12
Steps in a Research Paper
A
research paper is not always easy. The information is not going to be waiting
for you, pre-packaged and ready to go. You have to search and search and search
different sources.
Do you know where to start?
A
search strategy can save time!
The steps below will guide you and
will reduce the stress a research paper can produce.
Most importantly, if you have any questions,
ASK
A LIBRARIAN FOR ASSISTANCE!
1.
Select a Topic - Decide
on a topic that interests you.
-
Consider the amount of time you have available and your instructor's guidelines.
2.
Narrow your Topic
- Do
you have the correct subject?
- What
are the broader and narrower terms associated with the topic?
3.
Use Reference Sources
-
These sources will give you an overview and a background on your topic.
- Look
in general and specialized encyclopedias. In these sources you will find, in addition
to the background and an overview, names and dates associated with your topic
and a list of other sources where more information might be found (bibliography).
4.
Use the Computer Catalog to Look for
Books, Cassettes, Videos
- Look
under subject unless you have a specific title or author. Sometimes your subject
will be covered by a broader topic. Use the terminology associated with your topic.
5. Use the Online Databases
to Look for Articles in Magazines, Newspapers and Journals
- Do a keyword search; for
example: China AND "economic growth." Use the terminology associated
with your topic.
6.
Find Information on the World
Wide Web
- The
Web is another resource; it is not THE resource.
- Evaluate
the information you get. There is a lot of vanity press and grey literature on
the Web!
7.
Read.
- Make
note cards.
-
Organize your note cards by topics.
8.
Prepare Bibliography Cards
- Citing
could be very challenging, but you MUST give credit where credit is due.
9.
Make an outline
- This
will help you get focused and eventually will save you time.
10.
Start Writing!
- Use
your own ideas.
- Give
quotes, facts, statistics.
11.
Proofread
- Ask
someone else to proofread your paper.
12.
Set aside
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Last
Updated: Rev. July 2007
Created
and maintained by Sahyly Martinez
Send Your Comments to: askalib
URL: http:/www.epcc.edu/vvlib/Handouts/steps.htm