Research Writing: Elements and Steps

Research writing is distinct in approach and technique. The information here describes the various stages of research writing and offers suggestions for approaching it.

Elements of a research paper

Steps in writing a research paper

  1. One Big Mess
  2. Developing a research question
  3. Developing a research thesis
  4. Finding sources
  5. Evaluating sources
  6. Taking notes
  7. Working with quotations
  8. Summaries and paraphrases
  9. Building the essay draft
  10. Documenting sources
  11. Revising and proofreading the draft

The content in Writing Resources originally was created for the Writer's Complex website by Cathy Copley, Larry Greenberg, Elaine Handley, Susan Oaks and contributors. Copyright 1995-96, SUNY Empire State College.

Contributors

Catherine Copley (File Cabinet, The Write Way)

Gary Goss (Language Games, reviewer)

Larry Greenberg (technical design)

Elaine Handley (Research Room, Grammar Workout, Punctuation Points)

Loretta Lussier (technical design assistant)

Lisa Mastrangelo (Essay Writing)

Bob Miner (Style Room)

Susan Oaks (Research Room, Grammar Workout, Punctuation Points, Essay Writing)

Alexandra Pickett (graphic design)

Jim Robinson (Writing Book Reviews)

Matthew Sanders (Essay Writing)

Herb Shapiro (reviewer)

Stephanie Thomas (technical design)

Joe Woods (Style Room)

  • The Writer's Complex was copyrighted in 1996. It may be used as an Internet resource, but should not be modified under any circumstances.
  • The Writer's Complex may not be printed, resold or redistributed for compensation without prior written permission from SUNY Empire State College.
  • The Writer's Complex cannot be printed, reused or redistributed if credit is not given to SUNY Empire State College, Catherine Copley, Larry Greenberg, Elaine Handley and Susan Oaks.

Need Assistance?

Don't forget: if you would like assistance with this or any other type of writing assignment, learning coaches are available to assist you. Please contact Academic Support by emailing Academic.Support@esc.edu; calling 1-800-847-3000, ext. 3008; or calling the main number of the location in your region (see Academic Support Regional Contact Information for more information).

Questions or feedback about the SUNY Empire Collegewide Writing Center?

Contact us at Academic.Support@esc.edu.