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 points

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