Research papers are an integral part of higher education, demonstrating a student’s ability to think critically and analyze data. As with any large project, students may feel anxious and struggle with procrastination when assigned a research paper. Learning more about the research and writing process can help alleviate some of this stress, simplify the task, and potentially lead to an even stronger final product.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll help you understand why these papers matter and offer tips for writing a research paper. Learn how to develop your thesis, find credible sources, apply an academic writing style, and more.
What Is a Research Paper?
A research paper is a piece of academic writing that provides in-depth analysis, evaluation, and argument for a single topic based on thorough research. In higher education, instructors use research papers to test students’ research skills or knowledge of a particular subject.
Research papers can also hone skills that enable students to succeed in academic settings and beyond. During the research and writing process, students will learn how to:
- Write with integrity: When writing a research paper, students must cite their sources using the correct citation style. Many instructors require APA in-text citations for their assignments. Visit the APA website and the publication manual to learn more about this citation style, or try these APA apps and extensions when you need support in a pinch. Appropriate citation is critical for avoiding plagiarism.
- Synthesize information: Research papers require students to read and analyze multiple sources and synthesize the information into a coherent argument. Learning how to process data in this way can be particularly helpful for those entering careers in health care, technology, education, and policy.
- Think critically: To form a compelling argument, students need to critically analyze a substantial amount of information at once. Research papers help teach students how to question what they read, evaluate sources, and understand increasingly complex topics.
How to Write a Research Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide
This step-by-step guide takes you through the entire writing process, providing tips to keep you on track and help you succeed.
Understand the Assignment
Before you even begin writing, take some time to review the assignment guidelines thoroughly. Make sure you understand what the instructor is looking for, and reach out via email or during office hours with questions. Understanding the goal of the assignment and technical details, such as length and formatting, helps you work more efficiently and avoid confusion later.
Some students also like to make a bulleted list of the key points they must address in the research report, crossing them off as they go to ensure they include everything.
Choose a Focused Research Topic
To come up with a topic, try brainstorming ideas with a trusted peer or taking a few minutes for stream-of-consciousness writing. The ideas that emerge during these free-flowing sessions could be some of the most impactful. Previously published research is also a great source of inspiration and can help you identify a research question you’d like to answer.
After you’ve cast a wide net, take all of the ideas you’re interested in and narrow them down to one that:
- Meets the instructor’s criteria
- Is original and focused
- Provides enough content and substance for a full research paper
Gather Preliminary Research
Once you’ve pinned down your topic, start gathering background research to help you refine your focus and begin preparing a thesis statement.
Course textbooks, lecture notes, assigned readings, and your library’s databases are good places to start. If using Google or Google Scholar, which sources literature from academic publishers and professional societies, try these time-saving online search tips. Make sure you save relevant sources in an organized way so you can easily access them when you start writing.
Develop a Clear Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is the paper’s central idea, argument, or focus. Most thesis statements are expressed in one or two sentences within your research paper introduction.
To develop a strong thesis statement, focus on what you want to know about your topic, ask questions, and research to find the answers. As your knowledge and understanding of the subject grows, you’ll be able to form an idea or point that you can then support with your research.
Keep in mind that your thesis will likely evolve during the writing process — this is completely normal. Begin with a working thesis statement, and be prepared to modify it based on what you discover about your topic and how your thinking changes.
Conduct Credible Research
Academic databases, peer-reviewed journals, and library databases are great places to find credible scholarly sources for your research paper. Learn to identify a credible source by verifying the author, reviewing the evidence, looking for bias, and checking the publication date. Use tools such as Academic Writer to help enhance your research skills and refine your content.
Last but not least, take care to remove bias from your writing by actively looking for sources that contradict your point of view and asking questions such as:
- Are there any gaps in existing research?
- Are there any debates to acknowledge?
- How can I develop originality with a new, unique perspective?
- Is there anything new explicitly related to the topic or contextually?
Write an Outline to Organize Ideas
An outline consists of your key points and evidence organized by headers, providing a roadmap for how you want to approach your paper. When writing an outline, list all of the topics and subtopics you want to address as well as bullet points of supporting evidence for each. You can easily rearrange your topics and subtopics to create a clear, logical flow that strengthens your overall thesis.
Write a First Draft
You don't need to write your research paper from top to bottom. Use your outline as a framework, and begin writing wherever it feels most natural or easiest for you. Focus on progress over perfection — get your ideas on paper, and refine them later. With each pass-through, you can continue adding details and expanding on your body paragraphs.
Use your one- to two-sentence thesis statement to anchor your introduction and familiarize your reader with the topic. Your body paragraphs should follow the logical flow you mapped in your outline, leading to a conclusion that restates your thesis, reinforces any key evidence, and summarizes your main findings.
Properly Cite Sources and Avoid Plagiarism
Citations state the sources behind key points included in your paper, demonstrating that credible experts back your work. They also help ensure you give credit where credit is due and avoid plagiarism.
Plagiarism occurs when someone takes another person’s words, ideas, findings, or images and presents them as their own without acknowledging the original source. To maintain academic integrity and avoid plagiarism, cite all sources using the proper citation style.
It’s also important to learn how to incorporate research into your writing. Use quotation marks to share what was written verbatim, or paraphrase the source's information in your own words.
Edit, Proofread, and Check Formatting
Once you’ve written a draft, take a break before proofreading so you can review your content with fresh eyes. Read through your paper at least twice: once to look for spelling and grammatical errors and another to review organizational structure and flow.
Other editing tips include:
- Using checklists: Make a list for each review round to keep track of what you’re looking for. This will help ensure you’re catching as many issues as possible.
- Asking for help: Consider asking a friend or classmate to proofread. Since they didn’t write the paper, they may be able to spot structural and grammatical errors you missed.
- Reading aloud: Hearing your words out loud can help you catch awkward phrasing.
It’s normal for your paper to evolve during the editing process. Consider if you need to rearrange your ideas or cut certain sections, and be open to creating a second draft. Once you’ve nailed down your content, double-check formatting requirements, such as title page, font size, spacing, and page numbers.
Write a Successful Research Paper With Purdue Global
Writing a strong research paper is a process, and success can depend on how you manage that process. You can strengthen your writing by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, using writing tools, and seeking feedback.
Purdue Global offers valuable tools and services to help you write a successful research paper. Academic Writer can help you hone your academic writing style, and our Writing Center can help you use proper citations.
Get one step closer to earning an online degree with Purdue Global by writing a great research paper. Reach out today for more information.
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