Writing a Quality Research Paper

The methodology of writing a successful research paper

(© DBU University Writing Center)

Researching

• Finding Information– Searching Resources

• Possible Resources: Computer Databases; Internet; Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, Journals, etc.; Books; Other

– Printing/Making Copies• After printing, highlight relevant information

• Paraphrase important information in the margins

– Cite Bibliography from each Resource

Fitting it Together

• Organizing the Information• After reviewing the data, develop basic contentions and

sub-points

• Group research into the contention that each bit of data falls under

• Develop your own thoughts and analysis, expanding on what your research says

• Construct a Thesis Statement: a sentence that is an umbrella statement including each contention

– Make an outline and fit contentions and sub-points together in Roman Numeral fashion

Writing

• Follow Your Outline– Incorporate:

• Introduction with a developed thesis• Paragraphs that point to thesis and correctly incorporate

data and quotations– Cite quotations according to chosen documentation style (MLA,

APA, Turabian); DO NOT PLAGIARIZE by failing to credit the author with his or her thoughts!

• Your own analysis and your perception of the relevance to the thesis after each bit of data

• Original conclusion with a recapitulation of major points

Bibliography/Finishing Touches

• Create a Works Cited or Bibliography page conforming to chosen documentation style– Follow step-by-step guidelines provided in

selected documentation manual• keep in mind specific assignment constraints

• Finish early enough to review your final draft with the Writing Center or other peers– Make appropriate changes