Includes bibliographical references (p. 365-377) and index.

pt. 1. Laying the groundwork -- 1. Understanding the research process -- Basic steps in the process -- Some essential definitions -- A more detailed look at the research process -- 2. Deciding on a topic -- Moving from subject to topic -- Finding the best topic -- Doing background reading or preliminary research -- Brainstorming to find a topic -- Four students find their topics -- 3. Moving from topic to hypothesis -- Benefits of a hypothesis -- Arriving at a hypothesis by brainstorming -- Four students form and revise their hypotheses -- pt. 2. Searching for sources -- 4. Developing a research strategy -- Types of sources -- The role of libraries and librarians -- The library's home page -- The data record -- Search strategies -- 5. Finding books -- Using the library catalog -- Evaluating results of a library catalog search -- Using the library's reference section -- Locating books -- Using electronic books -- 6. Finding periodicals -- Understanding types of periodicals -- Using periodical databases -- Evaluating results of a database search -- Using print indexes -- Acquiring articles from print-based periodicals -- Acquiring articles from web-based periodicals -- 7. Finding Internet sources -- Understanding types of web sites -- Understanding web addresses -- Using search engines -- Evaluating results of a web search -- Using other web resources -- 8. Finding other kinds of sources -- Other materials in your own library -- Other print sources -- Television and radio programs -- Audiovisual material from the web -- Interviews and surveys -- pt. 3. Working with sources -- 9. Developing a working bibliography -- Setting up the working bibliography -- Gathering potential sources -- Reassessing your topic -- 10. Evaluating potential sources -- Skimming your sources -- Judging the usefulness of sources -- Evaluating online sources -- Using primary versus secondary sources -- Cross-checking sources -- Creating an annotated bibliography -- Reviewing your hypothesis -- 11. Taking effective notes -- Using a preliminary outline as a guide -- Using a statement of purpose as a guide -- Practical aspects of note taking -- 12. Paraphrasing, summarizing, and quoting -- Paraphrasing -- Summarizing -- Quoting -- Note taking for nontextual sources -- An extended example of effective note taking -- 13. Avoiding plagiarism -- Understanding documentation -- Plagiarizing ideas -- Plagiarizing language -- Plagiarizing paraphrases -- Paraphrasing without plagiarizing -- Plagiarizing facts --

pt. 4. Writing the paper -- 14. Organizing and outlining -- Organizing your notes -- Refining the outline -- The traditional outline format -- Phrase and sentence outlines -- Unconventional outlines -- 15. Writing the rough draft -- Getting ready to draft -- Working on a computer -- Drafting the introduction -- Drafting the body -- Drafting the conclusion -- 16. Revising the rough draft -- Revising for organization -- Revising for support -- Revising for language -- Revising for documentation -- Two examples of revision -- Writing the polished, final draft -- pt. 5. Documenting sources -- 17. Understanding documentation requirements -- Types of material that require source notes -- General information about in-text citations -- General information about the list of sources -- Abbreviations for bibliographical terms -- 18. Using the MLA parenthetical system -- General guidelines for parenthetical citations -- Blending notes into your text smoothly -- Numbered notes for special purposes -- Guidelines for works cited -- Directory of MLA style for works cited -- How to cite sources of illustrative materials -- 19. Using the APA (author/year) system -- Guidelines for parenthetical citations -- Guidelines for a list of references -- Directory to APA style for references -- 20. Using other documentation systems -- The Chicago (endnote/footnote) system -- The number system -- Format preferences for various academic disciplines -- pt. 6. Preparing the manuscript -- 21. Following format requirements -- Basic formatting -- Following a particular format -- Creating a title page -- Understanding abstracts -- Paginating your paper -- Selecting an appropriate font -- Using color -- 22. Four sample research papers -- MLA-style paper : "The new immigrants : asset or burden?" -- MLA-style paper : "Emily Dickinson's reluctance to publish" -- APA-style paper : "Solenopsis invicta : destroyer of ecosystems" -- Chicago-style paper : "Cotton Mather's necessary witches."

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