Many students who are in college and even university really want to get published, but they are sick of their research supervisors and mentors. Search for how to start writing a research paper independently, without getting constantly pushed by anyone to meet deadlines.
To solve this mystery, we have brought a detailed guide for students and even professionals who just want to share their unique ideas with the research world independently. You can consider the following steps to craft a perfect study that is ready for publication.
Steps to Write a Research Paper Independently
We have consulted with seasoned scholars and research writing experts to juice out the most comprehensive and easy-to-follow steps. That can help you craft a well-structured research paper by being your own boss.
Each step is designed to help you progress chronologically and reach a point where you just need to proofread and edit the final draft to get published in a top-ranking academic journal.
Select a Topic
Figure out interests relevant to your field of study, and then jot them down on paper to cut down the topics based on their research scope. To pick a sound topic, make sure to consider its scope, and it should not be too narrow or too wide.
The best hack is to only go for a topic that has enough relevant data available for a perfect literature review writing.
Conduct Preliminary Research
Scroll through Google Scholar, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, and other such resources to read already published research papers, books, and articles to identify the current gaps available in your selected topic.
Conducting preliminary research will help you identify knowledge, population, and other gaps, if available in current studies, to discuss in your paper and fill the gaps.
Formulate a Thesis Statement
Now, develop a clear and concise thesis statement for your research paper reflecting the main argument your paper is going to be all about from top to bottom.
Develop Research Questions
Break down your thesis statement objectives into clear and concise questions that you can discuss one after another throughout your whole research paper. It will help you and your readers identify the points that will be addressed in the study.
Draft an Outline
When you are done formulating a strong thesis statement and research questions to be addressed in the study. Create a strong outline for your research paper to follow and craft a well-researched and well-formatted study. Here’s a common research paper outline for you to consider.
- Introduction
- Literature Review
- Research Methodology
- Data Analysis & Results
- Discussion
- Conclusion
- References
Write the First Draft
Follow the outline structure made by you and start filling in data into each section of it to write the first draft of your research paper. Don’t chase perfection and focus on bringing out all your ideas in the manuscript to show your wholesome narrative.
Proofread and Edit
When you are done with completing the first draft, review it to identify and correct the clarity, coherence, and structure issues to make it error-free. Don’t forget to maintain the citation style like MLA, APA, Chicago, etc, required by the journal to meet publication standards.
Get the Paper Reviewed
It is suggested to get your research paper reviewed by peers, mentors, or fellow research scholars. Getting your paper reviewed by an expert will help you get constructive feedback, containing valuable suggestions for further improvement.
Incorporate Recommendations
Don’t undermine the suggestions of experts and incorporate the received suggestions in your paper to make it free from formatting and other errors. So that you can publish it without facing objections.
Publish Your Paper
Submit your research paper to your favourite top-ranking academic journal and get it published to become a credible author.
Additional Tips to Follow
Here are some valuable tips to make your research paper writing process effective.
Stay Consistent: Keep working on the manuscript consistently not to lose the connection between the ideas and craft a coherent paper reflecting logical flow in arguments.
Manage Time: Set realistic deadlines to make gradual but continuous progress to utilise your time effectively and complete the paper on time.
Keep Learning: Even while writing your research study, make sure to keep reading different papers to familiarise yourself with varying styles of writing and research methodologies.
Conclusion
It is not always necessary to have a PhD scholar on your back to write a perfect research paper. You can craft a research study independently as well by following the right steps and tips, leading you to become a published author.