Remember, like your hypothesis, your thesis is not carved in stone. This is your paper and you are in charge of the final outcome. If you think it is necessary, revise it during the research process. As you research, continue to evaluate your thesis for practicality, originality, as well as relevance.
The following are some questions to ask during research:
1. Has the subject matter been covered so thoroughly that there doesn't seem to be anything new to offer?
2. Is the thesis stimulating new ideas?
3. Are there a variety of sources available? (Not just internet sources because a research paper is not based solely on research available over the internet)
4. Which sources are too broad for my thesis? Which resources too narrow?
5. Who is the author of your source and is he/she qualified to comment on the subject matter?
After crafting a thesis, consider one of the following two approaches to writing a research paper.
1. Excited about your thesis and eager to begin?
* Return to the primary source to find support for your thesis.
* Organize ideas and begin writing your first draft.
* After writing the first draft, turn to the authorities for their support of your ideas. Be sure to cite these resources if appropriate.
* Document facts and opinions.
* Add original thought!
2. Confused about where to start?
* Take a second look at your thesis. Decide if it is in fact a solid approach to your paper.
* Perhaps attempt to clarify your position and find a direction for your paper.
* Keep a work-in-progress bibliography and take another look at it. It may assist you in finding a new direction or it may reveal something you previously overlooked. You may not use all the sources you record, but you cannot be sure which ones you will eventually discard.
* Create a working outline as you research. This outline will, of course, change as you delve more deeply into your subject.
