Writing a well-researched, fact-filled research paper depends on how well you research and accurately include citations, among other things. It follows a process that must be adhered to if you want to write a good, publishable paper other researchers can use.
This article is a guide to navigating research and citations when writing an academic paper. If it is too hard, you can always hire a ghost writer to help with it, but ensure you choose wisely. These effective student tips will help you know where to look to get credible, high-quality sources for your research paper.
- Choose Your Topic
First, you need to choose a topic that interests you, and that is within the parameters of your assignment. You can choose an academic writing topic by scanning through the course syllabus or teaching slides. Alternatively, you can speak to a professional ghostwriter bachelorarbeit or look through your textbook, magazines, journals, and other sources.
Create a list of potential topics and conduct some introductory research on the most interesting three. As you research the topics, see if there is enough information available for each; if there isn’t, you may need to expand your research. Research helps you know the right topic to choose, one that is not too broad or too narrow.
- Preliminary Research
Once you have decided on the topic, you want to do preliminary research on that particular topic. This preliminary research helps to set the context for your research and also determines if there is enough information. Also, identify the keywords in your topic and look them up in the resources such as dictionaries and encyclopedias. You can also look through your textbooks and lecture notes for additional background information on the topic.
- Get Materials
Now that you have a direction for your academic writing, it is time to get resources for your topic. You can get materials in different places, including using keyword searches. You can also look for books, whether on the shelf in a physical library or online in digital libraries. As you get the books, ensure you print or write down the citation and location information for easy referencing later.
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- Locating Internet Resources
Search for keywords on search engines or check if your class has a research guide created by librarians. You have to know how to use these resources to get credible information out of them. Meta-search engines, for example, are not a recommended substitute for search engines. In certain instances where there are clear instructions, using them could be risky.
- Evaluating Your Findings
After getting the materials, you need to evaluate them to be sure they are reliable and credible. This step is particularly vital if you are planning on using internet resources, which you most likely will. Aspects of the paper that need critical analysis include:
- The author: Check their credentials, educational background, and previous writings. Check their experience to know if the paper is the writer’s area of expertise.
- Publication date: Check the date the source was published; is it current or out-of-date for your topic?
- Edition: Note the edition of the publication and if it has been revised and changes have been affected to reflect the update in knowledge.
- Publisher: Note the publication publisher; if a university press publishes it, it is likely a scholarly paper.
Now that you’ve completed the initial appraisal, you need to analyze the content. When doing so, pay attention to the intended audience. Note the source’s objective reasoning: does it cover facts, propaganda, or opinion? Is it well-researched and valid?
Also, check the academic writing style to be sure it suits your requirements. Is the publication logically organized? Are the points clearly presented?
- Citing Your Sources
Last but not least, give credit to whom it is due by citing the sources you used in your paper. Apart from crediting the rightful owner of the paper in academic writing, citing your sources also allows others to duplicate your research. With your citations, they will be able to locate the referenced sources – and it helps you avoid plagiarism.
There are different ways to cite your sources, including MLA and APA, each with its principles and guidelines. You can reach out to professional ghostwriting services for help with the proper citation of your paper.
Conclusion
These tips for academic writing will help you write a well-informed, professionally-written research paper devoid of plagiarism. Each step requires careful attention to detail to avoid making mistakes that can cost you a good grade.