Research Paper
A STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO WRITING RESEARCH PAPERS
Class of 2004 Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
BY Melissa Williamson
2
“If it weren’t for my horse, I wouldn’t have spent that year in college.” Every time I hear this quote by comedian Lewis Black I want to roll on the floor, laughing. Black goes on to say he overheard this and if you think about it for more than three minutes, blood will shoot out your nose. Or you could have an aneurysm. This is very much like figuring out where to start when you get the dreaded assignment of writing a research paper. If you think about it too much, your head might explode. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen or felt it myself (not literally of course). Rather than thinking of writing a research paper as an “explosive” experience, take it in steps.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to everyone who inspired or helped me to write and edit this book: Mary Levitt, English department instructor and my mentor during this process Linda Kaufmann, Sue Denault, and Dan Daniels in the library for directing me to valuable information Claire Smith in Learning Services for the final read through and publication Emily Wheeler, a wonderful teaching assistant and classmate, for her database information Christina Bird, my dear friend and fellow writer in Virginia who wrote some bad examples for me – elated she knows that everything she wrote for me is wrong! Meg McDowell for writing about this manuscript and my experience in the Writing Center in the IEP newsletter – and for being a helpful friend and co-worker in the Center Sarah Stutzman, my best friend at this college who is willing to read anything I throw at her – also she’s a mecca of inspiration And finally, my mom, Lauri Williamson, for accidentally taking my stuff and attempting to help me finish the final manuscript, and I thank her for her suggestions – note to self, don’t let Mom take my stuff…just kidding, Mom
3
Chapter 1: Thinking of a Topic
Step 1: Understanding the
Class of 2004 Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
BY Melissa Williamson
2
“If it weren’t for my horse, I wouldn’t have spent that year in college.” Every time I hear this quote by comedian Lewis Black I want to roll on the floor, laughing. Black goes on to say he overheard this and if you think about it for more than three minutes, blood will shoot out your nose. Or you could have an aneurysm. This is very much like figuring out where to start when you get the dreaded assignment of writing a research paper. If you think about it too much, your head might explode. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen or felt it myself (not literally of course). Rather than thinking of writing a research paper as an “explosive” experience, take it in steps.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to everyone who inspired or helped me to write and edit this book: Mary Levitt, English department instructor and my mentor during this process Linda Kaufmann, Sue Denault, and Dan Daniels in the library for directing me to valuable information Claire Smith in Learning Services for the final read through and publication Emily Wheeler, a wonderful teaching assistant and classmate, for her database information Christina Bird, my dear friend and fellow writer in Virginia who wrote some bad examples for me – elated she knows that everything she wrote for me is wrong! Meg McDowell for writing about this manuscript and my experience in the Writing Center in the IEP newsletter – and for being a helpful friend and co-worker in the Center Sarah Stutzman, my best friend at this college who is willing to read anything I throw at her – also she’s a mecca of inspiration And finally, my mom, Lauri Williamson, for accidentally taking my stuff and attempting to help me finish the final manuscript, and I thank her for her suggestions – note to self, don’t let Mom take my stuff…just kidding, Mom
3
Chapter 1: Thinking of a Topic
Step 1: Understanding the