Section 2.2: the Research Writing Process

Many people (students and professionals alike) are overwhelmed by the prospect of writing a substantial research project.  The following statement is representative of the general attitude: “It’s so much! I don’t even know where to start!” If you aim to sit down and produce a quality paper of any length in a single evening, then the statement is true.  No one can do that. What we must do is learn to look at writing as a process—a series of manageable steps that, over time, will result in a quality academic paper.

The hardest thing to convince people of is that the very last thing that you need to do is sit down in front of your word processor and start actually writing your paper.  The most critical step in writing a quality paper is one that many people try to overlook entirely: Planning.

Determine Your Purpose  

The first thing you need to do with any project is to determine your reason for writing in the first place.  Different purposes require different approaches. Papers for a class require that you meet the professor’s expectations.  Papers for publication in journals must meet the expectation of the social scientific community. Literature reviews in this context are usually highly focused and relatively short.  The majority of a journal article will focus on the research that is being reported. Literature reviews for dissertations and theses are usually very long, moving from the very general to the very specific.  The idea is to prove to your dissertation committee that you have mastered the literature of your field.

Planning

Define your topic and locate relevant literature.  These topics are listed together because they are part of a cycle.  For most papers, you begin with a very general idea. Your first idea will almost always be too broad for a paper topic.  After consulting the literature, you can identify more narrowly focused topics and refine your search of the literature. This cycle continues until you end up with a topic that is manageable in the length of the paper you plan to write.

Create a Timeline.  No matter what you are writing, you have to get it completed eventually.  Students writing a paper for a class usually have a deadline near the end of an academic semester.  Professionals writing books on a contract have deadlines. Scholars writing research reports must set deadlines if they want to get their work published (and keep their jobs).  We will use a 15-week semester as an example. The process would be the same for a journal article, a book, or a Master’s thesis—you just have more time for these larger projects.  The important thing is to be realistic about how much work you can get done in a given time. Unfortunately for the writer of term papers, a term only lasts about 15 weeks, so you must work within that span of time.

Here is an example timeline:

Weeks 1-2: Topic Selection and Initial Exploration

• Week 1: Determine a broad area of interest. Start brainstorming potential subtopics, issues, or questions related to the general area.
• Week 2: Conduct a preliminary literature search to grasp the scope and range of existing research. By the end of the week, refine and confirm the specific topic for the literature review.

Weeks 3-4: Comprehensive Literature Search

• Week 3: Begin an in-depth search in databases, journals, and other academic sources to compile a comprehensive list of relevant literature. Identify foundational texts and central authors in the field.
• Week 4: Continue the literature search, focusing on identifying recent developments and emerging debates. Finalize the list of sources you plan to review.

Weeks 5-6: Reading and Note-taking

• Week 5: Dedicate this week to reading a portion of the selected literature, emphasizing understanding methodologies, key findings, and areas of contention.
• Week 6: Continue the in-depth reading process, ensuring you’re taking detailed notes for each source. Highlight any common themes or disagreements in the field.

Weeks 7-8: Organizing and Outlining

• Week 7: Organize your notes by themes, methodologies, chronological order, or any other structure that seems fitting for the topic. Begin to notice gaps or patterns in the literature.
• Week 8: Based on your organized notes, draft a detailed outline for the literature review, delineating the introduction, main sections, and conclusion.

Weeks 9-10: Drafting

• Week 9: Start writing the literature review according to the outline. At this stage, focus on articulating ideas and arguments, even if the prose isn’t perfect.
• Week 10: Finish the initial draft, ensuring that you’ve provided a comprehensive overview of the literature and initiated your analysis.

Weeks 11-12: Revision and Refinement

• Week 11: Take a break for a day or two, then reread your draft. Start the refinement process, focusing on language, clarity, and strengthening any weak sections. Ensure consistent citation and formatting.
• Week 12: Share your draft with peers, mentors, or instructors for feedback. Use their insights to initiate a more profound revision process.

Weeks 13-14: Finalization and Submission

• Week 13: Incorporate the feedback received, perform a thorough proofread for errors, and finalize your arguments. Ensure all sources are accurately cited, and the bibliography is appropriately formatted.
• Week 14: Conduct a final review of the literature review, ensuring coherence, flow, and depth. Submit the final draft by the end of the week.

Week 15: Reflection and Forward Planning

• Days 1-7: Reflect on the entire process and the feedback received. Identify your strengths and areas needing improvement. Contemplate how the findings and insights from the literature review could guide future research or other academic projects.

Narrowing Your Focus

The following are some suggestions for selecting a topic and narrowing the focus of your topic to something manageable.  Overly broad topics are problematic and will usually result in a poor-quality final product. Some topics just cannot adequately be considered in a 10-page term paper.  You will end up with a paper that is superficial, that jumps from subtopic to subtopic, and that fails to demonstrate your command of the literature.

Starting Broadly: The Value of General Search Terms

In the realm of academic research, diving into unfamiliar waters requires a strategic approach. For those not deeply versed in the nuances of a specific literature landscape, initiating the search with broad, generalized terms offers a prime starting point. This method unveils a panoramic view of the topic, casting a wide net to capture the overarching themes, seminal works, and influential authors. By first gaining a grasp of the “big picture”, researchers can subsequently funnel down their scope, refining their reading list to zero in on the most pertinent works and ensuring no seminal piece remains overlooked.

Leveraging “On Topic” Papers for a More Defined Search

An “on-topic” paper, one that resonates directly with your research interests, is akin to a compass guiding the direction of your exploration. Discovering such a paper offers an opportunity to delve into its language, terminology, and focal areas, thus refining your own search parameters. Moreover, an in-depth examination of this paper can reveal potential subtopics and tangents within your broader research area. These findings not only refine your search but also enrich the breadth and depth of your eventual literature review, ensuring a comprehensive and nuanced discussion.

Embracing Recency: The Merits of Reverse Chronological Analysis

Much like the unfolding of a gripping mystery novel, there’s undeniable value in knowing how a narrative develops over time, especially in academic realms. In the fast-evolving world of research, it’s often advantageous to commence your exploration with the latest articles and studies. This approach presents a twofold benefit: firstly, it acquaints you with the most up-to-date discussions, findings, and debates in the field. Secondly, by working backward, you trace the evolution of ideas, identifying how prevailing thoughts have been shaped, challenged, or reinforced over time, thereby offering a holistic understanding.

Prioritizing Theoretical Foundations in Social Sciences

A robust academic investigation, especially within the social sciences, rests heavily on its theoretical backbone. It’s paramount to prioritize searching for articles that delve into the theoretical aspects of your chosen topic. These articles often provide a deeper understanding, setting the conceptual stage upon which empirical studies dance. They offer insight into the fundamental assumptions, principles, and frameworks that undergird a particular area of study. A thorough engagement with these theoretical expositions ensures that your literature review or paper is rooted in sound academic traditions, providing a sturdy base for your arguments and findings.

The Power of Review Articles in Enriching Research

Embarking on a research project or literature review? Don’t underestimate the potency of previously published review articles. These are goldmines, meticulously curated to provide an overview of existing literature on a topic. Their strength lies in their comprehensive nature, offering a synthesized account of what’s already known. More than just a summary, review articles identify patterns, gaps, and debates in the existing literature. Moreover, their extensive reference lists serve as invaluable roadmaps, guiding researchers to pivotal works and lesser-known gems. By incorporating these review articles into your reading repertoire, you not only streamline your search but also deepen the breadth of your understanding.

Fast-Track Class: 8-Week Literature Review Timeline

Week 1: Topic Selection and Initial Exploration

• Days 1-3: Determine a general topic of interest. Brainstorm potential subtopics, issues, or questions related to the general topic.
• Days 4-7: Conduct a preliminary literature search to gauge the availability and scope of existing research. By the end of the week, finalize the specific topic for the literature review.

Week 2: Comprehensive Literature Search

• Days 1-4: Dive deeper into databases, journals, and other academic sources to compile a comprehensive list of pertinent literature. Aim to identify foundational texts, key authors, and recent developments.
• Days 5-7: Begin skimming through selected articles and books, marking relevant sections and taking brief notes on each source’s central argument or findings.

Week 3: Reading and Note-taking

• Days 1-7: Devote this week to reading the selected literature in-depth. For each source, take detailed notes, emphasizing methodologies, key findings, and areas of contention or debate.

Week 4: Organizing and Outlining

• Days 1-3: Organize notes by themes, methodologies, chronological order, or any structure that best fits the topic. Identify patterns, gaps, and critical points of discussion in the literature.
• Days 4-7: Develop a detailed outline for the literature review. This should provide a roadmap for the introduction, main sections, and conclusion of the paper.

Week 5: Drafting

• Days 1-4: Begin writing the literature review, adhering to the outline. Focus on getting ideas down without being overly concerned about eloquence at this stage.
• Days 5-7: Complete the initial draft. While it might be rough, aim for a comprehensive representation of the literature and initial analysis.

Week 6: Revision and Refinement

• Days 1-3: Revisit the draft with fresh eyes. Refine the language, ensure clarity, and bolster any weak arguments or sections. Check for consistency in citation and formatting.
• Days 4-7: Share the revised draft with peers or mentors for feedback. Use their insights to make further refinements.

Week 7: Finalization and Submission

• Days 1-4: Incorporate feedback, proofread for errors, and finalize the draft. Ensure that all sources are correctly cited and that the bibliography is comprehensive and formatted correctly.
• Days 5-7: Review the literature review one last time, making sure it flows well and provides a coherent and insightful overview of the topic. Submit the final draft by the end of the week.

Week 8: Reflection and Future Planning

• Days 1-7: Take this week to reflect on the process and the feedback received. Identify areas of strength and areas for improvement. Consider how the insights from the literature review might inform future research or academic endeavors.

Leveraging University Writing Centers for Literature Reviews

University Writing Centers (UWC) are a goldmine of resources and expertise, often underutilized by students during their academic journey. For those undertaking the meticulous task of crafting literature reviews, the UWC can provide invaluable guidance.

Expertise and Knowledge: The UWC typically staffs trained professionals and peer tutors with a deep understanding of academic writing conventions. Their experience extends across various fields of study, making them adept at guiding students in organizing, synthesizing, and presenting vast amounts of literature in a coherent manner. For students new to the genre of literature reviews, or those facing specific challenges, the UWC offers a knowledgeable sounding board.  Note that most of the staff will be experts in writing, not your subject matter!  You are responsible for your hypothesis and identifying the important literature on your topic from your field of study.

Feedback Loop: One of the greatest advantages of the UWC is the provision of a fresh set of eyes. They can identify gaps in your analysis, inconsistencies in your arguments, or areas that require greater clarity. By reviewing drafts, they can provide constructive feedback, ensuring that the literature review is not just comprehensive but also cogently presented.

Workshops and Resources: Many UWCs host workshops tailored to specific academic writing needs, including literature reviews. These sessions can introduce students to strategies for sourcing, organizing, and synthesizing literature. Furthermore, UWCs often have a wealth of handouts, online resources, and reference guides that can further assist in the writing process.

Guidance on Citation and Formatting: Literature reviews demand meticulous citation, and UWCs are well-equipped to guide students on the nuances of various citation styles, ensuring academic integrity. Whether you’re using APA, MLA, Chicago, or any other style, the UWC can ensure your citations are spot-on.

To maximize the benefits of visiting a UWC, students should:

1. Plan Ahead: While UWCs are adept at assisting at any stage of the writing process, it’s beneficial to approach them well in advance of your submission deadline. This allows ample time for revisions and refinements post-feedback.
2. Come Prepared: Bring along any guidelines or prompts provided by your instructor. If you’ve already started your literature review, bring your draft, along with any notes or outlines. The more context you provide, the better equipped the center will be to assist you.
3. Be Open to Feedback: The goal of the UWC is to elevate the quality of your work. Approach the session with an open mind, ready to absorb feedback and make necessary revisions.
4. Engage Actively: Your session will be most productive if you actively participate. Pose questions, seek clarifications, and ensure you understand the feedback and suggestions provided.

In essence, a University Writing Center is a nexus of expertise and support, making it an indispensable ally for students navigating the intricacies of literature reviews. By approaching the UWC proactively and engaging fully in the resources and feedback offered, students can significantly enhance the quality and depth of their reviews.

Summary

Many individuals, from students to professionals, find the task of writing extensive research projects daunting. A prevalent sentiment is feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. However, the key to a successful research paper isn’t to attempt it in one sitting but to see it as a process, breaking it down into smaller, manageable steps. One of the most crucial steps is planning, often neglected by many. Knowing your purpose for writing is essential; academic papers vary based on whether they’re for class assignments, journal publications, or dissertations, each with its distinct expectations.

Planning involves defining the topic, consulting relevant literature, and refining the topic scope. It’s essential to create a timeline to manage tasks effectively, whether for an academic semester or longer periods for larger projects. For example, a 15-week semester timeline includes phases like topic selection, literature search, reading, note-taking, outlining, drafting, revising, finalizing, and reflecting.

Selecting and narrowing a topic is fundamental. Starting with broad search terms can offer an overview, which can be narrowed down using specific papers, recent articles, theoretical foundations, and review articles. An 8-week timeline provides a condensed schedule, but the stages remain similar.

Lastly, University Writing Centers (UWC) can be immensely beneficial, providing expertise, feedback, workshops, and guidance on citation and formatting. However, students should approach UWCs proactively and come prepared.

Modification History

File Created:  07/24/2018

Last Modified:  08/17/2023

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This work is licensed under an Open Educational Resource-Quality Master Source (OER-QMS) License.