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
 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