LibGuides: WR 222 Writing Research Papers: Background Information (2024)

Get to Know Your Topic - Background Information

Before you start searching for sources, you need to know the nuts and boltsof your topic. Background information will help you:

  • Understand the basic elements of your topic
  • Narrow and focus your research question
  • Determine relevant keywords and search terms
  • Plan your research

Background research can take many forms, such as general googling or reading a wikipedia article. However, subject encyclopedias are trustworthy, academic sources written by experts on the subject. Subject encyclopedia entries, or articles,also include a list of references, or further reading on the subject, that you can also use for your research.

Search subject encyclopedias at Portland State University Library

Background Information Video

This three-minute video shows how to find background information

LibGuides: WR 222 Writing Research Papers: Background Information (2024)

FAQs

How do you write a research paper step by step? ›

Following the research process will help you with your paper.
  1. Select a Topic.
  2. Find Background Information.
  3. Formulate a Thesis Statement.
  4. Create an Outline.
  5. Locate and Retrieve Materials.
  6. Evaluate Information.
  7. Take Notes.
  8. Write the Paper.
Apr 18, 2023

How to write a research paper for college students? ›

Table of contents
  1. Understand the assignment.
  2. Choose a research paper topic.
  3. Conduct preliminary research.
  4. Develop a thesis statement.
  5. Create a research paper outline.
  6. Write a first draft of the research paper.
  7. Write the introduction.
  8. Write a compelling body of text.

What are the 4 basic parts to the writing a research paper? ›

The basic structure of a typical research paper includes Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. Each section addresses a different objective.

What are the 7 steps of writing a research paper? ›

Here are the 7 steps you need to take in order to write a stellar academic research paper.
  • Understand your goal.
  • Choose your topic.
  • Research your topic.
  • Build an outline and thesis statement.
  • Write your first draft.
  • Cite your sources.
  • Edit and proofread.
Jul 2, 2024

How to write an introduction of a research paper? ›

What should an introduction include?
  1. A clear overview of the topic. Begin by providing a general overview of your topic. ...
  2. Prior research. ...
  3. Rationale. ...
  4. Methodologies. ...
  5. Thesis statement. ...
  6. Outline. ...
  7. Tip 1: Write your introduction last. ...
  8. Tip 2: Include a strong quotation or story upfront.

How do you write a research paper format example? ›

Research paper format
  1. Select a standard font like 12-point Times New Roman or 11-point Arial.
  2. Set your page margins to 1 inch on all sides.
  3. Use double line spacing throughout.
  4. Start each new paragraph with a ½ inch indent.
  5. The title page, abstract, references, tables, and figures should each be on separate pages.
Feb 1, 2024

How to end an introduction paragraph in a research paper? ›

If your essay has a thesis, your thesis statement will typically appear at the end of your introduction, even though that is not a hard-and-fast rule. You may, for example, follow your thesis with a brief road map to your essay that sketches the basic structure of your argument.

What are the 5 steps of writing a research paper? ›

Answer
  • Choose a topic.
  • Find information. Identify the issues related to your topic. ...
  • Create and state your thesis.
  • Organize your thoughts and notes.
  • Make an outline.
  • Find more information; this time find content that supports your points.
  • Write your introduction.
  • Write the body of the paper.
Dec 22, 2023

What are the 7 simple steps in research? ›

While the specific steps might differ slightly depending on the research methodology and field, generally, the seven steps of the research process are:
  • Identify and Develop Your Topic: ...
  • Find Background Information: ...
  • Develop Your Research Design: ...
  • Collect Data: ...
  • Analyze Your Data: ...
  • Draw Conclusions and Interpret Findings:

What are the 5 parts of a research paper in order? ›

There are five MAJOR parts of a Research Report:
  • Introduction.
  • Review of Literature.
  • Methods.
  • Results.
  • Discussion.

What is the format of a research paper? ›

An APA-style paper includes the following sections: title page, abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion, and references. Your paper may also include one or more tables and/or figures. Different types of information about your study are addressed in each of the sections, as described below.

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