Tips on Writing Research Papers

This page is designed to assist persons with the writing of research papers. There is an increasing amount of Internet information that can help with the writing process but you are still likely to benefit from individual attention offered at an on-campus writing center where such assistance is offered. When  individual assistance is not offered, or as a supplement when it is, consider some of the sites noted below. Also on this page are links to helpful software packages that make the writing process less arduous.

• In the Writing Aids on the Web section you will find suggestions and links on topics like plagiarism, grammar, and citation styles.

• Text citations and paper bibliographies must usually follow specific guidelines. Find which one you are required to use, or which you are choosing to use, then check that style at these sites.

• In the Software Aids section are links to computer software that can assist in the writing process.

Writing Aids on the Web

A Statement on Plagiarism Not sure what constitutes plagiarism? See a definition and some examples at this site.

Common Errors in English This site has the goal of helping you avoid low grades, lost employment opportunities, lost business, and titters of amusement at the way you write or speak.

Elements of Style William Strunk Jr.'s classic little book of correct writing is now online. Strunk's emphasis on clear, accurate and to-the-point writing carries as well on the Net as it does in print, and the graphics around the sample sentences reinforce the message: It's clean and easy to follow. This is a great style and composition resource for anyone writing papers.

The Internet Grammar of English The IGE is extremely easy to navigate and may be used as a reference source as well as an instructional tool. It includes a detailed table of contents, a glossary of terms, and a complete index. Moreover, the entire site is searchable by keyword.

Readers' and Writers' Resource Page Links to the art of reading and writing.

Resources for Writers Handouts and links to other writing related sites are provided here to assist you with everything from style and editing to web publishing.

Resources for Writers and Teachers Offers extensive tutorial in writing skills with writing guides and interactive demonstrations.

Tools for College Writing This site introduces beginning college students to the fundamentals of the writing process by providing skills that will enhance their chance of success as college writers. The site features a built-in dictionary to aid learning.

Writers on the Net Advice and resources including writing classes and tutorials.

Citation Styles

A Guide for Writing Research Papers This Guide, although not a substitute for the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, does provide a question-and-answer format on APA Style and may answer some of the basic questions you are likely to have.

American Sociological Review style guide (Purdue University)

Citation Styles Good links to several styles (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago)

Software Aids

Bibliographic Database Software: Most word-processing programs now include spelling and grammar checkers, but many students are not using them. At a minimum you should run these writing tools before preparing a final draft of your paper. Less well known are some software programs that can make easier the task of citing sources and building bibliographies. Two that are especially powerful and worth learning are Citation and EndNote. Visit their web sites and read about how either can make writing papers a bit easier.