This document provides guidance on organizing a research paper by outlining the key steps: checking the assignment requirements, reviewing examples of similar work, making an outline to organize ideas and information, drafting the paper and revising it to ensure it stays on topic and is well organized, and seeking help from the library or academic success center as needed throughout the research and writing process.

1. Organizing
Information
How to successfully put together your
research paper

2. What am I doing?
Before beginning the research process, make sure you
know exactly what the assignment is and what you’re
being expected to do. Check for:
• Required information
• Required formatting (for example, a paper, a
PowerPoint presentation, etc.)
• Required types of sources
It’s always helpful to keep your assignment with you
while you research, to keep these requirements in
mind!

3. What Has Been Done
Before?
Sometimes, it can be confusing to know exactly what
is being expected of you. What, exactly, is a literature
review? What makes a good PowerPoint
presentation?
One way to get ideas is to look for appropriate
examples. Search Babson Library’s databases, like
Academic Search Premier, for scholarly works. Check
YouTube for quality PowerPoints. Know exactly what
goes into the work and what will make your
assignment a success!

4. Make an Outline
Outlines are a great way to organize your thoughts and information, so it makes sense
to those reading it. Here’s an example of an outline for a research paper:
Topic: Asbestos Poisoning
Introduction
o Definition of Asbestos Poisoning
o Significance of the Study
o Definition of Terms
Body
o Symptoms of Asbestos Poisoning
o Effects of Asbestos Poisoning
o Treatments
Conclusion
o Conclusion
o Recommendations
• How to Deal with Asbestos Hazards
Source: http://www.experiment-resources.com/research-paper-outline-examples.html

5. Make Drafts
Your assignment doesn’t have to be perfect right
away. The important thing is to start working on it.
Then, you can go back and make it messy. Look for:
• Staying on topic. Is everything related to your main topic or do you
include things that may not be important?
• Organization. Is related information together or do you bounce
around from topic to topic?
• Holes. Is something missing from parts of your assignment? You may
need to return to the research process to make sure everything is
covered.

6. Help is Available!
• Babson Library
o www.springfieldcollege.edu/library
o 800-730-5279 (phone)
o 413-314-3678 (text)
o Ask the Library! http://spfldcol.libanswers.com
The staff at Babson Library is here to help you through the research process. From
developing a topic to getting your hands on the right resources, they’re here to
serve you!
• Academic Success Center
The Academic Success Center at Springfield College is available to help students
write and properly cite their research papers. Give them a call, stop in, or make
an appointment online to discuss using your research to create the best possible
assignment!