research involves investigating a topic to learn more about it. Typically, one conducts research to answer questions. Often, as one learns more about a topic, initial questions generate  additional questions. for more visit http://www.transtutors.com/homework-help/writing/research-paper-writing.aspx

2. In its most general sense, research involves investigating a topic to learn more about it.
Typically, one conducts research to answer questions. Often, as one learns more
about a topic, initial questions generate additional questions.
Sometimes the purpose of research is simply to increase one’s factual knowledge - or
example, learning how to treat a bee sting, or looking up the difference between a
hurricane and a cyclone.
More often, however, research involves going beyond mere fact collecting.
It requires one to analyze, or interpret, the information gathered and to draw
conclusions from it. A research paper thus usually includes a
thesis statement that makes a claim about the topic, followed by evidence to make
a persuasive argument.

4. What should you accomplish in your research paper?
Should you identify an arguable issue?
Should you show a range of positions? (Most argument essays benefit from considering and
refuting counterarguments)
How will your topic reflect the concerns of the course?
Who are you writing for? (Who should be able to understand your paper - your teacher and
other students in your class, or a more general audience?)

5. o Select a general topic that interests you in some way.
o Brainstorm the idea/ Identify the problem/question. At this stage, a pen and paper
are your best friends.
o List key words to help you look up information about the topic. Make a list of
possible sources that can answer your questions.
o Think from all angles. Take a basic direction and start turning it over and over in
your mind.
o Go to an encyclopedia, or other reference source to get an overview of the topic.
o Write a statement of purpose about the focused topic.

6. Find a
research
question
Gather and
analyze data
Write
claims and
conclusion
Reflect
Plan next
steps

7. 1) Assemble printed sources and interact with them
o Select books, scholarly articles, government documents, and popular
sources (according to your research question).
o Skim the sources to evaluate whether or not they are on topic.
o Use bibliographies of articles and books to track down other sources.
o Evaluate online sources for quality.
2) Consider other methods of gathering data
o Such as interviews, surveys, field work, experiments, questionnaires - in
accordance with the conventions of the discipline.
o Use footnotes from sources to discover other sources and follow the shape of the
academic conversation.

8. 3) Choose a system for keeping notes
o Consider Cornell notes or keeping notes on separate index cards.
o Be sure to write down author/title/call number/page number/url/etc. information
so you can recheck information in the source, and so you can cite it appropriately
in your paper.
o Distinguish among paraphrase, summary, and quotation in your notes.
4) Use your sources to generate ideas
o Write about what you read.
o Identify key terms.
o Make a list of questions as you read.
o Look for connections, contradictions, and “silences” among the sources.
o Determine your main idea.
5) Organize your ideas
o Use an outline, chart, or other map to sketch out the bare bones of your argument.
o Take a few minutes to free write any parts that are proving difficult.

9. 6) Write your paper
o Develop a working thesis statement.
o Write your paper, providing evidence in support of your thesis. As you write,
you might discover your argument takes a path you didn’t originally expect. If so,
revise your thesis so that it more accurately reflects your argument.
7) Evaluate your argument
o Do you have a clear thesis statement in your introduction?
o Do you support your thesis with clear evidence?
o Do you provide definitions of key terms?
o Do you consider counterarguments?
o Have you returned to your sources for clarification or support, if needed?
o Have you offered an interpretation of evidence, or merely stated facts about your
topic?

11. 1) The research should be clearly written, well-structured, and
chronologically framed.
2) The research project must be achievable and realistic rather than too
ambitious.
3) Attention must be given to time contraints and relevant literature.
4) The research should ‘fill in’ some of the existing gaps for the project.
5) Attention paid to the works of a specific supervisor, if applying for a PhD.

12. The foundation of a great research project is the research, which takes time and
patience to gather even if you aren't performing any original research of your
own.
When in doubt, write more, rather than less. It's easier to pare down and reorganize
an overabundance of information than it is to puff up a flimsy core of facts and
anecdotes.