Sometimes the most difficult part of writing a research paper is just getting it started. Contained in this packet, you will
find a list of six steps that will aid you in the research paper writing process. You may develop your own steps or
procedures as you progress in your writing career; these steps are just to help you begin.
Step 1: Understand the Assignment and Set a Schedule
One of the biggest problems students have when beginning a research paper is that they don’t understand the assignment.
Make sure that if you have any questions you ask the professor, other students, or come into the Writing Center. Some
specific details you should know are:
• How long the paper has to be (pages, number of words)
• The type of citation preferred by the professor
• Number and types of sources that are allowed (websites, books, articles)
• Whether specific aspects of the paper have different due dates or is it due in full on a specific date.
• Other formatting details (footnotes, subtitles, heading, double-spacing)
• Set a schedule according to the due dates and how long it will take you to complete each task.
(Day-by-day, week-by-week)
Step 2: Finding a Topic and Question
Once you have figured out what the assignment is about, it is time to choose a specific topic or question to research. Some
things to consider when choosing a topic:
• Is this topic appropriate? – You may want to have the professor approve it.
• Narrow the focus of your paper. (try to make it as specific as possible)
• Choose a topic that not only interests you, but will also be interesting to the reader.
• You may want to choose a question that your paper will answer. That way, when you are
researching, you are looking for something specific.
• The answer that you find to this question may ultimately become your thesis statement.
Example: Topic - Pay equality in the workforce.
Question- Do women still get paid less than men do for completing
the same amount of work?
Thesis - Women get paid less than men in certain jobs.
Step 3: Begin Research
After you have decided the direction you want to take for the paper, it will now be time to begin researching the topic.
NOTE: Just because you have chosen a topic and question does not mean you have to stick with that one for the rest of
the paper! After you have started researching, you may find information that makes you want to change your focus. It is
fine if you change your question, but make sure your paper answers the new question and not the old one. Some things to
keep in mind when researching:
• Make sure you use a wide variety of sources (Internet, books, journals, video, interviews, etc.)
• Allow yourself enough time to research. This will be the most intensive part of the paper, allow at
least two hours per researching session.
• Keep records and copies of all of the information you obtain. Get all of the bibliographical
information while you are researching so you do not have to go back. Make sure you also make
note of where you found the information in case you have to retrieve it later.
o Such information includes:
Title of the article or book
Date it was published or copy written
Author(s) and publishing company
Pages used
• Try to put information into your own words. It is helpful to paraphrase the information in your
own words while you are taking notes to avoid plagiarism later. If you do take quotes directly
from the source, make sure you make a note of that.