This guide aims to help with understanding the processes for writing a research paper and for actually conducting better research. Many college classes may require their students to write research papers, so it's a skill essential for success in GNTC programs. Researching is a skill that is valuable in many fields, both academic and in the business world. Being able to research indicates students know how to find and analyze information.
According to Anthony Winkler and Jo Ray Metherell in their book Writing the Research Paper: A Handbook, "a research paper requires you to seek out information about a subject, take a stand on it, and back it up with the opinions, ideas, and views of others" (3-4).
In this case, research is the process of finding out information on a given topic, whether it's a chosen topic or one your instructor assigned. This is usually done by finding books, periodicals, web sites, and other media that relate to the topic. In some instances, it is also the process of actually conducting a study to gather information about the topic. This guide will be concentrating purely on finding the information and using it.