Research

It is an exhaustive investigation or experimentation aimed at the (1) discovery and interpretation of facts; (2) the revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts; and (3) the practical application of such new or revised theories or laws (Webster).

Library Research It is a short investigation about a topic based mainly on library resources.

Steps in Doing a Library Research Paper

Computerize the material Write the research paper Make an outline Formulate the thesis statement Gather data to answer the question State a question/problem Do a preliminary reading Choose a general subject

Choose a general subject

You may discover your general subject from the following instances: Observation Experiences Readings Radio or Television Programs Conversations Class Discussions Information from the internet

Examples of General Subjects: Natural Resources Education Sports Diseases Movies Technology

Think of three (3) general topics which interest you

Do a preliminary reading
Reading for an overview of the general subject Narrowing to a specific aspect of the general topic

State a question that identifies the problem

What do you want to know about your topic?

1. 2. 3. 4.

Brainstorm Choose one Estimate your question Improve your question

Gather data to answer the question

Read and take notes Types of Notes: 1. Direct quotation (copying the exact words of the author) 2. Paraphrase (restating a passage using your own words) 3. Summary (getting the gist or main thought of the passage)

Prepare a working bibliography which is a detailed list of books and articles and other sources that you intend to use in your research.

Formulate the thesis statement

A thesis statement is the main idea of the whole composition.

It is usually the sentence that answers the question or is closely related to the answer to this question.

Make an outline
It is the skeleton of your research paper. Patterns of an Outline:
Number-letter sequence I. A. B. 1. 2. a. b. II. Decimal 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.2.1 1.2.2 1.2.2.1 1.2.2.2 2.0

Write the research paper

Write your first draft Have the tripod of organized ideas: 1. Introduction 2. Body 3. Conclusion

Revise the paper

Computerize the material

1. Margins and spacing top, bottom and right side: 1 inch, left side: 1 inch double space entire text indent 5 spaces for paragraphs and 10 spaces for long quotations 2. Title page 3. Page numbering Do not number: title page, outline, first page of the text 4. Proofreading