Getting research materials is very important because it will give you an idea of what to write and help you locate gaps in your research field. It can also help you develop a catchy introduction and paint a good background for your study. Additionally, it can be a guide for premising on work already done. You could adopt the methodology used in one of your sources for your work.

Good resources can also help to build and back up your argument strongly and enhance good theoretical build-up. Good sources for research papers can also help to compare and contrast your findings and present a logical conclusion of your research paper.

What are credible sources for research and how can you identify them?

Credible sources for research refer to resources considered to be unbiased and evidence-based. Any resource that lacks evidence cannot be considered credible. Some research paper sources examples include encyclopaedias, journals, textbooks, etc. You will need to consider the following factors to determine credible sources:

1. Papers written within the last ten years

Papers written earlier than ten years before the time of the research are considered outdated and irrelevant. It is better to search for those that are within ten years before the time of the research. It is even better to use papers published five years earlier.

2. Credible authors

When searching for resources, you must also consider the author’s credibility. Using papers or textbooks written by people considered authorities in the field is better. Therefore, when using a resource, do a background check on the author.

3. Reliable publishers

The publishers of the papers you are using are essential factors to consider. It is better to use papers or resources published by government institutions and academic websites or institutions. You’re more likely to get credible resources there than anywhere else.

4. Use academic websites or search engines

A great example is Google Scholar. Google Scholar is a search engine designed specifically for academic research. Papers accepted on Google Scholar are considered evidence-based and get cited easily. It is easy to get materials considered accurate on Google Scholar.

Types of sources for research papers

There are three types of sources for research papers: primary sources and secondary and tertiary sources. The primary source gives first-hand information about the subject matter. This could be in the form of a newspaper article or an eyewitness report.

Secondary sources of research usually give an interpretation of the primary source. Some even give recommendations for further research. Secondary sources include textbooks, journals, and Academic articles.

Tertiary resources summarise both primary and secondary resources. They do not, however, give any additional facts about the subject matter. Examples of tertiary resources include encyclopaedias, dictionaries, and so on.

Tips on how to write resources for a research paper

There are different formats for writing the resources for a research paper. The format you use will depend on the accepted style of writing. It would be best to get a sample from your institution to know how to write your research sources.

If you are using a book, include the author’s name and the year of publication in your citation. The title of the book and the place of publication must also be written. The order these will follow depends on the style of writing.

The author’s name and year of publication must be written for journal sources. The citation for a journal must also include the title of the journal and paper, the volume, the issue, and page numbers.

For sources online, the writer’s name, the link to the website, and the date of retrieval must be written. The title of the article has to be written too. Whatever type of source you are using, the format of the citation depends on what is accepted in your institution.

Works cited or bibliography (whichever is accepted) is usually written at the end of the paper. This will typically include all the sources that you used for your research.

Conclusion

The internet abounds with resources for research papers. There are many materials online. You need to, however, cross-check and be careful in your use of resources. Avoid plagiarising and use resources that will be considered reliable.

Although history analysis papers aren’t regular or typical essays or papers, they are relatively easy to write. This article will show you how to write an excellent history analysis paper. So, let’s get at it!

How to write a history analysis paper

When writing a history analysis paper, the first thing to do is to state the main arguments. This is otherwise known as the thesis statement. Everything that will be written in the paper is going to prove the argument that has been stated at the beginning. The following steps should be taken to write a good history analysis paper.

1. Begin well

Starting your history analysis paper dully and flatly is not a good idea. From your introduction, it should be clear what your idea is. It would be best to give the reader a good start for your work. If the introduction of your work is already dull, the reader will lose interest.

2. Ensure you analyze

You will need more than just summarizing to get a good mark. You must analyze all the facts and draw relationships between ideas. A history analysis paper involves synthesis and critical thinking. An analysis of food, for instance, will include the analysis of the components and nutrients.

The same applies to a historical paper. Most of these papers are expected to be synthesis and analysis history papers. You are supposed to analyze all the facts and then synthesize or generate new concepts. You might also need to examine opposing ideas and justify your own.

3. Be critical of pieces of evidence

You need to cross-check every piece of evidence you get. Sometimes, historians could write based on their interests and this can affect the authenticity of the information. So, the more evidence you can get, the more varying you will find them. Do your investigations and get a solid judgment.

4. Be specific

You cannot afford to make ambiguous statements and you cannot overgeneralize. This will show that you still need to do proper research. You need to pay special attention to cause and effect. Don’t use general terms like ‘people,’ ‘countries,’ ‘government,’ etc. Be specific about what people you’re referring to, what government, etc.

5. Be mindful of chronology

Your historical analysis paper must be based on a time frame. It would be best to avoid hopping in and out of a period, confusing your reader. Ensure you have a clear timeframe and scope within which your work will be situated.

6. Cite carefully

Parenthetical citations are okay in humanities and sciences. However, it is better to use footnotes. For a historical analysis paper, using parenthetical citations will break the flow of the idea and make your work hard to understand. You can always ask your Librarian or course supervisor for help.

7. Make use of primary sources

The best kind of sources to use are primary sources. This refers to resources generated by direct participants or witnesses in the event written about. It could be in diaries, memoirs, newspaper articles, government records, etc.

Primary sources could also include buildings, churches, landmarks, etc. For a historian, there is no limit to what can interest you.

8. Use academic secondary sources

Secondary sources refer to those sources that are written by other historians who were not direct participants. Before using a scholarly source, you must do your findings. It would be best to ask who wrote it, where it appeared, who published it, and so on.

Be mindful that some scholarly articles may not be done correctly. It is left to you to sniff out the good and the bad.

What format should an analysis paper have?

A historical analysis paper has its own format. Typically, it should have an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction will usually include the opening sentence and the thesis statement. The opening sentence should have supporting sentences that will explain the main idea.

The body of the historical analysis paper should have all the arguments. Each argument should be written in individual paragraphs. Each argument should be explained, proven, and connected to the thesis statement.

The conclusion of a historical analysis paper should not include any new ideas. Instead, the thesis statement should be restated, and all the arguments should be summarized and reinforced.

Conclusion

There are history analysis paper examples online that can guide your own writing. Do your research and follow the guidelines here. Don’t carry out lazy research. Make sure you are thorough enough to get that A!

To ensure your success, we’ve outlined history paper topics that will captivate your interest, align with your course, and have abundant sources to support your study. These topics will equip you with a diverse range of compelling subjects for history research papers to jumpstart your journey toward academic excellence.

So, if you still need to decide on your topic, read on, and let’s begin.

Great history topic ideas for you

Students are often required to perform a significant study on a specific historical event, person, or era and present an interpretation of their findings in history research papers. Gathering and assessing primary and secondary materials, such as books, articles, records, and artefacts, is part of the research process. A research paper about history should deliver a well-researched, intelligent, and convincing argument based on the data acquired.

Keeping these in mind, we’ve compiled 75 topics for history papers you can choose from.

American history research paper topics

1. The American revolution: its causes, consequences, and legacy
2. The Civil War and its impact on the nation
3. The civil rights movement and the struggle for equality
4. The Cold War and its impact on the American society
5. The great depression and its effect on modern America
6. The founding fathers and the constitution of the United States
7. The rise of the United States as a super country and leading world power
8. How American democracy spread across Europe
9. The roaring twenties: its culture, politics, and legacy
10. The Vietnam War: its causes, consequences, and legacy
11. The American West: its mythology and reality
12. The origin and evolution of the US navy

European history research paper topics

13. The renaissance and its influence on European culture
14. The reformation and its impact on European society
15. The French revolution and its consequences
16. The industrial revolution and its effects on European society
17. The rise of nationalism in Europe
18. World War I and its impact on Europe
19. World War II and its effects on European politics and society
20. The Minoan civilization: its history and archaeology
21. The Hellenistic period: its culture and legacy
22. Ancient Rome: its architecture, engineering, and infrastructure
23. The history and rise of the great cathedrals of Europe
24. The rise, impact, and fall of the Roman Empire

World history topics for research paper

25. The age of exploration and its consequences
26. The rise and fall of ancient civilizations
27. The spread of religion and its impact on world history
28. The rise and fall of empires
29. The global impact of the industrial revolution
30. The impact of colonialism and imperialism on world history
31. The Cold War and its impact on regional and world politics
32. The Russian revolution and its effects on Europe
33. The holocaust and its consequences
34. The Enlightenment and its impact on European thought
35. The legionnaires: rise and impact

Ancient history research paper topics

36. Ancient Greece: its politics, culture, and society
37. The Roman Empire: its rise, fall, and legacy
38. Ancient Egypt: its religion, culture, and achievements
39. The rise, rule, and fall of the Mayan civilization
40. The Aztecs: their religion, society, and conquest
41. The role of women in ancient societies
42. The impact of ancient philosophers on modern thought
43. The age of colonialism and its effects on indigenous peoples
44. The African slave trade and its legacy
45. The Chinese revolution and its impact on world history

World history before 1500 paper topics

46. The great dynasty of Mesopotamia and the Egyptian civilization
47. Ancient India: its religion, society, and culture
48. Ancient China: its dynasties, philosophy, and culture
49. The Greeks and Persians: their conflicts and interactions
50. The Silk Road: history, trade, and cultural exchange
51. The Silk Road: its impact on trade and culture
52. The rise and spread of Islam and its impact on world history
53. The Crusades: their causes, consequences, and legacy
54. The Neolithic revolution: its causes, consequences, and legacy
55. Ancient Persia: its empire, religion, and culture

Art history research paper topics

56. The Renaissance artists and their works
57. The Baroque Era: its style and influence
58. The Impressionist Movement and its legacy
59. The role of art in ancient societies
60. The evolution of the art of the ancient Greeks and Romans
61. The impact of Modern Art on Contemporary Culture
62. The evolution of photography as an art form
63. The Surrealist Movement and its legacy
64. The Bauhaus school and its influence on modern design
65. African art: its cultural significance and influence on modern art

History research paper topics for college students

66. The role of women in American history
67. The impact of technology on modern society
68. The evolution of democracy and its impact on society
69. The Environmental Movement and its impact on society
70. The changing role of religion in society
71. The civil rights movement and its transforming effect on the American society
72. The changing face of immigration and emigration in the United States
73. The Civil War reconstruction: its challenges, policies, and legacy
74. The women’s Suffrage Movement and its impact on American society
75. The American education system: its history, challenges, and reforms

There are numerous quality topics for history research papers. The topics listed here can be a starting point for your research. So, pick one and unlock your inspiration for writing.

Writing an abstract for a research paper is essential for capturing readers’ attention and conveying the relevance and significance of your research.

In this article, we will provide tips on how to write an abstract in research papers.

What is the purpose of an abstract?

The purpose of an abstract is to provide a brief and accurate summary of the research paper. It is the researcher’s opportunity to convey the essence of the study, its scope, and its conclusions to readers.

The abstract is usually the first thing readers see, and it plays a crucial role in helping readers decide whether to read the entire paper. A well-written abstract can attract readers’ attention and generate interest in the research study.

How long are abstracts?

The length of an abstract varies depending on the requirements of the target journal or conference. However, most research paper abstracts are between 150 and 300 words. It is essential to check your department’s guidelines before writing an abstract. This ensures that the abstract meets your institution’s length and formatting requirements.

Tips for writing an abstract for a research paper

Here are some quick tips for writing a research paper abstract.

• Start with a brief introduction: begin by introducing the research question or problem you are investigating. Provide some context to help readers understand the significance of your study.
• Include your methodology: describe the methodology you used to conduct your research. This should include details on the study design, sample size, data collection methods, and analysis techniques.
• Summarise your findings: provide a summary of the key findings of your research. Be sure to highlight the most important and interesting results.
• Emphasise the significance of your research: explain the implications of your findings and why they are essential. This is your opportunity to highlight the originality and significance of your research.
• Use clear and concise language: use simple language to convey your ideas. Do away with unnecessary superlatives or big words that do not effortlessly convey your significant points.
• Focus on the main points: stick to the main points and avoid getting off-topic. Always add only valuable information to the abstract, as you have limited words to convey the research information.
• Use active voice: write in the active voice to make your abstract more engaging and easier to read. This helps to make your abstract more concise and direct.

Research paper abstract example

Here is a sample research abstract

Title: The Effects of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health: A Longitudinal Study

Introduction

Adolescents’ increasing use of social media has raised concerns about its impact on mental health. This study aims to investigate the relationship between social media use and adolescent mental health over time.

Methodology

We conducted a longitudinal study of 500 adolescents aged 13 to 18. Participants completed surveys on social media use and mental health at three-time points over one year.

Findings

Our findings suggest that social media use is associated with increased levels of depression and anxiety among adolescents over time. However, the relationship between social media use and mental health is complex. It depends on factors such as the amount of time spent on social media and the types of interactions engaged in.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of considering the effects of social media on adolescent mental health. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying the relationship between social media use and mental health and to develop interventions to mitigate the adverse effects.

Conclusion

Writing research abstracts is an essential part of the research process. A well-written abstract can capture readers’ attention, convey the research’s relevance and significance, and generate interest in the paper. Stick with these tips, and you’ll be good at writing abstracts in no time.