The Research Paper

September 01, 2025

Posted by STLCC in Tutoring Resources 

Overview of the research paper

A research paper should be a formal, well-documented composition. Its introduction should begin with a compelling hook leading to a strong thesis statement; its body paragraphs should be headed by clear topic sentences which divide the main idea into logical sections; its conclusion should wrap up the whole subject in a satisfying way. Research papers fall into one of three categories:

1. Expository — gather, summarize and explain information
2. Analytical — analyze components, arriving at meaning or causes
3. Argumentative — argue for or against the topic in order to persuade

Skills needed and steps for writing research papers

Writing an effective research paper involves locating, evaluating, interpreting and organizing information from a wide variety of sources. During the writing process, you will learn to:

• Budget time
• Choose and narrow a topic
• Become comfortable using the library and the internet for research
• Judge the credibility and value of sources and content
• Logically organize ideas to inform, analyze or persuade
• Incorporate source material smoothly
• Document sources appropriately, avoiding plagiarism

Budgeting time

The best time to start work on a research project is the minute the instructor assigns it. Don’t procrastinate. The research process is time-consuming and messy. If you delay, you will be trying to find, read and understand complex articles and books at the last minute.

In order to make the best use of time, develop a tentative schedule with deadlines for completing parts of the process: research and note taking, organization, writing, documentation and revision.

Choosing and narrowing a topic

One good place to dig for a topic is an encyclopedia such as Wikipedia or Encyclopedia Britannica. Although most instructors forbid encyclopedias as references, a good article can provide an overview of a topic and point you to credible sources.

Since you will live with this topic for several weeks, choose something that appeals to you. When faced with a topic that is too broad, focus on just one aspect to research and write about.

Gathering information

Internet research

The internet contains valuable material, but anyone can publish anything online. Carefully evaluate every website you use.

• Who is making the claims on this website?
• Who is funding them, and does that affect the message?
• How current is the material?
• Does it align with other reputable sources?

Cite your sources as you go. This saves time later and helps you avoid plagiarism.

Library research

Library databases are curated collections of reliable sources. They remain the foundation of scholarly research. Librarians can help you navigate these resources.

Keep citation information for print sources as you work. Making copies or careful notes will save time later.

Logically organizing ideas

After gathering information, organize it before writing. Most research papers follow a familiar structure: introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion.

 

Incorporating source material

Body paragraphs should begin with your own ideas, not a quote. There are three ways to include sources:

1. Direct quotations use exact words in quotation marks with credit to the author.
2. Paraphrasing restates ideas in your own words with credit to the author.
3. Summarizing condenses ideas in your own words with credit to the author.

Documenting sources

Different disciplines use different citation styles, such as APA, MLA or Chicago. Be sure you know which format your instructor expects.