How to Write a Background Research Paper

The camera is a terrific background research paper topic.

A background research paper provides the background on a topic, subject or object, commonly written in history or English classes. The student chooses a topic, researches the history of the topic, then organizes the information in a typical research style. This type of paper is arguably one of the easiest types to write, since the student gathers information, then reiterates that information into paragraph form within the research paper.

Instructions

1. Create a set of questions to be answered based on the project topic. For example, if the project involves researching the background of the camera, arrange questions such as, "When was it invented?" "How did the first camera work?" and "What is the natural progression of the camera throughout history?"

2. Find reliable resources to answer the research questions. History books, books on cameras and photography books will help you research the background of the camera. Search a library database using specific keywords, such as "camera" and "photographs." Read all the in-house reserve information and check out books or journals on the topic.

3. Create an annotated bibliography for your background paper. This piece of work is a list of all the valuable resources containing information on the subject. This list will be useful throughout the process of the paper because it is a reference list for materials which you cannot check out of the library, such as reference materials.

4. Write an outline for your paper. Include the history of the camera, the past uses of the camera and the operations of different camera types. The end of the paper will include the modern uses of cameras; however, do not focus on modern day uses. The background paper focuses on the past and what has contributed to bringing the topic to its current state.

5. Type or write the paper in paragraph form from the outline. A research paper is written to read like a book; it flows between paragraphs and is written for the reader. The research paper written for the reader strives to deliver clear information and naturally lead the reader between points.

6. Proofread at every step. After you have typed the paper, proofread again. Give the paper another look after it is printed. Some mistakes are so simple, such as typing "as" instead of "is," that they are never caught.

References

• Union College: Background Research Assignment
• Rice College: Writing Research Papers