Eight Steps to Producing a Research Paper

A Survivor’s Guide to Doing Research and Writing

(Thanks to Dr. Tollett and Sally Shelton for this presentation)

Eight Steps to Producing a Research Paper

1. Select the Topic2. Research in Authoritative Summaries3. Narrow the Topic4. Build the Working Bibliography5. Take Notes6. Construct the Rough Draft7. Rewrite and Polish the Rough Draft8. Prepare the Final Copy

Step ONE: Select the Topic Topics are usually broad in scope

Select a topic that will hold your interest throughout the entire process.

Begin doing preliminary research to make sure the topic is a viable one.

Step TWO: Research in Authoritative Summaries Summaries are found in the reference

section of the library.

Summaries give you the five W’s: Who, What, Where, When, and Why.

Once you have read the summaries, come up with a “tentative thesis statement.”

Tentative Thesis Statement The Thesis Statement is the single

controlling idea of the paper.

Boil all thoughts on the topic down to one proposition/statement or a question that will be answered by the research

Don’t spend much time on this now—go with your initial “gut” feeling

Research in Authoritative Summaries (cont.)

Summaries are found in: General Encyclopedias Specialty Encyclopedias Dictionaries Handbooks Introductions Textbooks

As you work in the reference section of the library you will find many useful tools.

General Encyclopedia

Dictionary: Lexicons

Dictionary: Vocabularies

Bible Dictionary

Theological Dictionary

Atlas

Biblical Histories

Bible Handbook

Concordance

Commentary Presents an in-depth study on a particular

passage of scripture. Discusses:

Meaning of terms Historical background of passage Theological insights Exegesis

This is not a summary tool.

Step THREE: Narrow the topic

You had a fairly well defined topic, till . . . you read the authoritative summaries; now the topic is much broader than you thought.

Now you know the paper could be two to three times the size of that specified by the professor.

It’s time to redefine or narrow the topic.

For Example, Sanctification Means “to be set apart, to be holy.” “For I am Jehovah your God, and you

have sanctified yourselves, and you have become holy for I am holy” [emphasis added] (Lev 11:44).

“because it has been written, ‘Be holy, because I am holy’” [emphasis added] (1 Pet 1:16).

Sanctification: Theological Use

Base meaning: “Perfection” Your theological background

determines how you view “Sanctification” or “Perfection”

Wesleyan/Holiness: Perfect Love, Sinlessness, Entire

Sanctification No longer need to sin.

Theological Use (cont.) Reformed Perspective

Progressive sanctification (process) From moment saved, you are being

“made holy” Sanctification is not completed in this

life; as believers we are to strive to live as holy as we can

Sanctification: Biblical Use Positional – One is sanctified because of the

relationship one has in Christ under the blood of the New Covenant (also known as Justification).

Experiential – One is sanctified when the Holy Spirit regenerates and takes up residence in one’s life.

Ultimate – One is sanctified completely when one sees the Lord Jesus Christ “face to face”—Either one is sanctified or not.

Narrowing the Topic

Makes the topic more manageable Makes the research process much

easier

Step FOUR: Build the Working Bibliography

Provides an overview of the sources in a given library

Creates a list and location of books, periodicals, or other sources to explore

Allows for the final bibliography to be constructed quickly and easily

The Library Catalog

  

Erickson, Millard J. Introducing Christian Doctrine. GrandRapids: Baker Book House, 1992.

Call #: BT75.2.E76 1992

Periodical Databases ATLA Religion Database Christian Periodical Index Old Testament Abstracts New Testament Abstracts Academic Search Premier Catholic Periodical and Literature Index Reader’s Guide to Periodic Literature Religious and Theological Abstracts

Include indexes, abstracts and/or full text

Guidelines for using note cards Only one entry per card Make each entry in ink Write on only one side of the card

Step FIVE: Take Notes

Many students make the mistake of taking notes on one or more sheets of paper.

They take copious notes one right after the other.

Unfortunately, when this method is used, it is difficult to organize the notes well and makes writing the paper more difficult than it needs to be.

Guidelines For Using Index Cards

Use 4” X 6” index cards. Record the source and page

number(s) before taking the note. Write all notes legibly. Record only one relevant item of

information on each card. Write on only one side of card.

Example Index Card 

ReconciliationMillard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine, 252  “The death of Christ also brings to an end the enmity and estrangement which exist between God and humankind. Our hostility toward God is removed. The emphasis in Scripture is usually that we are reconciled to God, that is, he plays the active role; he reconciles us to himself.” 

 

Note with Page BreaksReconciliationMillard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine, 252-253  “The death of Christ also brings to an end the enmity and estrangement which exist between God and humankind. Our hostility toward God is removed. The emphasis in Scripture is usually that we are reconciled to God, that is, he plays the active role; he reconciles us to himself. On this basis, the ad-(252)vocates of the moral-influence theory have contended that reconciliation is strictly God’s work.” (253)  

 

Continuing Notes on Cards 

Reconciliation 1 of 2Millard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine, 252-253  “The death of Christ also brings to an end the enmity and estrangement which exist between God and humankind. Our hostility toward God is removed. The emphasis in Scripture is usually that we are reconciled to God, that is, he plays the active role; he reconciles us to himself. On this basis, the ad-(252)vocates of the moral-influence theory have contended that reconciliation is strictly God’s work.” (253)  

 

 

Reconciliation 2 of 2Millard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine, 252-253  “To answer, we need to note, first, that when the Bible entreats someone to be reconciled to another, the hostility does not necessarily lie with the person who is being addressed.” (253)      

 

Continuing Notes

Guidelines When Taking Notes Never take notes indiscriminately –

be selective in your note taking. Record only what is new or stated in

an unusual way. It is usually during the note taking

process that the thesis becomes solidified and that a tentative outline for the paper develops.

Four Types of Notes Rough Summary Paraphrase Précis Direct Quotation

Rough Summary 

ReconciliationMillard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine, 252-253 Christ death brings end to the alienation between God and man. Because of Christ, man is reconciled to God. Reconciliation is initiated from God’s side.        

 

Paraphrase 

ReconciliationMillard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine, 252-253 Christ’s death ends the alienation that had existed between God and man. The scriptures teach that by His death, Christ has made it possible for mankind to be “reconciled to God.” God Himself took an “active role” in the process of reconciliation.       

Précis 

ReconciliationMillard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine, 252-253 Christ’s death ends enmity, estrangement, and hostility since God actively and solely reconciled humankind to himself.        

Direct Quotation

Reconciliation 1 of 2Millard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine, 252-253  “The death of Christ also brings to an end the enmity and estrangement which exist between God and humankind. Our hostility toward God is removed. The emphasis in Scripture is usually that we are reconciled to God, that is, he plays the active role; he reconciles us to himself. On this basis, the ad-(252)vocates of the moral-influence theory have contended that reconciliation is strictly God’s work.” (253)  

Direct quotations should be used when:

Exact wording cannot be improved Point needs substantiation by an

authority Comparing/contrasting two views Specific statement is being analyzed Precision is required – stating

formula, law, or edict

Evaluating Sources for use Relevance to topic Type of Source: Primary or

Secondary (noted in Primary) The author’s perspective The author’s credentials Readability of the source

Other Sources Vertical Files Dissertations Original

Autographs

Media Sources Internet Original Research

Vertical Files Pamphlets Tracts Letters News Releases Flyers

Dissertations Dissertation Abstracts International

(Abstracts) Statement of problem/issue researched Description of research method Summary of findings/significance Summary of conclusion reached

WorldCatDissertations Database under World Cat on ORU Library homepage

Original Autographs Private Archives Institutional Collections Private Homes Includes such items as:

Letters Notes Diaries Manuscripts

Media Sources Tape Recordings (Professional and

Amateur) Sources:

Documentaries Newscasts Debates Motion Pictures

Internet Care should be taken when taking

material from the net. Search the Web with a search engine

(Google.com, Yahoo.com, AltaVista.com, etc.)

Care must be made in documentation (nutsandbolts.washcoll.edu is a good site)

Original Research Letters Interview Survey

Step SIX: Construct the Rough Draft

Outlining the paper

Three parts to any paper

Preparing the first Rough Draft

Outlining the MaterialI. First Level Heading for Major Divisions

A. Second Level Subheadings for Secondary Headings 1. Third Level Subheading for Development of Sub-

points 2. Third Level Subheading for Development of Sub-

pointsB. Second Level Subheadings for Secondary Headings

II. First Level Heading for Major Divisions . . .

Only subdivide if there are two or more subdivisions.Each division of the outline should point back to the Thesis.

Basic Format

I. First Major PointA. Sub-point #1

B. Sub-point #2II. Second Point

A. Sub-point #1B. Sub-point #2

III. Third PointA. Sub-point #1B. Sub-point #2

Each Point and Sub-point supportsThesis Statement

When the Thief Comes, Go to Jesus

Text: John 10: 7-11Thesis: If the devil has attacked you, go to Jesus for restoration.I. Introduction: We have all lost things

A. My home was burglarizedB. Many of you have been touched

thiefC. We need to get over such losses.

An Example Outline:

II. The Thief’s Activities (10a)A. Thief comes to steal B. Thief comes to killC. Thief comes to destroyD. The Thief is Satan

1. Steals vitality, time, peace2. Kills Spiritually (Mat. 10:28)3. Discourages and destroys

Example Outline (cont.)

III. Christ’s Activities (10b-11)A. Christ restores shattered livesB. Christ gives a reason for livingC. Christ recreates good things to

replace what is gone.IV. The Sheep’s Activities (vs. 8)

A. Don’t listen to false shepherdsB. Be prepared for onslaught of

SatanC. Illustration: Founding of Security

Company to protect self/others.

Example Outline (cont.)

V. ConclusionA. Are you in the Good Shepherd’s

ArmsB. Are you prepared to face the

thief?C. You can meet Jesus this day

and have life more abundantly(vs. 10b).

D. When the thief comes, go to Jesus.

Example Outline (cont.)

Place Outline Divisions on Note Cards

   

   

   

 II. The Thief’s Activities (Vs. 10a) 

   

Arrange Note Cards behind the Outline Cards.

Computer Outline Option

Place the major points of your outline in a computer document.

Cut and paste notes from other computer documents in appropriate order under the major points of the outline.

Now you have an outline to work with on your computer, with note material already inserted and ready to be fully documented with footnotes.

THREE PARTS TO ANY PAPER

INTRODUCTION  Thesis statement, proposition, or main point

    

   

 

BODY OF PAPERParagraph #1 explaining, or arguing main point

  

 

BODY OF PAPERPara. #2 explaining, or arguing main point

 

 

BODY OF PAPERPara. #3 explaining, or arguing main point . . .

   

CONCLUSION Concluding statement pointing back to thesis

  

The Paragraph (minimum of three sentences)

TOPIC SENTENCE The first sentence in the paragraph should either introduce the topic to be discussed or link this paragraph with the previous one. There is to be only one main idea per paragraph.

 EXPLANATION/DISCUSSION The next sentence(s) should amplify, explain, or argue the point introduced by the first sentence.

 CONCLUSION/TRANSITION The last sentence should conclude the discussion or act as a transition to the next paragraph.

Three Questions to Ask

Is the idea in the paragraph prevalent and relevant?

Does this paragraph clarify or confuse the issue?

Does this paragraph belong here or elsewhere in the paper?

Thesis Statement Thesis Statement is the controlling idea of

the paper

Make one proposition/statement or a question to be answered by the research

It previews the entire scope of the paper

As you are outlining or writing the paper, check your material against the Thesis

INTRODUCTION

1. A strong Introduction makes a strong paper

2. Grab the attention of your reader in the first paragraphs

3. In the Introduction you are asking the reader to agree with you

4. Narrow the focus to your Thesis StatementGenera

l

Specific

 BODY OF THE PAPERParagraphs explaining, or arguing main point . . .

1. The Body is the heart of your argument2. Develop it logically, with natural progression of thought3. Introduction moves swiftly to Thesis, take time to

develop each argument (One paragraph per argument).4. Presentation should be specific, real and concrete

Tips in Developing Body of Paper

Anticipate possible objections and deal with them in the passive voice (Passive voice = subject of sentence is inactive/ has action performed on it).

Positive aspects of paper should be in the active voice (Active voice = subject of sentence performs or causes action of verb).

Begin with your weakest argument and ascend to your strongest argument. Moving from “lesser to greater.”

Four Patterns for Presenting An Argument

Chronological – explains each item in sequential order

Comparison and Contrast – similarities and/or differences

Cause and Effect – Events or forces that produce certain results

Analysis – examining the component parts

Chronological ExampleMatt 18:15 "And if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 "But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. 17 "And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax-gatherer.

1. Go and reprove in private2. Go and take one or two witnesses3. Go and take it to the church4. If he repents not, treat as outcast

Comparison and Contrast

CALVINSIM ARMINIANISM

Total Depravity Depravity

Unconditional Election Election/foreordained

Limited Atonement Unlimited Atonement

Irresistible Grace Prevenient Grace

Perseverance Lose Salvation

Cause and Effect Plant seed, and water them – plant grows Play around with sin, your sin will find you

out Civil War was caused by …

One can speculate on what the outcome would be, if things were handled in a different way. For example: What if Adam and Eve had not eaten the forbidden fruit? Or, what if Jesus had decided to have His will and not the Father’s in the Garden?

Analysis Word Study – anoint/ anointing Exegesis of a particular passage

CONCLUSION 

Concluding statement pointing back to Thesis 

The Conclusion:1. Moves the reader from the Thesis Statement back to the

broad Introduction2. Reminds the reader what was read earlier and ties

everything together

In the Conclusion:1. Do not list the points of your argument2. Do reword your points using sharp, clear and concise

words building toward a final proof of the Thesis3. Finish with a bang!

Preparing the First Rough Draft

Review Outline and Notes to ensure continuity of thought between all three parts of Paper

Have ample supplies on hand Have an appropriate work space Based on arranged Outline/Notes—Write

the Paper in one sitting, without stopping, in the third person (Grammar is not that important at this point)

Tips for Preparing a Rough Draft

Use a tape recorder to get first draft Write on every other line, or triple

space Tape long quotes on your note cards

to the rough draft.

Note: The Rough Draft is often shorter than the required length of the finished product.

Step SEVEN: Rewrite and Polish the Rough Draft

Reconcile the Outline to First Draft

Eliminate unclear statements

Look for gaps in continuity

Note: These three items need to occur before you start working on the Second Draft.

The Second Draft

Total rewrite Takes several sessions to complete Time to choose exact words Quotations should be carefully selected:

Direct (exactly as written/stands alone) Indirect (integrates quotation into context of

thought expressed in a sentence or paragraph in the Paper)

When to cite (document) a source? Any fact or opinion that you read in

one of the authoritative sources, whether you first discovered the idea or assimilated it, should be documented.

Two exceptions: Common knowledge Facts easily verified

Fair Use Rule

Up to 150 words from a particular source can be quoted without permission of the copyright holder.

When a quotation comprises a substantial proportion of the source (more than 150 words), permission needs to be sought.

Note: For a good discussion on quotations see: http://www.nutsandbolts.washcoll.edu

Step EIGHT: Preparing the Final Copy (Check List)

Does the controlling idea (Thesis) govern everything? Does the introduction prepare the reader? Are the topic sentences clear and paragraphs fully

developed? Are paragraphs logically arranged? Do any sections repeat or contradict others? Does the Paper read smoothly and maintain continuity of

thought from start to finish? Does the Paper conclude strongly? Is every source used documented (footnoted) properly? Does the Bibliography only contain sources used? Does the form and style conform to the standard/canon

(Turabian, Vyhmeister, Seminary Research and Writing Manual)