| Research papers are meant to propose a certain | | | | evidence in testimony, study results, survey results, |
| opinion to their readers. To support the thesis | | | | biographies, observations and other analysis that has |
| statement, which reduces the paper's main opinion | | | | been documented in a published form and can provide |
| down to one or two sentences, research is done to | | | | you with the necessary citations. Secondary sources |
| find supporting evidence that has been published in | | | | do not have this first person perspective and instead, |
| print and online resources. Typical research papers | | | | are a published treatment that gives information about |
| must provide evidence from a variety of sources. | | | | the primary evidence from a second hand point of |
| When many sources provide ample evidence to | | | | view. Examples of secondary sources are |
| support the thesis statement, the research paper | | | | encyclopedias, government publications, articles, |
| becomes very persuasive. | | | | reviews and commentaries. |
| There are different collections of information that can | | | | Before you give up on a topic because you do not |
| be used as resource portals. You can find research | | | | think that there is enough supporting evidence, you |
| material at archives, private collections, government | | | | should check out all the types of resources that you |
| offices, libraries and many churches. Your school | | | | have available to you. You might discover that you |
| library is just one portal to the resources that will prove | | | | have a winning and unique opinion that can be |
| your thesis statement. Reliable resources come in a | | | | supported after all. When you have enough evidence, |
| variety of forms including book, magazine, CD, website | | | | your writing task will become more manageable so |
| page, audio files, micro film, micro fiche, VHS tapes, | | | | that you can meet the paper's deadline. |
| DVDs and othermediums. | | | | Depending on the instructor or course, you may be |
| The Internet can provide different types of publications | | | | allowed to use both primary and secondary sources |
| including online magazines, journals, interviews, videos, | | | | of information. This ensures the instructor that the |
| electronic books, articles, reviews, essays and more. | | | | evidence that you are using to support your thesis |
| You have to be sure of the reliability of the information | | | | statement is reliable. Sometimes, secondary sources |
| that you retrieve from the Internet. Remember that | | | | can get the facts wrong or a crucial point may be |
| com addresses can indicate that the address is being | | | | missed that will help your paper. |
| used for a commercial website. It is easy to find | | | | Research papers take patience when it comes to |
| voices of authority for any particular subject on the | | | | searching for the right information. When you can |
| Internet that are suitable for citation in a research | | | | match enough resources to your thesis statement and |
| paper. | | | | research paper, you will be able to write a successful |
| The sources of information, when provided by reliable | | | | research paper. Research papers depend on excellent |
| publishers, are either primary or secondary sources. | | | | resources so use all the resources that you have |
| Primary sources concern evidence that is given from | | | | available for your research work. |
| a first hand perspective. You may find this type of | | | | |