I am struggling so much with my research papers

[ElizabethBennet]

I have three research papers due in the next two weeks and I am so overwhelmed by them I haven't even started.

I have two for my history classes due a week from today. One, I have to cover the influence of religion and development of western civilization from Mesopotamia to the Middle Ages.

One is on the second great awakening and it's influence on industrialization.

And the last one is on eating disorders.

I have not written a research paper in almost ten years and I don't even know where to begin.

[Jalapeñomel]

DH would suggest you write an outline for them all first, before even attempting to write them.


Best of luck! I hated writing papers!

[ElizabethBennet]

I have a rough idea on what I want to do.

It's honestly the research portion that I'm struggling with. Which sounds stupid. There is just so much information, especially for the first one, that I'm having trouble figuring what is important to include and what isn't.

[shostakovich]

First step: Deep breath, and repeating to yourself that you can do this. Think of something in your past that you were sure you wouldn't be able to do, but you did.  Keep reminding yourself of that accomplishment every time you get overwhelmed.

Next step: Do you already have your sources for the paper?  If not, that would be my suggested first step - look over the requirements on sources for each paper, and then get to work researching. Take one 10 minute break every hour, so you don't get overwhelmed.

If you already have them, I can suggest something that helped me when tackling papers (and this might not be your style, in which case, feel free to ignore :  I would come up with a rough outline of my paper - Intro, three or four argumentative points, conclusion, and then I would get all of my sources - on note cards or photocopied papers, or in books - into a rough organization in order of how I want to use them in my outline. 

[juliahenry]

You got this.

Make a schedule. Begin with just the hours/plan per day for research and writing.
Each paper needs:
Library/online time for research
Reading/source review
Crafting an argument, outlining your paper
Actual writing
Editing/revising

Do you do better getting one thing done fully before moving on to the next, or would you prefer to work a bit on each paper at the same time? Also, how many pages do you need per paper?

[juliahenry]

Oct 28, 2013 13:21:04 GMT -5 ElizabethBennet said:

I have a rough idea on what I want to do.

It's honestly the research portion that I'm struggling with. Which sounds stupid. There is just so much information, especially for the first one, that I'm having trouble figuring what is important to include and what isn't.

How many pages? And what's your main argument?ou need a thesis.

[purrbox]

Don't feel overwhelmed. Just tackle each paper one at a time. It's really not too difficult; it's just a little time consuming. Start now and you can totally get this done with time to spare.

I'm no pro, but here's my advice:

1) Come up with a thesis statement.

2) Do tons of research on the topic.

3) Maybe print out and highlight the research you plan to use. At minimum, hold onto the citation information and links.

4) Plan out your paper. For instance, do you want to do an intro section, history section, a body section that includes your research and how it relates to your thesis, and a conclusion. There's lots of options for this.

5) Write it. I usually do the intro and conclusion last. Don't feel overwhelmed here. Write a few pages and then feel free to take a break. But with every page you write take note of that accomplishment!

6) Proofread, proofread, proofread. The best proofreading is done at least a day after you finish the paper. It's good to give the mind a break before proofreading.


Good luck! Start now, and you won't end up with too much on your plate at the last minute!

[purrbox]

Oh, and I also find wikipedia to cut down tremendously on the time it takes to research information. That's always where I begin. Wikipedia the topic of your research, and you'll probably find some good citations within. It's also great for background info.

[ElizabethBennet]

Oct 28, 2013 13:26:44 GMT -5 juliahenry said:

Oct 28, 2013 13:21:04 GMT -5 ElizabethBennet said:

I have a rough idea on what I want to do.

It's honestly the research portion that I'm struggling with. Which sounds stupid. There is just so much information, especially for the first one, that I'm having trouble figuring what is important to include and what isn't.

How many pages? And what's your main argument?ou need a thesis.

7-8 pages for all three

The first paper will be on the influence that religion has had on the development of western civilization. My main argument will be that the divide between modern eastern and western civilization (at least as we in the west view it) occurred when Christianity was declared the official religion of Rome and the split with Constantinople.

In the second paper I have to argue that the second great awakening changed the economy and industrialization, and talk about how it changed those two things, focusing specifically on the changes that occurred in Rochester at that time.

In the third paper I am going to focus on the causes of eating disorders and the treatment options available. Then move into the long term emotional, physical, and mental affects of an eating disorder and what recovery is like.

[juliahenry]

Oct 28, 2013 13:36:31 GMT -5 ElizabethBennet said:

7-8 pages for all three

The first paper will be on the influence that religion has had on the development of western civilization. My main argument will be that the divide between modern eastern and western civilization (at least as we in the west view it) occurred when Christianity was declared the official religion of Rome and the split with Constantinople.

In the second paper I have to argue that the second great awakening changed the economy and industrialization, and talk about how it changed those two things, focusing specifically on the changes that occurred in Rochester at that time.

In the third paper I am going to focus on the causes of eating disorders and the treatment options available. Then move into the long term emotional, physical, and mental affects of an eating disorder and what recovery is like.

Sounds interesting! And it sounds like you know where you're going with them. Good luck! You can do this!