Writing a research paper is not something anyone can do. It requires lots of hard work and time to create a perfect one for your academics.
So, it can surely feel overwhelming for students, especially when you are required to include your sources in it.
Obviously, this is an important part of writing it, and you cannot miss it. But how?
I mean, can you just use it without copying? And can fit them all in your research paper?
Well, that is exactly what we are going to find out today.
You do not have to worry, as you are not alone in this journey. And No, you are not DUMB. In fact, many students face these same issues while working on their research papers. But you are lucky to find me. I am just going to drop some amazing insights about how to ace it.
Don’t worry, and I will keep it simple and easy for you to understand.
Why Are Sources Important in a Research Paper?
Now before we dive into the strategies to include sources. Make sure that you know why sources really matters in your research paper.
Here is why you need them to:
- Back up your ideas with the right evidence
- Showing off your research skills
- Making your content more credible
- Providing credit to other people’s work to avoid plagiarism
Strategies for Working Sources
Now, let’s come to our main AGENDA. And see how you can strategically work on your sources for writing a credible & Reliable research paper. Here we go:
1. Know Your Sources
Well, right before you start adding your sources into your research paper. Make sure that you know what these sources are.
Thus, you must:
- Read them carefully
- Highlight key points
- Note down in your own words
- Identify the main idea of the source.
It is important because if you don’t fully understand it, you might misinterpret the information. And it will eventually affect the credibility of your work.
2. Choose the Right Sources
You know, there are multiple sources for you out there to include in your research paper. But remember, not all of them are equal.
Thus, it is important that you pick the right and reliable ones for you that are relevant to your topic. Therefore, make sure that your sources are credible enough to add to your research paper.
Some credible sources include:
- Academic articles and books
- Newspaper articles
- Expert Interviews
- Official government reports
You must avoid using random blogs, Wikipedia, or unreliable websites unless your teacher approves it.
3. Decide Where to Use it.
Do not just throw off your sources in your research paper in a random manner. But think about where they fit the best.
Like if your source is about the importance of exercise. Then you just cannot add it in Challenges of Exercise right?
So, the placement of your source really matters. Therefore, use it wisely on relevant content and not in some random fashion.
4. Seek Assistance when Needed
I know this might sound like a hectic task. But trust me, you can do it. And if you get stuck somewhere. Then always remember that you have a professional research paper writers help you out.
Just reach out to them and they will assist you in writing your sources in the right manner. These professionals know exactly where to put it and how to put it.
5. Use Your Own Voice First
You must always remember that your research paper is yours solely. And people might use it in the future to cite it.
So, your ideas should always come first. Your sources should support your ideas. And it should not be otherwise.
Here is a simple way to do it:
- Write your main points and arguments in your own words
- Add the sources as support to your points
- Explain the importance of these sources to prove your point.
6. Paraphrase it
Well, you must be familiar with Plagiarism, right? And I am sure that none of you wants to experience what it tastes like.
So, do not just always quote the sources exactly in your research paper, as it can lead to plagiarism even if you give credit. Instead, just paraphrase it from top to bottom or just summarize it in your own words.
You can add the exact wordings using quotation marks though. But that’s not recommended. As paraphrasing helps you show your interest and knowledge about your topic.
7. Use Quotes Wisely
I know I just told you that you can use quotes. But remember, it is not recommended.
Sometimes the original writer has explained the concept so beautifully that you do not just wants to change it. But remember, just use it once or twice and not more than that.
You can use them when:
- The exact words of the Author are quite stronger
- You need to highlight the opinion of an expert
- Paraphrasing it would change the whole meaning
So, do not overuse them. And do not rely on them completely.
8. Blend Them Smoothly
It is important that you connect your sources with your sentences. Do not just randomly put a fact or quiet in your paper without explaining it. But make sure that it blends perfectly with your work. Use words like:
- According to
- As per the author
- Research shows…
This will help you link it effectively.
9. Cite your Sources Correctly
One of the most important rule of including sources in your research paper is to cite them correctly to give proper credits to the original author.
Thus, every single time you use a fact or idea to support your points, You need to cite it using the required referencing style.
This will show your honesty and avoid plagiarism in your content.
Final Words
In a nutshell, working on sources in your research paper might be hard. But it is not IMPOSSIBLE. You just need the right approach and directions to make sure that you get through it successfully.
So, follow these steps and make sure that you are not escaping a single one while sourcing in your research paper. Remember, the goal is to support your points to make them more credible. Best of Luck!
