This brief, practical guide offers a clear and comprehensive strategy for conceptualizing, approaching, and executing the task of writing a research paper in the humanities and social sciences. In addition, it provides:\\-a critical and process-oriented approach to the tasks of topic selection, formulation of the research question, thesis development, and argumentation. \\-judiciously selected examples drawn from a broad range of disciplines. \\-concise treatment of the aims, methods, and conventions of scholarly research, including the opportunities and pitfalls of Internet use.\\ -a wealth of conceptual and organizational tools, and more.

Introduction: Writing a Research Paper -- Synopsis of the Research and Writing Process -- Chapter 1. Finding a Research Question and the Resources to Write about It -- Getting Started-Choosing a General Topic -- Gathering Information on Your Broad, General Topic -- Finding Your Narrow, Specific Topic -- Evidence and Sources of Evidence -- Finding Sources -- Evaluating the Credibility of Sources -- Chapter 2. Reading and Taking Notes -- The Tasks of Reading Critically -- The Mechanics of Reading Critically -- Note-Taking -- Annotating -- The Problem with Highlighting -- Recording Necessary Bibliographic Information -- Recording Your Notes -- Chapter 3. Formulating an Open-Ended Research Question -- Good Questions -- Why an Open-Ended Question That's Narrow? -- Formulating Your Question -- Classifying Questions by How, or Whether, They Can Be Answered -- Types of Questions and Answers -- Keeping Track of Questions, Ideas, and Evidence -- Chapter 4. Working toward an Answer to Your Question: Focusing Your Reading, Considering Arguments, and Refining Your Question -- Exploring Arguments and Counterarguments -- Reflecting on Your Research Question as You Proceed -- Chapter 5. Answering your Question and Constructing Your Argument -- Sort Notes and Texts -- Write a Working Thesis -- Types of Arguments -- The Organization of Arguments -- The Structure of the Paper -- The Functional Components of a Paper -- Argument Chart -- Chapter 6. Using Evidence Properly and Effectively -- Directness of Evidence -- Search for Direct Evidence First -- Determining the Validity of Evidence-and Showing It -- Putting Evidence to Work: Weaving a Web of Corroboration -- Explanation and Interpretation of Evidence -- What Is Sufficient Evidence to Support an Argument? -- Chapter 7. Using the Work of Others: Crediting Your Sources -- Placing One's Work in the Context of Earlier Scholarship -- Using the Work of Others -- Citations and the Authority of Your Sources -- Giving Credit Is Essential to the Enterprise -- Strategies for Avoiding Misuse of Sources -- Chapter 8. Shaping the Paper: Writing a Prospectus and a Rough Draft -- The Value and Character of a Prospectus -- Writing a Rough Draft -- Using a Rough Draft Worksheet -- The Rough Draft/Prospectus Worksheet -- Chapter 9. Revising the Rough Draft -- The Goals of Revising a Rough Draft -- Organizing the Paper -- Chapter 10. Copyediting and Final Revision -- Final Revision -- Final Suggestions -- Final Revision Checklist -- Conclusion - Index.