Research Papers for Social Studies

Tip #1 - How to take notes… OK! So you’ve chosen your topic, established what you already know and what you want to know, selected your sources and started your note-taking devices…now what? Don’t freak out—just take same notes! There really is no wrong way, although there are some different types of notes that you can take. See below:

Type of Note What is it? Example When do you use it?

Direct QuotationExactly what it sounds like—this is a time when the “copy-and-paste” method is acceptable and highly encouraged!

“He [Peter] was at little or no expense about his person, and by living rather like a private gentleman than a prince he saved wholly that great expense.” (General Gordon, 1718)

This is an excellent note to use when you are examining primary sources.

Indirect Evidence

In short, this is where you summarize a main idea that the author is presenting.

Peter the Great wanted to incorporate western European technology because it would help make his military stronger. (World History, p. 446)

Use this type of note when you are looking at longer secondary sources.

Key WordAlso exactly what it sounds like! Identifying a word connected to your topic will be helpful later when you write the paper.

czar – a term for a Russian ruler

(http://www.biography.com/people/peter-the-great-9542228)

Anytime you come across a new word that will need to be defined for the reader.

ConnectionTie your topic to other sources like books and movies; or link an idea to your own life and the world around you.

Peter the Great’s methods remind me of some things that the current Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, has done recently. (Washington Times, March 6, 2014)

Whenever an idea strikes you! Just be careful when you write the paper that the connection is relevant to your focus.

AnalysisThis is where you combine evidence from the sources along with your own opinions.

Although he lost to Charles XII of Sweden, Peter showed he was persistent by building a new army and navy to help defeat Charles in a second battle, opening Russia to the “West.” (The Pen and the Sword)

This should be used later in the research process once you have a better understanding of the topic and a range of evidence.

Social Studies Department – The International High School at Lafayette – 2015-2016