Writing the Graduate Research Paper

This information is published by the SUU MSFS program as part of the educational support given to graduate students in the program.  These are guidelines for writing the graduate paper; however, you should be aware that each professor may have individual rules or guidelines as well.  As such, before beginning a paper for any graduate faculty member be sure to get full instructions from them. 

What is Different in Graduate Writing?

Writing the graduate paper is significantly different from writing at the undergraduate level.  The first difference is the depth of the material being covered.  As a graduate student you are expected to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the material.  The second difference is that there is less room for error, especially when it comes to simple issues of grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, etc.  In the following sections you will see other differences along with a series of practical tips to insure your paper meets standards. 

Practical Hints for Getting Started

 
1. When preparing to write your paper first discuss the topic with your faculty member and seek clarification on any questions you might have.  Do NOT start the paper until you are sure you know what you are doing.
2. Show Initiative.  If you know you will write a paper for the course then show initiative early in starting your research and study of the subject matter.  The worst thing you can do is wait to start your research. 
3. Show Imagination.  Graduate school is about learning, but it is also about exploration of subject.  Use your imagination and thinking skills to explore and expand both your understanding and the topic itself. 
4. Draft a skeleton and then more detailed outline of the paper. Think of it as your table of contents.  A graduate paper must be a true professional product. 
5. As you begin to work on your paper and collect more information/ideas, adjust the outline so that it better reflects the knowledge and understanding of the subject.  The outline should help you stay "on topic" and ensure a logical organization for the paper, but do not be afraid to explore and expand a paper as your knowledge or understanding grows.
6. After you have prepared a first draft of the paper go back and jot down the main point of each paragraph to check on the organization and flow of your presentation.

Some General for Writing

1. Be sure to identify your assumptions and beliefs. By identifying your own beliefs or ideals you can better understand how the ideas of others affect you.  An important part of the paper is being to show you have grown in that understanding.  A good paper will not change your ideas in each instance, but it should expand you understanding of a topic. 
2. Define all your terms to ensure reader and writer will understand each other.  Do NOT assume your reader, which is likely your professor, will completely understand in each instance.  Chances are the professor is knowledgeable, and probably an expert, in the subject matter, but don't make that assumption.  A good rule of thumb is to write the paper as if you were educating an undergraduate student.
3. Support ALL assertions with evidence and proof.  This is where both your sources (research) and your application collide.  If you make a statement of fact or truth then be able to prove it.  Most student do not fail because they had a bad idea but simply because they failed to support their idea.
4. State your purpose at the very beginning of the paper.
5. Don't depend on headings to make transitions between ideas.  While graduate level papers generally include multiple sections do not assume that a heading will clearly make the transition for you. 
6. Use good writing skills and practices. 
7. Don't depend too much on the words of others -- i.e., direct quotations or references to other works.  Sometimes the best paper is one that challenges the status quo or at least gives it a good examination. 
8. When you use quotations be sure to a) introduce the writer and establish his/her credibility, b) explain or interpret what has been said, and c) analyze the value of the the other person's contribution to the discussion at hand.
9. Remember one paragraph should contain one main point. Paragraphs should have at least three sentences: introduction, middle, and conclusion (which sends the reader logically into the next main point).
10. To avoid plagiarism, first read your source book (or other material), then close it and make notes on what you think is important. (Be sure to take down all details -- author, title, publisher, date of publication, page numbers of direct quotations and/or interesting ideas.)
11. The majority of the paper should be your own words and ideas.
12. Pay close attention to the dates of your reference materials. Including references to some classic articles or books is good, but you should be extremely cautious about building your whole paper on dated materials. Similarily, you must be careful not to rely on only one or two sources.

Some Things to Avoid

1. Statements that do not logically follow from each other.
2. Unfounded and unsupportable generalizations (eg., Large multinationals abuse labor in developing countries.)
3. Circular arguments. (eg., Communication is important because organizations need leaders who can communicate effectively.)
4. Arguments based on the idea that everyone does or knows something. (eg., Bureaucracy is bad because everyone thinks it is.)
5. Attacks on perfunctory rather than central ideas. (i.e, getting sidetracked)
6. Considering only favorable evidence.
7. Considering only two alternatives and ignoring others that are equally relevant.

Writing Your Paper

1. Be sure your paper has three parts: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
2. In your first draft focus on putting your ideas together in a clear and logical way.
3. In your second draft look at the organization and mechanics of the paper. (Do a paragraph outline to be sure the parts fit together logically.)
4. Most graduate papers will require no less than three drafts, and in some instances you may need more than that.  Try not to make too many substantive changes after the second draft, though.  Substance should be addressed before you begin, and moderate changes are common for the second draft.
5. When you reach the final draft you should have a polished paper that states your position clearly, concisely, and with authority. 

Putting Together The Final Paper

Be sure to include:

1. Your name
2. The title of the paper
3. A one paragraph abstract or executive summary (which you will share with your colleagues)
4. Body of paper
5. List of References (published works directly cited in your paper)
6. Bibliography (works you used but did not cite)
7. Appendices (important supplementary materials)