Unit 5: Conducting Independent Research
35 The Research Process
Crucial advice for writing a successful research paper
READ, READ, READ.
To write a strong research paper, you first need to learn as much as you can about your topic. As you read different sources, you begin to understand the major issues, debates, and questions people have about that topic.
Reading helps you narrow your focus, develop your own viewpoint, and write a clear thesis statement with strong supporting points. In other words: Good research gives you the background you need to form an informed opinion and make a strong, well supported argument.
Key Takeaways
- Strong research papers begin with careful, purposeful reading.
- Reading for research means reading multiple sources, not just one.
- In this course, reading helps you understand the topic, notice key issues, and narrow your focus.
- Reading supports your thesis, viewpoints, and use of evidence.
- You read first to learn: writing comes after understanding.
Watch this overview of the research process
From Steely Library NKU
