Free Research Paper Topic

Free Research Paper Topic

1. Choose a topic…EARLY!!! The first week of the course is the best time to develop a potential topic. Your instructor may include sample topics, or a list of topics from which you may choose in the assignment description. If not…The topic you choose MUST be relevant to the course and:
1. One that interests you.
2. One that will help you gain further understanding of the topics of the course as well as help you in your chosen occupation or in potential career advancement
3. One that is not too broad
4. One that meets the criteria established by your instructor. Again, be sure to carefully read the instructions and requirements of the assignment.

1. Have the topic approved by your instructor…this is often required in your courses. It is always a great idea to discuss your topic with your instructor early in the course. The instructor can give you advice to narrow your focus, give you research materials, and help you find other information useful for the development of your paper. In addition, your instructor will verify that you are on the right track or direct you to another possible topic.
2. Begin your research early with exploratory reading. Early research will help you see how the topic is handled in the literature by experts in the field. You may also discover that there is too much information available, forcing you to narrow your focus. You may also discover that there is not enough published research available causing you to expand your topic. Consult with your instructor for possible alternatives if you get bogged down with this process. There are excellent research articles available from the Library. While most current articles are available in full-text, there are other great resources that are not. Beginning the research process early will give you time to request articles from our library to be sent to you.
3. Do not be afraid to share your progress with your instructor or ask for help at any step in this process.
4. Develop a thesis or purpose statement and a working outline. Each should answer the following questions: What is the purpose of the paper; what subtopics should you cover; and what questions should I answer? This statement and outline will keep you focused during the research gathering and writing.
5. Gather Data
1. Create your list of references as well as gather the actual books, articles, Internet resources, etc.
2. Read all sources and take notes as you are reading. Begin to add these resources into your working outline.
3. Conduct original research (if needed and/or required). Examples include interviews, surveys, etc. This is not required in all courses.
4. Begin to prepare your references page by listing all of the resources gathered.

1. Write an initial rough draft of your paper without using any notes or research materials. This will help you develop your ideas and take ownership of your work. You can later use this draft to begin writing a second draft including your research in the appropriate places.
2. Organize your data for writing.
1. Reread your notes and select the resources that are most relevant to your topic and purpose statement.
2. Develop your working outline into your formal outline. Use your working outline and an initial rough draft as a starting point. Make sure your outline supports your purpose statement.
3. Gather further information as needed for sections that are weak..

1. Write a second, more thorough draft of your paper. Write, without worrying too much about spelling, grammar, sentence structure, etc. Do not edit yourself in this step.
2. Proofread your rough draft and make appropriate changes. In addition, run your rough draft through the spell check and grammar check in your word processing program. Make appropriate changes.
3. Ask a friend to proofread your paper. This is a very important step. Ask your friend to check for readability. Does he/she understand what you have written? Revise your rough draft as needed. Write your final paper using APA guidelines for format, reference citation, etc.
4. Proofread one more time; check for APA format accuracy. Submit your paper to your instructor.

Word of warning--be careful of plagiarism!

The penalties for plagiarism are very severe, ranging from failing the assignment, failing the course, or dismissal from the College (see the Student Handbook for further clarification on this policy). Your instructors will also provide detailed information on this topic in your syllabus. In addition, your instructor may submit your paper to an outside plagiarism detection service to verify originality and you may be required to provide an electronic version of your paper for this purpose.