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Six Major Steps to Successful Research

Step 6: Final Product
1. Start Writing!
2. Revise and refine
3. Prepare graphics

A. Start Writing!

Research results can be presented as a research paper, a manuscript for publication, or a public presentation. The easiest way to start is to create a document based on the outline of the paper. Write a paragraph or more for each heading in the outline.

Write as much as possible with the first draft. Your ideas are fresh. Ignore errors and punctuation and concentrate on synthesizing all of the ideas that have evolved from the research.

B. Revise and Refine

Revision provides the opportunity to fully develop the paper. Your working bibliography and notes will be especially useful at this point in the process. Take the opportunity to:

• Correct errors.
• Add examples and citations.
• Add quotes.
• Identify any weaknesses in logic and gather more information.
• Delete any information that confuses the central thesis.
• Write an introduction that ends with the thesis statement.
• Write a conclusion that summarizes the paper, recommends actions, and refers to the thesis statement.

Better research, better papers, better results. . . .

C. Prepare Graphics

Graphics can be used to strengthen the information presented in a research paper and are essential to an effective presentation. Graphics may include:

• Tables
• Charts or graphs
• Images
• Video or audio clips for presentations