How to Start a Research Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Writing a research paper is an important skill for any student to master. It allows you to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as learn how to craft a compelling argument. But before you can begin researching and writing your paper, you must first understand the basics of creating a research paper. This guide will provide a step-by-step overview of the process of starting a research paper.

Outlining Your Main Topic and Sub-Topics

The first step in starting a research paper is to determine a topic. To do this, you should brainstorm ideas about topics that interest you. Once you have identified potential topics, you can narrow them down to a single main topic and several sub-topics. For example, if you are interested in the history of the American Revolution, you could narrow this down to the topic of “causes of the American Revolution” and create sub-topics such as “colonial grievances”, “British policies”, and “political unrest”.

Writing a Thesis Statement

Once you have identified your main topic and sub-topics, the next step is to write a thesis statement. According to the Purdue Online Writing Lab, a thesis statement is “a single sentence that formulates both your topic and your point of view”. In other words, it summarizes the purpose of your research paper. For example, for a paper about the causes of the American Revolution, your thesis statement might be “The American Revolution was caused by a combination of colonial grievances, British policies, and political unrest.”

Gather Relevant Sources of Information

Once you have written a thesis statement, the next step is to find reliable sources of information. According to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Libraries, “When you are conducting research for your paper, it is important to use credible sources, which you can find in the library or online.” These sources include books, scholarly articles, and reputable websites. You can also use library databases and search engines, such as Google Scholar, to locate sources.

Develop a Research Question

The next step in starting a research paper is to refine your topic into a manageable research question. According to the University of California, Berkeley, “A research question is the central issue or problem that a researcher wants to investigate.” For example, for a paper about the causes of the American Revolution, your research question might be “What were the primary causes of the American Revolution?” When developing a research question, it is important to consider the implications of the question and how it relates to the broader context of your topic.

Identify Key Terms and Concepts

Once you have developed a research question, the next step is to identify key terms and concepts related to your topic. According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Writing Center, “Key terms are the words and phrases that appear most often in your research. They should be specific, accurate, and appropriate to the subject matter.” To identify key terms and concepts, you can utilize libraries and online resources to locate definitions and explanations of relevant terms.

Create an Annotated Bibliography

The final step in starting a research paper is to create an annotated bibliography. An annotated bibliography is a list of all the sources used in your research paper. According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Writing Center, “For each source, you should include a brief summary of its content and its relevance to your research.” An annotated bibliography can help you keep track of your sources and ensure that you are citing them accurately in your paper.

Conclusion

Starting a research paper can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance and resources, it can be a relatively straightforward process. By outlining your main topic and sub-topics, writing a thesis statement, gathering relevant sources of information, developing a research question, identifying key terms and concepts, and creating an annotated bibliography, you can successfully initiate your research paper.