Develop a research topic and question. The research topic provides a general framework that serves as a guide for the initial reading and research. The specifics of the paper may change and evolve as you research the topic.
Decide how to organize your notes. Compiling notes on index cards are a traditional method for note-taking. A primary advantage of index cards is that they can be spread on a table to organize thoughts, themes and ideas, with each card devoted to a specific idea or quotation. Legal pads are another popular choice for note-taking, along with the most modern approach, a computer.
Put the bibliographical information at the top of the note. Always include the author, title, publisher and date of publication
Summarize the main ideas and arguments that relate to your research topic. Avoid repeating the argument verbatim. Your research notes should capture and summarize the essential point of view and argument of the author. Notes provide a foundation and point of departure for your own arguments that you will develop in the research paper.
Write down important quotations that may be included in the research paper. During the research process you will come upon nicely worded thoughts that encapsulate an essential detail of the topic. Strategically adding quotations at certain places adds a nice touch to a research paper. Quotations are sometimes used to present a point of view that you are arguing against.
Write an outline for the research paper. The outline should divide the research paper into several sections. Each section may have smaller sub-sections.
Reread the research notes. Organize the notes in terms of which section or subsection they are most applicable to. Do not feel obligated to include all the notes or quotations in the paper.