Academic Research & Writing

Start with a solid research topic.Consider:

What do you know on the subject?Who will your audience be?What do they already know about it?What do you want to inform your audience about?

Before you start searching for information, brainstorm and choose a research topic.

Once you choose a topic, decide what your “angle” or goal will be.Will you be proving a point?Making a case?Analyzing information?

It is important determine the goal of your paper, so that you can find the best genre to meet your writing needs.

The most common genres for academic, research-based writing are:Analytical

Offers a critical interpretation on a subject, shows the writer’s “analysis” of the subject-matter. Does not take a stance. Explores existing information and tries to present a new understanding.

ArgumentativeTakes a stance on a topic and tries to persuade

readers to agree with the writer’s position.

Both genres require that the writer support their points with authoritative information from credible, scholarly sources.

Once you choose a subject and an angle, it is time to start searching for information to support your ideas.

By searching for and reading articles related to your subject, you will:

Understand the different views proposed by other writers and experts

Find information and data to support your arguments

Become an informed writer

Library Databases and news banks:http://www.stu.edu/eResearch

The library’s E-Research page provides direct access to a variety of general and subject-specific databases, including full-text databases.

Library Databases vs. Online Search EnginesAuthorityScholarlyCredibility

A good place to start your research.

ABI/INFORMAcademic Search PremierProQuest CentralGeneral Reference CenterInfoTrac/InfoTrac OneFile

Not sure how to start your research… Ask your STU librarians!

General Business File ASAP (Gale) Health Business Elite (EBSCO)LexisNexis AcademicMergent Online Statistical DatasetsProQuest Central

Your source for reference assistance: Larry Treadwell: ltreadwell@stu.edu

SportDiscus ABI/INFORM Academic Search Premier

PsycInfoHealth Reference Center AcademicProQuest CentralAcademic Search PremierInfoTracABI/INFORM

You’ve chosen a topic, brainstormed ideas, decided on an angle, and read several relevant articles... It’s time to start writing!

Some things to remember:It’s a good idea to start with an outline. It will

keep your writing focused, and aid in developing a strong, thesis-driven essay.

Follow the conventions set by your department’s designated style manual. – APA, MLA, Turabian, Chicago