Each research assignment poses unique challenges. One paper
may require extensive library or Internet research, while
another will be based on field research, interviews, original
experiments, or surveys. No matter what your topic, there
are a few general strategies you can follow to save time and
produce a more effective paper.
| 1. |
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REVIEW THE ASSIGNMENT
Many instructors provide students with a detailed description
of the research paper. Make sure you fully understand
what is required. If you have any questions, ask your
instructor for help. |
| 2. |
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SELECT PROPOSED TOPICS AND CONDUCT PRELIMINARY
RESEARCH
Develop an overview of your subject by reading background
information. Refer to your textbooks, encyclopedias, and
abstracts to learn basic terms, details, and personalities.
Use an Internet search to gain an overall view of current
research. |
| 3 |
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REVIEW YOUR TOPIC AND NARROW IF NEEDED |
| 4. |
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SURVEY THE RANGE OF EVIDENCE
* Is enough evidence available for your project?
* Do sources agree or are there areas of conflict
or controversy?
* Can you evaluate the quality of sources? Do you
detect signs of bias, incomplete research, lapses of critical
thinking?
* Do you note any trends or patterns in the sources? |
| 5. |
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POSE QUESTIONS TO SELECT SOURCES AND
DEVELOP A WORKING THESIS |
| 6. |
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REFER TO THE INSTRUCTOR'S ASSIGNMENT
OR GUIDELINES TO TARGET YOUR RESEARCH
You may encounter a number of sources that are interesting
but not relevant to your assignment. Focus on the needs
of the assignment. |
| 7. |
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CREATE A TIMELINE TO KEEP RESEARCH ON
TRACK
Don't allow the research to expand beyond a fixed date.
Leave ample time for writing, revising, and editing. |
| 8. |
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RECORD INFORMATION NEEDED FOR CITATIONS
When you take notes, photocopy pages, or print items from
the Internet, make sure you record all the information
needed to cite the source.
* Write the information on the back of photocopies
and directly on your notecards. |
| 9. |
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LABEL OR COLOR CODE SOURCES AND NOTES
FOR EASY REFERENCE
As you collect materials, label them or use Post-it notes
to flag reminders so you will know where to use sources. |
| 10. |
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AVOID COLLECTING REDUNDANT INFORMATION
If your paper about the Civil War requires some background
on Gettysburg, you may only need one or two sources --
not five or six.
* Keep the assignment and desired length of the paper
in mind as you collect material. |
| 11. |
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REVISE YOUR OUTLINE AS YOU COLLECT SOURCES
As you find sources, sketch out where they might appear
in the final paper. If you wait until you collect all
the data, you may find organizing them in logical pattern
difficult.
* If you use a computer, save the various versions
of your outline so you can return to them if you discard
sources. |
| 12. |
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PRIORITIZE SOURCES
Consider which sources are the most valuable and should
appear in the paper. Note those sources you would be willing
to delete if you run out of time or find yourself writing
a paper that is longer than desired. |
| 13. |
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WHILE RESEARCHING, KEEP THE FINAL PAPER
IN MIND
Refer to any sample papers your instructor may have given
you to guide the type and number of sources you are collecting. |
| 14. |
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REVISE AND REFINE YOUR THESIS IF NEEDED |
