Developed
by Susan Smith Nash, Ph.D. --- susan at
beyondutopia dot com
Getting Started What's your primary thesis &
your research problem? Three major sections or thrusts of
your research. One-sentence overview of your findings, or
what you think makes this paper valuable.
Definition Section Define key terms needed to
understand your paper. Cite references.
EXPANDED Key Research Problem In-depth look at your problem; go
into more detail. Begin to organize your references, check
the credibility of all sources.
Survival Guide for Research Paper Writers:
Don't panic! Keep calm, and above all, don't let them see your
fear. You can make it!
Background and
Contexts Explain
why your approach is unique Brief chronology of other work done;
brief history of ideas & research in this specific
area. Overview of key works in this area.
"Evidence" Section Present your evidence.
Remember that "evidence" can take different forms. It
could consist of examples, case studies, articles, original research, supporting
statistics. Explain why the evidence
you use is valid
Expanded "Evidence" -- Further Case Studies &
Original Conclusions In-depth analysis
Debate Points / Controversy /
Insight Is there anything about this topic that is
controversial? Are there two sides of the issue? What
are they? Who thinks so? Why? Cite
sources.
References Refer to the style guide, and cite all sources,
including journals, books, monographs, Internet-based
sources. Double-check the credibility and/or reliability
of the information -- ask your advisor or your
librarian. Cite sources using the style appropriate to the
topic.
