Writing a Research Paper

Writing a Research Paper

By: Joyce GarczynskiCommunications & Development LibrarianAlbert S. Cook LibraryWriting a Research Paper1

What is a research paper?Purpose:To make an argument (about pop culture and politics) that is supported by researchFormat: Written in organized prose with an introduction, body, and conclusionContent: It has a thesis This is the argument you are making in the paperIt uses what has been said in the research as evidence in support of the thesis

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What a research paper isntNot an opinion piece Not an opportunity to show off what you know on a topicNot a series of resource summaries

While you are making an argument, this is not based on your opinion on a topic. So for example, you are not going to argue that Downton Abbey is the most significant show on television. That would be an opinion and you would have a difficult time backing that up with research.

This is not simply an essay you are not regurgitating information from your class textbook. Rather When you write a research paper you build upon what you know about the subject and make a deliberate attempt to find out what experts know.

With that being said, you are not just summarizing what the experts said on a topic. You are making an argument about what the research as a whole has to say on a particular topic. This requires you to not only be able to understand what each expert is saying, but you will also need to be able to analyze what each expert is saying and relate it to what other experts say3Writing Step 1: Interpret the AssignmentWhenever you get an assignment, ask:Why did your instructor ask you to do this particular task?Who is your audience and what should your writing style be?What kind of evidence do you need to support your ideas?What are the absolute rules of the paper such as deadlines, length and format?

Break into 4 groups and answer these questions about your assignment in this class

Look for key terms such as synthesize that indicate what you need to do. This will give you an indication of what your professor will be looking for when she reads your work

While your professor is your audience, your audience really is someone you want to convince. Remember you are making an argument. The danger is that if you just think of your professor as your audience, youll leave out important details on the topic under the false assumption that your professor knows what you are talking about. Dont make assumptions. Write as if 4Writing Step 2: Selecting a TopicChoose a topic that interests youDo background research and test searching to see whats out thereKeep the topic manageable by narrowingBy medium/outletBy time periodWatch out for topics that are too local or too recent

5Writing Step 3: Gather SourcesStrategize about:Where to searchHow to search How much time it will take to retrieve sources

Well talk more about this next session

6Writing Step 4: Draft a Thesis StatementDevelop the argument you will make (i.e. your thesis statement)The thesis statement is one sentence or two that is at the end of the introductionThe thesis statement should:State the topic of your paperPreview the main points you will be makingSynthesize the research you read This video offers some additional tips

7Is this a good thesis statement?Hollywood attempted to change public opinion about former Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. Actor Sean Penn and director Oliver Stone were strong supporters of former Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. Actor Sean Penn and director Oliver Stone attempted to use their celebrity status to raise public opinion in the United States about former Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. Research suggests that celebrity endorsement of politicians has a limited impact and news analyses indicate that support for Chavez remained low despite celebrity endorsement.8Writing Step 5: Outline Your PaperUse your thesis statement to shape your outline9Writing Step 6: Write a First Draft10Writing Step 7: Revise, Revise, ReviseFirst draft is never the last draftReview your own work after some time awayHave someone else review your work the Writing Lab and now at Cook Library

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Youre Done!Hand in your paper12Get More InformationOn writing a research paper: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/658/01/On interpreting the assignment: http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/understanding-assignments/On selecting a topic: http://libguides.weber.edu/researchtopicOn writing a thesis statement: http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml

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