Research Papers

Why & How

What is the purpose of a research paper?

To gather and share information from experts and reliable sources on a certain topic

What makes a research paper valid?

Citing the sources of the research that was done. (This means stating IN the paper where the information came from – not just including the info at the end.)

What happens if I don’t cite sources?

A research paper without source citations isn’t really a true “research paper”.

The writer can and probably will be accused of plagiarism.

How should I cite my sources?

There are 2 ways: In-text citations – this is where you actually

state the source author’s name and/or the title of the source in the sentence.

For example: In The Llamas of Peru, Robert Q. Jones tells us that the gestation period for llamas is 11 months.

This citation will then match up with an item on the “Works Cited” page at the end of the report.

How else can I cite my sources?

The other way: Parenthetical citation – this is where you

identify the source in ( ) at the end of the sentence.

For example: The gestation period of llamas is 11 months (Jones).

This citation will also match up with an item on the “Works Cited” page at the end of the report.

What if I want to quote the text directly?

Do the same types of citations, just add quotation marks around the exact wording from your source. For example: Jones stated, “At birth, a baby

llama (called a cria) can weigh between 9.1 kilograms (20 lb) and 14 kilograms (30 lb).” OR

“At birth, a baby llama (called a cria) can weigh between 9.1 kilograms (20 lb) and 14 kilograms (30 lb) ” (Jones).

Does it matter which form I use?

It is best to offer both types in the paper. The variety will make the paper more interesting to read and will help it flow.

What if my source is a website?

You cite it the same way as a book: 1st you look for an author’s name to use. If there is no author then you use the title of

the website.

NOTE: YOU NEVER USE A WEBSITE’s URL AS A CITATION!!!!!

What goes at the End of the Research Paper?

“Bibliography”

“Works Cited” page

WHAT’s THE DIFFERENCE?

Bibliography = a list of all the sources you read for your paper. Not all of them will be mentioned in the text.

Works Cited are the sources that you actually mentioned in your paper. That’s why they are called the “Works Cited” !

How do I know if I need a Bib or a WC page?

Most of the time in high school, you will be asked to do Works Cited pages. (Bibliographies are more common in college level research.)

Your teacher will tell you which you need, but YOU need to know the difference.

You should include these things for ANY class that requires you to turn in a research paper – not just English class!

Is there a connection between the citations in my paper and the Works Cited Page?

ABSOLUTELY! Part of the point is that the citations need to

match the Works Cited page. Whatever the first words are in the Works

Cited citation – those are the words you use in the citation in the text.

Your teacher should be able to turn back to the Works Cited page and immediately find the author or title that you’ve put in the paper.

What does it mean when a teacher says the Works Cited page needs to be

in proper MLA format? Founded in 1883 by teachers and scholars,

the Modern Language Association ( MLA) promotes the study and teaching of language and literature.

Part of what this group does is to come up with rules for citing research.

Most language and humanities related classes in high school and college will require MLA formatting.

Are there other ways to cite sources?

Yes! APA format is the official style of the

American Psychological Association (APA) and is commonly used to cite sources in psychology, education, and the social sciences.

In a science class you may be asked to use this format.

How do I know what the correct format looks like?

There are many places to find that information: Websites like Noodletools, EasyBib, or the

actual MLA website can help you. Books like Writer’s Inc can help as well. Ask your English Teacher or Librarian. In this class you will be learning what MLA

style looks like, and you will practice using it.

In Summary

Research papers can be intimidating because it can seem like a lot of work to write one.

However, if you learn how to use the tools available to you, the job will be much easier.

Oh, and… One more thing…

What did you just learn you should NEVER do in a research paper?

NEVER USE A WEBSITE’s URL

AS A CITATION!!!!!!

Thank you for your time and attention!

Happy Researching!!!

This presentation has been created for you by Mrs. Birtcher – WNHS 2011