Research Timeline
Two ways to make writing
research papers less stressful is to stay organized and to break down each step
in the process, completing each step in a timely way before proceeding to the
next step. Using this timeline can help you make writing a research paper
easier by helping you set goals (dates) for each step in the process based on
the due date for the paper. While planning, be aware that around 60% of your
time should be used to research and roughly 40% should be used to write the paper.
Each box below indicates approximately 1/4th of the total time it
will take to complete the project, so plan your time appropriately. Also, while
going through these research steps, keep in mind some will probably overlap. If
you need more assistance, see the LEC workshops at www.coconino.edu/lec/workshops.htm
or go to the LEC for one-on-one help from a learning assistant.
Research paper due date _________________
Target Date
________ 1. Set a schedule and stick to it. One way
you can do this is by using this timeline.
________ 2. Begin initial research to find a
researchable subject using your instructor’s requirements for the assignment.
________ 3. Create a research question using the
points of the topic that interest you most and that you would like to learn
more about.
________ 4. Write out what you already know (facts),
what your ideas/opinions are on the topic, and what you still need to learn.
Then begin in-depth research to learn what you need to know to write the paper.
________ 5. Find print and electronic sources. Be
aware of what type of sources your instructor is asking for.
________ 6. Make a working bibliography, which is a
list of sources you think you will use to write your paper. As you find a
source, keep a running list that includes all important biographical
information, which will become your working bibliography.
Target Completion Date (1-6) __________
_______ 7. Evaluate sources for importance and reliability and
then create relationships between sources and your ideas. The LEC has a handout
that can help you in evaluating your sources.
________ 8. Gather information from sources, using summary,
paraphrase, and direct quotations.
________ 9. Avoid plagiarism by keeping track of all citation
information needed to document correctly and by double checking the accuracy of
all direct quotations.
Target Completion Date (7-9) __________
_______ 10. Develop your thesis statement, by answering your
research question, and an organizational structure that is logical for your topic.
________ 11. Draft your paper, combining summaries, paraphrases,
and direct quotations with your own ideas/opinions. Be sure to include in-text
citation in your 1st draft to avoid accidentally plagiarizing later.
Target Completion Date (10 & 11) __________
________ 12. Revise and edit your paper, completing several
drafts until the paper is well developed and polished.
________ 13. Prepare your works cited page or reference page.
Make sure to follow the documentation style preferred by your instructor.
________ 14. Write the final draft of your paper.
________ 15. Submit your research paper and sigh in relief.
Target Completion Date (12-15) __________
Sources: Little Brown Brief 2ndedition by
Jane E. Aaron http://www.ipl.org/div/aplus/schedule.htm
Created for the
Last updated 9/2005