University of Calgary Assignment Tracker

Research Paper (Based on Primary Sources)

1. Step 1: Read your assignment outline
   Percent time spent on this step: 5%

   Instructions:

   The assignment sheet or marking schema is the most valuable resource for your research paper. Don’t quickly skim through it and write the assignment that you think it should be. Set aside at least a half hour to methodically go through this resource. For tips on getting the most from your assignment sheet, you may want to use Reading Your Assignment Sheet.   
2. Step 2: Select a topic or focus
   Percent time spent on this step: 5%

   Instructions:

   Some instructors give students a focused topic for their paper. Others allow students to pick something that is relevant to the course. When given free range on a paper, the first topic that comes to mind isn’t always the best. Try working through various brainstorming activities. Some suggestions are available in Developing Ideas.              
3. Step 3: Gather background research
   Percent time spent on this step: 5%

   Instructions:

   Background research gives you a foundation for your research topic. You should discover definitions of key terms, understand the key issues, and be aware of important dates and events. Encyclopedias and dictionaries are examples of good resources for finding background information. 
4. Step 4: Refine topic and locate primary sources
   Percent time spent on this step: 10%

   Instructions:

   Once you have a topic, you might be tempted to jump right into researching. Starting to research with a broad topic can create more work.  Try refining your topic into a smaller section or areas.  Try working towards a research question for your particular paper. Remember that instructors value depth and not breadth.

   Many published primary sources (especially important in History) can be found in the library or online through special databases. Search for sources using the title, author’s name and/or publication name (e.g. The Calgary Herald). The University Archives and Special Collections has a variety of useful materials, which are available by appointment.
5. Step 5: Paraphrase relevant sources
   Percent time spent on this step: 15%

   Instructions:

   When looking at your primary sources, you may want to consider some of the following:

   • Though primary sources are created by those with first-hand experience of events and situations, you still need to consider that they are unlikely to be completely objective. Make sure to look for bias, which may come from the social or cultural norms of the time, the position of the author, and other contextual factors.
   • Consider using a series of primary sources rather than only one. This allows you to compare and evaluate sources.
   • Depending on the origin of the material, you may need to consider the impact of translations and transcription. Often editions and translations change over time to reflect changes in scholarship.
6. Step 6: Develop a writing strategy
   Percent time spent on this step: 5%

   Instructions:

   Start by writing the material and points with which you are most comfortable. Leave the introduction and conclusion till the end. Start by focusing on your strengths. Remember to stay motivated through this part of the process. Consider the strategies in Staying Motivated to concentrate on the task.
7. Step 7: Draft your bibliography
   Percent time spent on this step: 15%

   Instructions:

   Many students don’t think about their citations till they are getting to the end of the writing process. By the time that you are done your paper, chances are you won’t have a great eye for detail. You may be overwhelmed by the feeling that you just want to finish. Draft your citations when you feel like procrastinating. Chances are you’ll be much more attentive.      
8. Step 8: Write background context, introduction, and conclusion
   Percent time spent on this step: 10%

   Instructions:

   Because you’re working with primary sources, you will likely need to offer a brief background or context for your sources. You may need to introduce your reader to the historical context they represent or the relevance of these sources to your paper.  Remember that you want to keep this to the bare bones. You don’t want your paper to turn into a story of about events that happened.  Be strategic and leave out unnecessary information.
9. Step 9: Review structure of paper
   Percent time spent on this step: 10%

   Instructions:

   The longer the document, the more likely we’re to move away from our outline. We may find that we have new ideas and concepts.  Make sure that you haven’t repeated any material. Is your information in the most logical order for your reader? Watch out for presenting your sources based on the order that you read them.

   Be sure to check your introduction and conclusion. Think like a reader, and how  they help us to follow someone's ideas.  Helpful hints for constructing introductions and conclusions can be found in Beginnings and Endings.
10. Step 10: Work through your revision checklist
    Percent time spent on this step: 10%

    Instructions:

    Read through your paper, while looking for your most common errors. Start with the errors that require the most rewriting (run-on sentences) and work towards smaller typos (subject-verb agreement). Printing your paper and reading it aloud to yourself will help you become a more effective editor.  As a starting point, you may want to review Planning for Revision.