library develop researchpaper_082107
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How to Develop and Write a Research Paper
Developed by Developed by Judy HardingJudy Harding
Coordinator of User ServicesCoordinator of User ServicesWadsworth LibraryWadsworth Library
andandChristine McLaughlinChristine McLaughlin
Director of the Academic Success Center Director of the Academic Success Center and the Writing Centerand the Writing Center
Research Paper AssignmentResearch Paper AssignmentIdentify what the assignment requires: topic possibilities number of sources type of sources (journal, book, Internet) citation requirements (MLA, APA,
Chicago) presentation requirements (oral or written) length of paper due date
Getting StartedGetting Started
• Choose a topic based on requirements.• Ask yourself questions:
• What do I know about the topic?• What would I like to learn?• What will others learn from reading my
paper?
Formulate a Research QuestionFormulate a Research QuestionStart by finding background information on
your topic:– Resource Links to Background Informati
on: How to Find Journal Articles in Electronic
Databases How to find Books in the Online Catalog
Personal Exploration of Personal Exploration of TopicTopic
Once you have familiarized yourself with the topic, reflect on your initial impressions:Free Writing – just write down your thoughts List Key Words – list words that describe your topicClustering/Webbing - create a web that links
terms together (an example of webbing is on the next slide)
Webbing - red is the topic
1.Relax. Play some creative music. 2.Spelling or style doesn't count.3.Don't worry about organization. 4.Free-associate ideas. Keep them simple. 5.Write or sketch as quickly as you can. 6.Write or sketch in any order. 7.Develop all ideas. 8.Keep working.
®Content and materials published in http://www.graphic.org site may be duplicated for educational, non-profit, single school use only.
Formulate a QuestionFormulate a QuestionDecide what question you want to answer
with your research. Formulate a Question – the answer to the
question becomes your thesis question.For example:
– How does exercise improve someone’s mental health?– What are the effects of violent video games on elementary
school children?– What was the impact of Cubism on early twentieth century
culture?– Should elementary schools provide more programming in the
arts?
Starting Your ResearchStarting Your ResearchDecide what kind of information that you
need based on your research assignment. The information will be determined by your
topic and assignment requirements:– Current or historical or both– Biographical information– Criticism and analysis– Statistics– And More
Finding Information in BooksFinding Information in Books1. Find Books – Check the library on-line catalog:
Minuteman Library Network Catalog
2. Search just Mount Ida College or all MLN libraries: For help with searching or stop by and see a
librarian in the Wadsworth Library.
3. Locate if the book is in the Wadsworth Library.
4. If the book is not available at Mount Ida, you may directly request that the book be delivered to the Wadsworth Library or ask the Librarian to request the book for you.
Decide on the Decide on the Usefulness of a BookUsefulness of a Book
1. How to Evaluate a Book for the Assignment:
a. Read title as clue to content
b. Scan table of contents
c. Search for key terms in book index
Finding Information in Finding Information in JournalsJournals
1. Find Journal Articles in electronic databases:
Electronic Databases2. Ask the Librarian about the best databases to
search on your topic: i.e., InfoTrac Expanded Academic – Journal
Articles - full text or citation (find actual journal through the library)
Decide on the Usefulness of Decide on the Usefulness of Journal ArticlesJournal Articles
Evaluate usefulness of journal articles for assignment:– Read title and subtitle as clue to content.– Read abstract if available.– Check key terms at end of article for related
links to further explore topic.
Finding Information Finding Information Using Internet ResourcesUsing Internet Resources
1. Click on Internet Resources part of the MLN homepage.
2. Or select a search engine or website.
Decide on the Usefulness of Decide on the Usefulness of Internet Site InformationInternet Site Information
1. Evaluate Internet site:a. find source of the site and information
Who is responsible for the website? Who provided the information?
• a person who is known in the field of study.• an organization that is reputable, i.e.
American Cancer Society.
b. note currency of site – when was it last updated?
c. assess relevance of information to the assignment.
Ask a Librarian for SupportAsk a Librarian for Support
A librarian can assist you with the process of finding information sources for your assignment.
Stop by the library. Click for Library Hours.
Contact the librarian via e-mail or in person.
How to Avoid PlagiarismHow to Avoid Plagiarism
How to Avoid Plagiarism – Review the PowerPoint presentation. It covers:– Citing sources of information.– How to paraphrase, summarize, quote.– How to cite your sources for your works cited
page.
Taking NotesTaking Notes
Organizing Your Research Using Note Cards– Read source actively by highlighting important
information.– Record quotes that you may want to use later and
include source and page number on card.– Create paraphrases and summaries on note cards
directly from your research.– Record on each note card the author’s name and page
number for later reference. Organizing Your Research Using a Computer
http://www.studygs.net/plagiarism.htm
Organize Your ResearchOrganize Your Research
Construct an Outline
DraftingDrafting Follow your outline. Begin to incorporate research material into each
paragraph. Cite your source for each quote, paraphrase and
summary. Check with your instructor about which
documentation and format style to use. Be sure to include your opinion and comments on
the research. Write your conclusion based on your answer to
your research question (your thesis).
Need Help with Need Help with Writing Your Draft?Writing Your Draft?
A writing tutor can help you with how to outline and develop your paper.
Make an appointment with a writing tutor at the Writing Center. http://www.mountida.edu/filelibrary/TutorSchedSpring2007.doc
Preparing the Final Version of Preparing the Final Version of Your Research PaperYour Research Paper
Revise draft based on comments from your instructor and/or tutor
Check cited sources for accuracy and MLA Style or another style format.
Proof read your work – don’t forget the Spell and Grammar check in Microsoft Word.
Add works cited page. Add title page.
AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements
The original module was supported by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners through a LSTA Grant.
Marge Lippincott, Dean of Information Technology and Learning Resources, coordinated the effort and created the PowerPoint with Judy Harding and Christine McLaughlin.