Getting Started on a Research Paper
I.
Begin this
process by examining your assignment sheet.
A.
Be sure you understand
the requirements and limits of the assignment.
B.
Pay attention to
wording, the audience, the scope of expected research, and the desired length.
II.
Set up a schedule
A.
Include library and
Internet exploration time
B.
Set a date for when
you will decide on a topic and/or hypothesis
C.
Allow time to gather
sources
D.
Consider deadlines for
a rough outline and thesis
E.
Take into account note
taking time, rough draft deadlines, revision time, and when the final draft is
due.
F.
Dont forget to
schedule a time to visit the Writing Center!
III.
Identify the purpose
·
Look for cue words,
such as describe, survey, analyze, explain, classify, compare, contrast in
the prompt.
IV.
Identify the audience
·
Be sure to think about
what they already know, what they will want to learn about, what assumptions
they may have/receive, and what response you wish to elicit from them.
V.
Identify the scope of your research
·
Sources:
1)
What kind do I need?
2)
How many do I need?
VI.
Choose a topic
A.
Think about subjects
with which you are or would like to become familiar.
B.
Surf the Net and skim
your textbooks or other reading materials
C.
Ask yourself if the
topic is:
1)
interesting
2)
manageable
3)
has more than one
angle
4)
has available
resources
D.
Focus your topic so
that it is compliant with the length of your assignment
VII.
Develop a hypothesis
or thesis statement
·
This sentence should
be an interesting statement about your research that can be proved or disproved
by your evidence.
Example from Lunsford/Connors:
Topic:
Heroes in U.S. films
Issue:
Changes in heroes in U.S. films
Research Question: How have heroes changed since they found a home in
Hollywood?
Hypothesis/Thesis
statement: As real-life heroes have
been dethroned in popular U.S. culture over the last century, so have film
heroes, and current films suggest that the hero may not have a future at all.
VIII.
Explore your topic
(see worksheet entitled Getting Started on a Composition Paper)
IX.
Convert your hypothesis
to a working thesis for your paper.