The document provides a step-by-step guide for writing a research paper/essay. It outlines the six main steps: 1) choosing a topic that is interesting but narrow enough to research; 2) finding relevant information from sources like encyclopedias, books, and academic databases; 3) making an outline to organize the information; 4) organizing notes and analyzing sources; 5) writing the paper using the outline and cited sources; 6) typing the final draft and proofreading for errors or missing information. The goal is to choose a focused topic, conduct thorough research from credible sources, and produce a well-organized and error-free paper that meets assignment requirements.

1. Meridian Career Institute presents

2. A Learning Resource Center Seminar

3. How to Write a Research Paper/Essay Seminar

4. Step 1: Choose Your Topic

6. Don’t pick a topic that is too broad. Narrow your focus to a smaller aspect of a broad topic.

7. The most common error made by students in choosing a topic is picking one that is too broad.

9. You should also avoid topics that are too technical or specialized. Before you settle on a topic, search the LIRN databases to see if there is enough information to support your research paper.

10. Step 2: Find Your Information

11. For broad, general articles, encyclopedias and almanacs are good places to begin.

12. If you visit the local public library, you might start with sources like the World Book Encyclopedia, World Almanac and Encyclopedia Americana.

13. These can all be found in the reference section, and the library may have one or more of them available as a subscription database, accessible online from home.

14. You should also access the online catalog for books on your topic.

15. Typing in a broad, general subject term like “Smoking” will get you started, but you can save time by narrowing it down to something like “Secondhand Smoke” or “Smoking – Health Aspects.”

16. You may access the Learning Resource Center’s LIRN databases by going to the blog at: meridianlrc.wordpress.com, and clicking on “the LIRN databases.”

17. These databases contain thousands of reference, magazine, professional journal and newspaper articles.

18. You can access all the databases by clicking on LIRNSearch or narrow it down by only using databases like InfoTrac or ProQuest.

19. When you log on to LIRN, you will find a short description of the database’s contents underneath the database’s logo.

20. If you haven’t already done so, you should view the LRC Orientation Seminar.

23. As you do your research, you should write down the information on each book or article for your bibliography.

25. At Meridian Career Institute, APA is the bibliographic style used.

26. To understand the basics of APA Style, please view this tutorial (with audio): http://flash1r.apa.org/apastyle/basics/index.htm

27. The LRC’s blog also has information on APA Style.

28. Simply type APA in the search box.

29. At least two search results should appear.

30. Click on the links for more information.

31. If you need help arranging your citations, click on the links listed in this blog posting.

32. Citation Builder

33. Select the type of information source you need to cite.

34. Enter the requested information, then click “Make Citation.”

35. The Citation Builder generates citations in several different styles.

36. Knight Cite

37. Select APA Citation Style, then enter the information requested in the boxes.

38. Son of Citation Machine

39. Select APA.

40. Select the type of information source you need to cite.

41. Enter the information requested.

43. A research paper is only as good as its sources of information.

48. Recent and current issues of newspapers, magazines and professional journals offer the most up-to-date information.

49. The major problem with online sources is that many of them are written by non-professionals. Some online sources don’t even have a byline, so you won’t be able to cite the name of the author. The major problem with online sources is that many of them are written by non-professionals. Some online sources don’t even have a byline, so you won’t be able to cite the name of the author.

50. Step 3: Making an Outline

51. Once you’ve completed your research, you should organize your materials by making an outline.

54. Step 4: Organizing Your Notes

55. Now you need to organize all the information you’ve gathered.

56. This is also the step where you critically analyze the information that you have gathered.

57. You should check the information for accuracy and verify that it is up to date and correct.

58. If you have doubts about your sources of information, confer with your instructor.

59. Avoid including any irrelevant information or information that you don’t understand.

63. In some cases, it can result in the student’s expulsion from the school.

64. You can devise your own way to organize your notes. One common method is To use different colored pencils, highlighters or ink to correspond with the different sections of your outline.

65. Step 5: Writing

66. With the completion of your research and your outline, you’re ready to write your paper.

67. Start with the first topic in your outline and re-read all the notes that you’ve made on that topic.

68. When you write, use the technique that suits you best. That could be quotes, summaries or paraphrases.

70. After you’ve read through it, get someone else to read it. Another person may see mistakes that you didn’t notice.

71. Step 6: Type the Final Draft