Organizing Research Papers

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated June 18, 2020)

Organizing research papers isn't as difficult of a prospect as many people would make it out to be. Rather, all you need to do is follow a few guidelines, do a little bit of work, and show some imagination. While this article cannot provide the imagination or the work, it does provide the guidelines that you can use to properly organize research papers. By following these guidelines you will be well on the way to a successful research paper, that only requires a some work on your part.

  • What is the purpose of the paper? Before you actually begin working on organizing your research paper, you need to determine what the paper is for. Is the paper designed to analyze a certain event in history, or a specific problem? Perhaps you are supposed to defend a specific position, as you would in a debate.
  • Create an outline. Create an outline of general steps that you should take for your paper. This outline should include things like steps, dates, deadlines, and other items that may be required for your paper. Basically, this could be viewed as a schedule of everything that your teacher will require for your paper before you are finished.
  • Make a list of keywords. Sit down and make a list of different keywords that relate to your given subject. This is going to be a rather fluid list that will be changing periodically as you work on your paper. Later on, these keywords can serve as the basis for the outline of your research paper.
  • Use index cards or a computer. Begin doing the research for your paper. Utilize some method for codifying the research that you find. Traditionally, you would use index cards which would include the name of the books, magazines, or articles that you reference, and the information that you referenced. A more modern method would be to utilize a computer to help arrange and sort your information. Before you decide on a method, check with your teacher to ensure that it is according to the formats that they want.
  • Create a secondary outline. Create a preliminary outline of your research paper. While you are doing this, utilize the keywords that you have gathered as your topic headers. When you have completed this, set up an appointment with your professor to ensure that you are on track, and make any adjustments as necessary.
  • Work on your paper daily. Set aside time each and every day to work on your research paper. It doesn't matter how long the time period is, as long as you are working on your paper consistent. This will help to ensure that you complete your paper in the time limit allowed. As you work on your paper, make sure that you have someone proofread it, and periodically review it for you. This will help in the long run.
  • Find out the format you need to use, and write your final paper. Before you begin writing your "final" draft of your paper, make sure that you know any and all formats that are required by your professor. This can include how large the margins are supposed to be, any footnotes, bibliography, and even the type of paper that you are allowed to use. When you have those in hand, write your paper. Before you have someone check your paper at least two times before you finally turn it in.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Fireplace Removal

Whether you are looking into getting rid of your old fireplace due to crumbling bricks, a need for new space, or you want ...

Discover More

Bathroom Cleaners

Is there really anything more disgusting than a dirty bathroom? Help keep your bathroom sparkling clean by choosing the ...

Discover More

Opening Champagne Properly

Opening bottles of champagne properly can be a little difficult, until you learn how to do it properly. In order to begin ...

Discover More

MAX Power! A powerful lithium-ion drill/driver that delivers 0-to-650 RPM and 115 inches-per-pound of torque in a lightweight, easy-to-use package. An anti-slip soft grip and LED worklight makes this tool a delight to use. Check out Black & Decker 20-Volt Cordless Drill/Driver today!

More Organizing Tips

Home Organization

There are many aspects of home organization to consider. When getting started, try to stick with the basics and take it easy.

Discover More

Personal Organizer

Without your personal organizer you are guessing in the dark when an immediate answer whether or not you will be able to ...

Discover More

Water Storage Ideas

When thinking about storing water, there are two things that come to mind. One is what to store your water in and the ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 6 - 3?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)