7 Tips for Success on Your Research Paper

It’s that time. Syllabi were handed out and you saw the MAJOR PAPER: 50% OF FINAL GRADE notice on it. While it might be one of the last assignments due, don’t put it off. A major research paper needs to be taken in chunks, spread out over the allotted time.

A couple years ago, I tackled my master’s research paper, the final part of my MLIS program. It was the most complicated paper I’ve ever written and took an entire academic year from start to finish. Here’s some of the ways I made it through with a successful paper and my sanity intact.

Start your research paper early

If your paper is due at the beginning of December, start brainstorming potential topics in September. Even if you can only devote a little time to it among your other obligations, that is less work you’ll have to do later in the semester.

Use the available resources

Your college and local library is so much more than places to escape your roommate. Utilize it during both your research and your actual writing. Use its online resources, including databases and writing tips. If you need more personalized help, talk to the librarians. They have years of training and experience in research.

Seriously, trust me. I can tell you exactly how many years of training it takes to be a librarian. Use them. They know their stuff.

Use good information literacy

Remember in middle school when you started doing research papers and your teachers told you not to trust Wikipedia? You need to be wary of your sources while doing research. Stick to professional sources and make sure your sources are both accurate and up to date. Again, your librarians can help you with that.

(That said, Wikipedia can actually be a great resource to help you get a basic understanding of your topic and find other sources you can actually use for your paper. Just FYI.)

Don’t obsess

There’s always going to be a better way of wording something or another source you can explore. But if you spend all your time researching, you’ll run out of time to write. Your professor isn’t going to see your research notes, they’re going to see your final copy. So do your research, but don’t get too bogged down in the details.

Outline

Get yourself completely organized before you start writing. Start with a broad outline of all your paper’s sections, then make a smaller, more detailed outline for each part. This will give you a map that will prove invaluable when you’re halfway through your research paper and actually know where you’re going.

Have multiple readers

Before you hand in your paper, have at least two people read it. Ideally, get one person who knows the topic and one who does not. The person who knows the topic can cover the accuracy of your material while the person outside your field can make sure your writing is understandable and approachable. Accuracy and readability are both extremely important to your final result.

When it’s done, let it go

As with the research, there will always be things in the writing that can be changed. But you need to let it go once it’s done. Hand that beast in, then go celebrate a job well done!

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Do you have any suggestions to add to the list above? Leave them in the comments below!