Steps in the Research and Writing Process

Writing a research paper is a big project, but approaching the process as a series of steps will make it feel less overwhelming and help you do a better job. It's important to stay flexible and give yourself a lot of time to work through the research and writing process. Remember that writing a research paper, like any other kind of writing, is not necessarily a linear process, with one step immediately following another. Sometimes, for example, you must retrace steps or write a section of the paper while still researching information for another part. Your topic or focus may change, and you might need to revise your research strategy as you read and discover information. If you discover something new or find an interesting twist in your topic, don’t be afraid to follow its lead or to reconsider your position or purpose. Although research is a time-consuming, often difficult process, serendipity--the element of surprise or discovery--may lead to a more interesting final product. Allow yourself ample time so that you may have this opportunity.

• Select a topic.
• Frame a central research question and set of sub-questions.
• Survey the topic.
• Locate materials.

Re-evaluate your topic and research strategy.

• Evaluate your sources.
• Work with your sources.

Re-evaluate your topic and research strategy.

• Develop your thesis and supporting argument.
• Use sources fairly and accurately by integrating and citing your sources.
• Revise
• Edit and proofread

E-mail your comments and suggestions to the YSU Grant Team (cardcat@bgnet.bgsu.edu)