Final answer:
Researching for an academic paper involves finding credible sources and basing arguments on sound reasoning and evidence. Distinguishing between fact and opinion is crucial, as is recognizing bias and selecting appropriate types of evidence to support the thesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of researching and writing an academic paper requires a strategic approach. First, you should consider what you want to know about the topic and seek out credible information from various sources such as books, research articles, and reputable websites. It is crucial to base your judgments and arguments on sound reasoning and evidence that supports your thesis statement. Different types of evidence can be utilized, such as statistics, expert opinions, case studies, and historical data. The selection should be based on the evidence that best aligns with your topic and argumentation approach.
When constructing an essay or report, it is vital to distinguish between fact and opinion, recognize any potential bias, and employ critical thinking to explore the topic thoroughly. Establishing the credibility of your sources is essential, and shorter newspaper articles or credible website pieces can provide factual support for your arguments. To effectively support your thesis, outline each body paragraph with a topic sentence, choose a reasoning strategy, and list the researched evidence, including in-text citations, to substantiate your claims.