Writing a Research Paper
DePauw University Writing Center, Dr. Susan Hahn 

1.  Evaluate the parameters of the assignment:

Choosing a Topic

• Do you choose the topic or is the topic chosen for you?

• Brainstorming/Clustering/Freewriting

• Decide when to limit your topic.

Research

• How long do you have to do the research?

• How much time do you need to get the research materials?

• Are there any specific types of research required?

• Will you need to order from interlibrary loan?

• What indexes/catalogs will you use?

• Go to the Library - work with the reference librarians when appropriate.

Length/Format

• How many pages are required?

• Is there a set format?

• What bibliographic style should be used?

• Start keeping your materials in the format that will be required. 

2.  Set up a work plan:

• Get a calendar – mark off “due dates” for yourself
• Incorporate any “due dates” assigned by the professor
• Write a draft 3-7 days before the project is due (at least a week for longer research papers)
• Leave time for editing (meet with professor, writing center tutors)

3.  Beginning the Project

• Find the research/Read it
• Note cards/Bibliography
• Avoid Plagiarism – keep accurate records

4. Develop a thesis: what problem are you addressing?

• What questions are you asking?
• Think of a problem/solution format.

5.  Write a draft.

• Keep your focus on the thesis.  Make sure you use the research you have gathered appropriately.  Make it clear when you are summarizing, when paraphrasing, when quoting.
• Get feedback.  Take draft to the professor.  Take draft to the writing center.
• Rewrite/edit

6.  Check bibliographic format.  (Save time for this)

• Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), and Chicago Manual of Style may be consulted in the Writing Center. 
• Be sure to save extra time for this step.
• Be consistent.