Index cards allow you to organize notes into topics and subtopics. Write the source and topic on the card. Due to space constraints, only write out key words and abbreviate when possible. Make sure to distinguish between direct quotes and paraphrased statements. Include a page number with each note. Make sure to write out full citations either on the card itself or in a separate document. Cards allow you to organize and access the information quickly. This will be useful when writing the actual paper.
An outline organizes notes and sets the basic structure of the paper. Give each section a general heading and add subsections. A section titled "Introduction," for example, could be followed by "Issue," "Thesis" and "Supporting Quote." Fill in the sections with relevant notes. A word processor will make this process more efficient. As you compile notes, edit the outline to include specific themes, topics and points you want in the research paper.
The Cornell Method allows you to compare key topics with notes. Divide a sheet of paper into two columns. The right column should be twice as large as the left. As you conduct research, pull out keywords from the material and list them in the left column. In the adjacent right-hand column, list quotes, facts and other notes. This system is more often used for test memorization, but it also helps organize notes according to key themes and topics.
An annotated bibliography is a list of citations from books, articles and other sources. Each citation is followed by an annotation -- a brief paragraph explaining the relevance and accuracy of the source. A proper annotation summarizes the thesis and evaluates the source as it relates to the main idea of the paper. The usefulness of an annotated bibliography depends on the amount of research required. It may be necessary to write additional quotes and facts on a separate page.