Brought to you by the
Purdue University Online Writing LabFor more information about writing research papers, see our
overview page on this subject. For extensive documentation covering all aspects of the research process in detail, see our new handbook-style workshop on research papers.___ 1. Choose a topic
___ 2. Begin preliminary reading
___ 3. Restrict the subject
___ 4. Develop a preliminary thesis statement
___ 1. Compile the working bibliography
___ 2. Prepare the bibliography on cards in correct form (3" x 5" cards)
___ 3. Begin extensive work in the library reference room; be sure to check:
___ a. general bibliographies
___ b. trade bibliographies
___ c. indexes (books and collections, literature in periodicals, newspaper indexes, pamphlet indexes)
___ d. library electronic catalogue
___ 1. Develop a preliminary outline
___ 2. Evaluate your source material; which is primary material and which is secondary material?
___ 3. Begin note-taking on cards (4" x 6" cards)
___ 4. Avoid plagiarism
___ 1. Develop the final outline; test your outline
___ 2. Prepare to write:
___ a. put your note cards in the order that your outline is in
___ b. consider your (real and imagined) readers and how their expectations may affect your tone and style
___ 3. Write the rough draft
___ 4. Check your documentation carefully
___ 5. Revise and rewrite
___ 6. Check the format of the text, citations, notes, and bibliography (most instructors recommend
MLA or APA format)___ 7. Proofread
Most of this format is based on the process described by James D. Lester in Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide, 2nd ed. (1971; rpt. Glenview, Illinois: Scott, Foresman, 1976).