Basics of a Research Paper

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Research is a crucial skill for any student. Research increases personal scholarship and knowledge in a given field.

 

Types of Research Papers

Research can explain, argue, examine, or analyze information in any given field. Every discipline requires research papers, yet each discipline has different methods of presenting research.

Humanities—In the humanities, the writer utilizes outside research to support an original, argumentative thesis. Research must be analyzed and explained, so the reader can see the connection between the outside research and the writer’s argument. Analysis is paramount.

Social Sciences—The social sciences study human behavior. There are two different types of research papers in the social sciences: primary and secondary. Primary research papers showcase the author's own data and information. Secondary research papers analyze and evaluate the primary research of other experts. Some research papers for the social sciences will incorporate both primary and secondary research. Consult a handbook specifically tailored towards research in the social sciences.

Natural and Biological Sciences—There are various types of research papers in the hard sciences. Some papers simply present the findings of others or explain a scientific process. These papers are strictly informative. Other papers use outside information to construct an argument. Determine if the paper does or does not require an argument.

The various types of research papers all have one thing in common: they all have a purpose. Whether the paper is informative or argumentative, the author must have a specific intent for writing the paper.

 

The Topic of Research Papers

Consider photography. One photographer could take a simple picture of the front façade of a building. Rather than focusing on the entire façade, another photographer might sit on the ground and look up at one column. Another person may isolate a window. (Ballenger 1999, 76). The perspectives are entirely different even though the photographers used the same basic idea—the building. Topics for research papers are similar in that they need to be focused and narrow.

Isolating an interesting, narrow topic for a research paper is essential for writing the paper. If you are bored by the topic, then the reader will be bored. If the topic has already been assigned, you can still work within the given boundaries to find something interesting. Consider the following suggestions.

• Do initial research on the topic and find out background information. Often, a topic emerges after doing some research.
• Think in specifics, not generalities. Research papers that try to cover too broad an issue fail to give an in-depth look at the topic. Consider subtopics of the main idea.
• Look at the topic from a different angle. Remember the photographers.

For example, the topic of mushrooms has been assigned. Ask questions to narrow the topic and find something interesting. As you research with these questions in mind, it will be easier to find a specific topic.

Possible questions:
What are the various types of mushrooms?
What are mushroom circles?
What makes certain mushrooms poisonous?
Why do pigs detect truffles?
What kinds of mushrooms are delicacies?
Are there uses of the mushroom other than culinary?

 

Taking Notes

After determining a topic, the researcher needs to gather information and take notes from those sources. Taking notes helps the writer process the information before writing the paper. Take several notes, even though all the notes may not be used. There are some basic methods for note taking. Decide which of the following ways works best for you.

Note: For more information on locating sources and using notes, see the handout Finding and Evaluating Sources.

Note Cards—Record detailed bibliographic information at the top of each note card. When you come across important information that relates to the topic, write down the information or quote on a note card. It's helpful to include your own thoughts about the information. Since note cards can be arranged and rearranged,they help with organizing a paper. Rather than flipping through books while writing a paper, you can simply utilize the note cards.

Double-Entry Journal—Use a notebook and divide each page into two columns. At the top of the page, record the bibliographic information. The right side of the page will contain the quotes and information you find while researching. The left side will list your commentary and thoughts and the topic. This format is particularly useful for argumentative research papers. The analysis begins with source collection. Journals are less convenient than note cards, but they hold more information.

Computer—Some writers prefer working on the computer. If this is the case, type the bibliographic information at the top of the page. Then type the important information from the source. Next include your commentary and reaction. Even if the paper is not argumentative, still mention why the information is necessary. It will help when you return to the notes in order to write the paper.

 

Bibliography

Ballenger, Bruce. The Curious Researcher: A Guide to Writing Research Papers. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon, 1999.

Hult, Christine A. Researching and Writing in the Social Sciences. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon, 1996.

Jenny Sneddon, Summer 2005