Research Paper Help

Writing a research paper is not as difficult as it might first seem. Generally, there are 7 steps involved:

1. Choose a topic. First, you have to decide what you want to research. Try not to pick too broad of a topic (for example, "Oceanography"), but one that you can reasonably cover in the page length assigned and that you can complete in the time allowed.

2. Gather background information. Begin your research by finding sources that provide an overview of your topic. The Internet is a good place to start gathering basic information, so try search engines and Internet guides. Some are better than others, so you might want to try a few. When doing research it's important to be careful about your sources. Just because something is "in print" doesn't mean it's true or accurate. You should always check several sources (electronic and print) to make sure the information is correct. For Internet sites, always take into account who has posted it. Look for sites by reputable (trustworthy) organizations, such as universities, research institutes, or government agencies. If a site is promoting a certain point of view, it could influence the information that appears.

The reference section of your school or local library is also a good place to start your research. There you will find encyclopedias, almanacs, handbooks, and other sources. If you are new to the library, ask a librarian to show you around. Librarians are very knowledgeable people and are always glad to help you.

3. Refine your topic. After you have gathered some basic information, it's a good idea to revisit your topic and determine if it's still appropriate. Can you find enough sources? Does it need to be narrowed? Does it still interest you?

4. Gather information. Newspapers, journals, books, and government documents are some of the many possible sources you can find online or at a library. The types of sources you use depends on your topic. More recent information can be found in newspapers and journals, while books usually contain more detailed and historical information on a topic.

Newspaper and journal articles can often be found on the Internet. Newspapers usually archive articles on their websites and journal articles can often be found in databases. Your school or local library may provide access to such databases. Most federal, state, and local governments post recent documents on their websites. Copies of older documents may have to be sent for or obtained at a library.

5. Organize your information. After you have gathered the information, you need to organize it in a way that will be easy for a reader to follow. Think about the most logical presentation. Should someone read about the history of a topic before or after they read about the latest findings? How you organize your paper depends on what works best for you and your topic.

6. Write the paper. Now you are ready to write your paper! For information on the writing process, see the links below. Don't forget to proofread your paper before turning it in. Spelling and grammatical errors can cost you points!

7. Cite your resources. There are several different formats for citing your resources, including web sites. Check with your teacher for the one they prefer. Here is the style established by the by the National Information Standards Organization, or NISO, in Bethesda, Md:

The Office of Naval Research [Internet]. Arlington (VA): Science and Technology Focus Site for Students and Teachers [updated 2002 Dec 9; cited 2002 Dec 9]. Available from http://www.onr.navy.mil/focus.

There are many websites that can help you improve your research and writing skills. Here are a few that you might find useful:

A+ Research & Writing

From the Internet Public Library. Provides a step by step guide to researching and writing. Includes a bibliography.

Guide to Library Research

From Duke University. Provides information on choosing a topic, finding information, selecting sources, and evaluating sources.

QuickStudy: Library Research Guide

From the University of Minnesota Libraries. This guide explores several aspects of research including choosing a topic, research strategies, finding sources, and evaluating sources.

Paradigm Online Writing Assistant

Online writer's guide and handbook. Provides information on all aspects of the writing process.

Research It!

From the Traverse des Sioux Library System. Provides links on choosing a topic, taking notes, outlining and organizing, writing, and citing sources.

Research Tip Sheets

From Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School. Contains information on selecting a topic, collecting information, and the writing process.

The Seven Steps of the Research Process

From Cornell University. Provides information on choosing a topic, finding information, selecting sources, and evaluating resources.

 

Source: http://www.onr.navy.mil/focus/cybermail/cyberhelp.htm