How to Research a Term Paper

By Christopher Smith Jan 29, 2025

Congratulations on being accepted to the college of your dreams! Now, it’s time to face a new challenge, your first term paper. If you’re unsure where to begin, don’t worry! The research process can be both exciting and rewarding. Think of it as a journey to uncover new information and gain deeper insights into your topic. The word "research" comes from the French word rechercher, which means "to search thoroughly."

So, as you work on your term paper, imagine yourself as a detective, exploring your topic and digging into the details to answer the “why” and “how” behind it.

Choosing a Topic for Your Term Paper

The first step in writing your term paper is choosing a topic that interests you. It’s important to pick something that you’re passionate about, as this will make the research and writing process easier and more enjoyable. Start by making a list of keywords. These are words or phrases that describe your topic and will help guide your research.

Make sure to include related terms as well, since they can lead you to more sources and perspectives. Use these keywords when searching for materials that will support your paper.

Conducting Research for Your Term Paper

Once you have your topic and keywords, it’s time to dive into your research. Start with general reference materials like encyclopedias and fact books. These resources offer a good overview of your subject and can introduce you to related sub-topics and terminology.

While these references may not be suitable for citing directly in your paper, they can point you toward more credible sources. Be sure to check the bibliographies in these materials, they often list excellent sources to explore further.

Some great starting resources for political science and related fields include:

The Oxford Companion to Politics of the World
CQ Researcher
The Political Handbook of the World
Index to International Public Opinion
World Opinion Update

These publications provide in-depth information about specific topics, such as different governments, and can offer a broader understanding of your subject. They are usually considered reliable and acceptable sources to cite in your term paper.

Narrowing or Expanding Your Topic

As you dig deeper into your research, you may find that your topic is either too broad or too narrow. If you have too much information, consider focusing on a specific aspect of your topic. If you don’t have enough material, think about expanding your topic or combining different elements to create a broader research question.

Be careful not to make your topic too vague. The goal is to find a balance where you can explore the topic in detail without being overwhelmed by the amount of information. This focused approach will help keep you on track as you search for reliable sources and answer key questions.

Finding the Right Sources for Your Term Paper

At this stage, it’s time to focus on identifying the best sources for your research. These could include books, journal articles, newspapers, online databases, CD-ROMs, and even interviews. Start by exploring your library’s resources and using the computer system to search for relevant books on your topic. For topics that are very recent or specific, there may not be many books available. In these cases, turn to scholarly journals for the latest insights and analyses. Even for more established subjects, journals can offer fresh perspectives or new findings.

You can also find useful information in government reports, hearings, and committee proceedings. International organizations like the United Nations also publish valuable reports and proceedings.

When you find your sources, remember to keep your original research questions in mind. Your goal is to find answers, so always be focused on the information that will help you move forward with your paper. Don’t hesitate to ask your librarian for assistance in locating and using sources effectively.

Stay Organized Early: Track Your Sources

As you gather your sources, it’s crucial to stay organized. One helpful method is to make notes on index cards or in an Excel spreadsheet. Be sure to record bibliographic details, page numbers for quotes, and where you found each piece of information. This way, you can easily trace back to the source of any idea, quote, or reference. Numbering these cards and linking them to your notes can make it much easier when you start writing your references section.

As you read through your sources, take detailed notes. This will help you absorb both the basic facts and the deeper insights you need for your paper. Give yourself enough time to process all the information and allow your understanding of the topic to grow.

Conclusion

In our next article, we’ll walk you through the next steps in writing your term paper. We’ll cover how to develop your thesis statement, organize the body of your paper, and create your references page. If you want more tips on essay writing, be sure to check out Studyhelpme’s article, How Custom Essay Writing Services Handle Complex Topics.