Research Writing Study Guide

The Research Process and Inquiry Mindset

Understanding research as recursive inquiry and scholarly conversation, not linear information-gathering; developing time management and process awareness.

Topic Selection and Research Question Development

Moving from broad interests to focused, researchable questions using narrowing strategies, keyword brainstorming, and preliminary reading.

Thesis Development and Argumentation

Crafting debatable, specific claims using Toulmin model; distinguishing thesis from topic; qualifying and positioning arguments.

Source Types and Evaluation

Distinguishing primary, secondary, scholarly, and popular sources; applying SIFT and CRAAP methods; recognizing bias and credibility.

Library Databases and Research Tools

Using Boolean operators, subject headings, citation chaining, and discipline-specific databases; leveraging librarians and citation managers.

Note-Taking, Annotation, and Synthesis

Distinguishing quotation, paraphrase, and summary in notes; using synthesis matrices to map scholarly conversations and identify gaps.

Plagiarism and Academic Integrity

Defining plagiarism types, understanding when citation is required, avoiding patchwriting, and navigating AI-use policies.

Citation Styles: MLA, APA, and Chicago

Mastering in-text citations, bibliographic entries, and style conventions; understanding disciplinary rationales and verifying citation-tool output.

Integrating Sources: Quoting, Paraphrasing, Summarizing

Choosing integration methods strategically; using signal phrases and the sandwich approach; maintaining authorial voice throughout.

Argument Structure and Evidence

Applying classical, Rogerian, and Toulmin frameworks; selecting credible evidence; identifying and avoiding logical fallacies.

Drafting and Organizing the Research Paper

Structuring introductions, literature reviews, body paragraphs, and conclusions; using outlines, transitions, and signposting effectively.

Revision, Peer Review, and Editing

Distinguishing global revision from editing and proofreading; giving constructive feedback; using reverse outlining and writing-center support.