelves by subject. If you are looking for material on a single topic, books on it are likely located close to each other. The results of a search using the library's search engine will direct you to the right places to find relevant books. Also make sure you look at the shelves surrounding the books you're looking for, as you may find relevant sources that don't appear when you do an internet search. Also check other books that may be related to your topic.
Many libraries put certain books in a separate section from the rest of the collection. Sometimes these books are not allowed to leave the library, and as such, you will have to make copies by photocopying or digital scanners
Step 5. Talk to the librarian
Librarians have in-depth knowledge of the collections in the libraries where they work. Some library systems even have librarians who are experts in certain fields such as law, natural science, or literature. Talk to a librarian about your topic. He may be able to point you to surprising and useful resources.
Step 6. Check source accuracy
There's a ton of information hanging around out there. Some of them may be accurate, and some of them are not. Sometimes, selecting accurate information from not very difficult to do. However, there are several modes that you can use to ensure that the source of the information you obtain is of good accuracy:
- Make sure your sources are reviewed by experts. If a work has not been reviewed by experts, chances are it is inaccurate or less reliable.
- Don't rely too much on popular sites. Wikipedia and other similar sites are useful sources for brief information (such as important dates), not for in-depth analysis. Check the information on popular sites with available academic resources.
- Look for books published by reputable publishers. If your source is a published book, make sure it is published by a good publisher. Many large publishing institutions are affiliated with top universities. Do not trust information that comes from books published by the authors themselves.
- Ask experts in your field for their favorite journals. Some scientific and academic journals are of higher quality than others. However, for students, it will be very difficult to distinguish high quality journals from low quality ones. Therefore, ask the opinion of experts about the most trustworthy journals.
- Look for sources with good footnotes or citations. Usually, most solid research results will have a good bibliography. If you find an article that doesn't have a bibliography, chances are that the author didn't review other people's research.
Step 7. Read the quote for further input
One of the best places to look for ideas for further research is on a citation list or bibliography. The bibliography is where the authors list the sources of information they used in their research. Using it, you can search for those sources and read them too. If you like a writer's conclusions, try checking the sources he used.
Step 8. Organize research materials well
At this point, you probably already have a number of books, scholarly articles, journals, and other sources of information. Set up a system to organize the materials. For example, you can create a separate folder on your computer to hold the articles or organize your research books on the same shelf. Do not let you lose these resources.
Part 4 of 6: Using Research Materials Wisely
Step 1. Analyze the main sources carefully
If you are writing a research paper analyzing a primary source, start by examining your main materials as thoroughly as possible. Read it carefully, observe it carefully, note the details from it. Try writing down your initial observations that will help lay a foundation for you. Don't let your thoughts disappear when you start reading the opinions of experts on the topic.
Step 2. Scan secondary materials for relevance
Don't assume that all sources will be equally relevant to your research topic. Some titles may not match the content, and sometimes, you will find research results that are not good or deviate from the topic. Assume that only half of the resources you have collected will actually be used by you. Before you start writing detailed notes, determine if a source is worth an in-depth read. Some ways to do this quickly are:
- Scan the chapter and section titles to determine the main topics. Bookmark specific sections or chapters that may be relevant to you.
- Read the introduction and conclusion first. The two sections describe the topics covered by the author and whether these topics can be used by you.
- Skim through the footnotes to find out what kind of discussion the source author was involved in. If you're writing a psychology paper and the footnotes on that paper quote entirely from philosophers, then that paper may not be relevant to you.
Step 3. Decide which materials you will read in depth, which you will only read partially, and which you will not use
After skimming your research materials, decide which ones will be most helpful in your research. Some of the resources will be very useful, and you may want to read the entirety of them. However, some other sources may contain only a small part of their content that is relevant to your research. Other sources may have irrelevant content, and therefore, you can get rid of them.
Step 4. Take notes carefully
The amount of information can overwhelm you in writing a paper. You will discover new concepts, terms, and arguments. To keep yourself organized (and clearly remember what you've read), make sure you take detailed notes. You can write these notes on, for example, a separate notebook or word processing document on your computer. Things you should take notes on include:
- Main argument or conclusion from a source
- Methodology used
- Key evidence from a source
- Alternative explanation of results for a source
- All the things that surprise or confuse you
- Key terms and concepts
- Things you disagree with or doubt about the source argument
- Questions you have regarding sources
- Useful quotes
Step 5. Cite the information carefully
As you take notes, make sure you indicate exactly which source provided you with certain information. Most citations include the author's name, date of publication, title of publication, title of journal (if relevant) and page number. Other information that may be included is the name of the publisher, the site used to access the publication, and the city in which the source was published. Remember that you must cite a source if you use the information contained therein. Failure to do so may result in charges of plagiarism or academic dishonesty.
- Use the citation format requested by your teacher. Commonly used citation formats include: MLA, Chicago, APA, and CSE. Each of these formats has a writing guide so you can cite sources correctly.
- There are many computer programs that can help you easily set the citation format, including EndNote and RefWorks. Some word processing systems also have a citation program that can help you build a bibliography.
Step 6. Organize and consolidate information
As you continue to note from the source, certain patterns related to your topic will begin to emerge. Did you find any disagreements? Is there a general consensus on something? Do most sources not include a key topic of their discussion? Organize your notes based on those key patterns.
Part 5 of 6: Making the Skeleton
Step 1. Open a new blank document to outline the handout
An outline is the key to writing a research paper, especially a longer one. An outline will help you focus on the content of the paper. In addition, the framework will also facilitate the writing process. Remember that a good outline doesn't have to include completely perfect paragraphs. Instead an outline will contain only the core pieces of information that will have to be rearranged later. This includes:
- thesis statement
- Topic sentence, key evidence, and main conclusion for each paragraph
- Regular paragraph order
- Closing statement
Step 2. Write a provisional thesis statement
To write most research papers, you will have to make an argument based on the available evidence and your own analysis. You will introduce your argument using a thesis statement, and the rest of the paragraphs that follow will relate to that statement. A thesis statement must be a statement that:
- argumentative. You can't just say that something is general knowledge or a basic fact. “The sky is blue,” for example, is not a thesis statement.
- Convincing. Your thesis must be based on evidence and in-depth analysis. Don't write a thesis that's wild, unconventional, or unprovable.
- According to your task. You must keep all the parameters and guidelines in writing a paper.
- Can be done in accordance with the available space. Keep your thesis sharp and focused. By doing so, you will be able to prove the points you made in the space available to you.
Step 3. Write a thesis statement at the top of the outline
Since everything else depends on the thesis statement, you should keep it in mind at all times. Write the statement at the top of the outline, in large, bold letters.
- If you must modify your thesis as you write, do so. It is possible that your thoughts will change as you write the paper.
- Other key things to include in an introduction are the methods, the parameters of the study you have undertaken, and an outline of the following sections.
Step 4. Think of the background information needed for the topic
Many papers have a section at the beginning that provides readers with information about their topic. In many cases, you will also have to include a discussion of what other researchers have said about your topic (literature review). Make a list of the information that you will have to explain so that the reader can better understand the content of the paper.
Step 5. Think of the information you will need to prove the thesis statement true
What kind of evidence do you need to demonstrate that you are right? Will you need textual, visual, historical, or scientific evidence? Do you need expert opinion? Check your records for this evidence.
Step 6. Create an outline for the body of the paragraph
The body of the paragraph is where your research and analysis will take place. Most paragraphs are several sentences long, and all of those sentences should be related to each other. Ideally, each body paragraph will complement the previous paragraph and strengthen your argument. Typically, each body paragraph will have:
- A topic sentence that states what evidence will be explained and its relevance.
- Presentation of evidence in the form of quotations, results from scientific studies, or survey results.
- Your analysis for the evidence.
- Discussion of how the evidence has been used by other researchers.
- One or two concluding sentences explaining the significance of the analysis.
Step 7. Organize the body paragraphs
Each body paragraph should be able to stand alone. However, each of the body paragraphs should also complement each other to argue for your thesis statement. Arrange the body paragraphs with a structure that is easy to follow and understand. This arrangement will depend on the topic you are writing about, but in general, you can structure your body paragraphs in the following ways:
- Chronological. For example, if your research paper discusses the history of an artifact, you may want to discuss its key features in chronological order.
- Conceptual. You may have to address the main themes in your paper and discuss each concept individually. For example, if your paper discusses how a particular film represents gender, race, and sexuality, create separate sections that address each of these concepts.
- Based on scale. For example, if your paper discusses the impact of vaccines, organize the discussion by population size-from smallest to largest, such as the impact of a vaccine on a village, then on a country, and finally, on the world.
- Based on a “yes-no-so” structure. In a "yes-no-so" structure, you will present one point of view (the "yes" perspective), then another point of view that is opposite to it (the "no" perspective), and finally, you take the best parts of each point of view. to create a new theory (the “finished” part). For example, you might use this structure if your paper will explain why some health insurance providers believe in acupuncture and why others don't. At the end of the paper, you can use it to explain what things are right and wrong from both points of view.
- We recommend that you include transitional sentences between body paragraphs. With the transition sentence, the reader will understand better the arrangement of the arguments in it.
Step 8. Think of other parts that need to be added
Relative to the fields or parameters of your assignment, additional sections beyond the body paragraph may be required. The sections can vary widely, so make sure you check the syllabus or consult your teacher for clarification. These additional sections may include:
- An abstract
- Literature review
- Scientific pictures
- Methodology section
- Result section
- An appendix
- References
Step 9. Create a framework for conclusions
A strong conclusion will act as a final statement that tells you that your thesis is correct. Conclusions should recap the entire content and make a strong case from your own point of view. However, your conclusion can also have other functions according to the field you are working on. Among them:
- Possible negatives or alternative explanations of your research results
- Additional questions to be studied further
- Your expectations regarding the impact of your paper on the discussion of a topic
Part 6 of 6: Overcoming Difficulties in Writing
Step 1. Don't panic
Most people have difficulty writing, especially when faced with a very large task such as writing a research paper. Calm down, take a deep breath: you'll be able to overcome this predicament with some easy tricks and techniques.
Step 2. Do free writing exercises to get your thoughts flowing
If you're having a hard time continuing to write, put your outline aside for a few minutes. After that, try to write down everything that relates to your topic. What do you think is important to bring up? What do you think is important for other people to know? Recall the things that you find interesting and fun about your topic. Just writing for a few minutes-even if the things you wrote down won't be included in the final draft of the paper-will help to get the ideas flowing to help you write more organized.
Step 3. Choose different sections to write
You don't have to write a research paper in order from beginning to end. Once you have a solid outline, your paper will work regardless of which paragraph you write first. If you find it difficult to write an introduction, choose the most interesting body paragraph to write first. Doing so will give you ideas on how to write the more complex sections.
Step 4. Say what you mean out loud
If you find it difficult to write down a complex sentence or concept, try explaining it orally instead of on paper. Have a discussion with others about the concept. Try explaining it over the phone. Once you can do it well, write it down on paper.
Step 5. Let your first draft be full of imperfections
First drafts are never perfect. You will be able to fix it in the revision stage. Instead of struggling to find the perfect word, just mark the parts you don't think are good enough to think about next time. You'll probably get better words for that part the next day. For now, though, stay focused on getting your ideas down to paper.
Step 6. Take a walk outside
While procrastination should be avoided, sometimes, your brain needs to rest in order to continue to function properly. If you've been struggling with a paragraph for more than an hour, get out of the house and get some 20 minutes of fresh air to rest.
Step 7. Change your image of who will read the paper
Some people have difficulty writing because they are worried about those who will read their papers such as, for example, a lecturer who is notoriously stingy in giving grades. To overcome this anxiety, imagine that you are writing the paper for other people such as: your roommate, parents, sister, boyfriend, etc. This will help you organize your thoughts better as well as calm yourself down.
Tips
- Give yourself plenty of time-ideally, at least two weeks-to work on a research paper. Some papers may take even longer to complete properly.
- Always work in accordance with the purpose of the assignment. Make sure your paper meets the requirements given and has high relevance.
- Make sure you cite sources correctly according to the format requested by your teacher. This is an important part of the research paper.
- The keys to a good research paper are good sources, strong analysis, and an organized essay structure. If you have fulfilled these three things, then your research paper will be very good.
- Don't be afraid to talk to your supervisor, professor, or classmate about your paper. Many teachers enjoy discussing essay writing strategies, good topics, and resourceful resources with their students.
Warning
- Although the information provided is not a direct quote, if you do not include the source, you will be considered plagiarism.
- Plagiarism is a very dishonest act and can have serious consequences, including suspension, expulsion from campus, or not graduating from a course.
