HOW TO WRITE A RESEARCH PAPER
STRUCTURE
A research paper consists of the following elements
 title page
 thesis/outline page
 body of the paper using footnotes to cite sources
 bibliography
For an explanation and example of a title page, thesis/outline page and bibliography refer
to the Briercrest Format Guides available online. The format guides also have
instructions on how to reference different types of sources with footnotes.
http://www.briercrest.ca/current/cde/academics/format-guides/
THE PAPER
Thesis Statement
A research paper is basically a thesis defence paper. A thesis statement is one complete
sentence that makes a (somewhat controversial) claim that can be defended. Everything
in your paper needs to support your thesis statement.
Outline
The outline is a short presentation of how you intend to defend your thesis statement in
your paper. This should be in point form as outlined in the format guide. Main points in
the outline should be followed by sub-points that give further support, examples,
illustrations etc.
Body
The body of the research paper should be written in complete sentences and organized in
paragraphs. It is usually a good idea to include your thesis statement in your first
paragraph.
The main body of your paper should present your argument, one point at a time. Each
point should be clearly stated, explained and supported.
You will also want to discuss what other authorities have said on your topic. It is
important to interact not just with authors who support your ideas but with authors who
hold other points of view (theological, religious, philosophical etc.). It is also important
to treat them and their work with respect. The objective in a research paper is to evaluate
people's ideas. A polemic tone should be avoided and ad hominem attacks (comments
about character, integrity, or motive) are completely out of order.
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Any quotation of a phrase or sentence, concept or idea that is not your own needs to be
cited with a footnote or parenthetical note. Failure to cite the work of others is plagiarism
and is a serious academic offence. See the student handbook, for a discussion of
academic integrity and honesty.
http://www.briercrest.ca/current/cde/student-services/student-handbook/
The body of your paper should close with a conclusion that summarizes your argument.
Bibliography
At the end of your paper should be your bibliography (or reference list, if you are using
parenthetical notes). This is a list of the sources that you used in your paper. To avoid the
charge of “padding” your bibliography, find a way to reference in your paper every
source that you name in your bibliography. Note that the format for a bibliographic entry
is slightly different than for a footnote. See the format guide for details.
Format
Finally, proper formatting is important in a research paper. Again, read through the
format guide for information on punctuation, page numbers, abbreviations, quoting
Scripture etc.
SOURCES
A research paper should use credible academic sources. This means sources that can
function as an authority on a topic. This does not include devotional/pastoral
commentaries, sources written for a popular rather than a scholarly audience, or general
sources like dictionaries and Bibles. In biblical and theological studies your sources
should be largely historical, exegetical and theological. Keep your use of online resources
to a minimum and cite only those that lend authority to your argument.
As a guide to sources, you can start with the Briercrest Archibald Library. You can
search the catalogue online at
http://www.briercrest.ca/library
Distance education students can borrow books and purchase copies of journal articles
from the Archibald Library.
http://www.briercrest.ca/cde/academics/library/
Journal databases, electronic journals and electronic reference works are available online.
http://www.briercrest.ca/library/databases/
The ATLA Religion Database with Serials is particularly useful for off-campus students
because it includes a number of full-text articles. It is accessible from the database page
above. (Instructions: go to the website above, click on the heading All Databases
Alphabetical found at the bottom of the page. Click on Login under ATLA Religion
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Database with Serials. Type your 14 digit student barcode in the space provided. Enter
the ATLA Religion Database with Serials page.)
Wabash is an excellent resource for online research in theology and religion.
http://www.wabashcenter.wabash.edu/resources/guide_headings.aspx
Denver Seminary has keeps current annotated bibliographies that list (and to some extent
rate) scholarly writings in Old Testament, New Testament and a few other Christian
ministry fields.
Annotated Old Testament Bibliography
http://www.denverseminary.edu/dj-old-testament
New Testament Exegesis Bibliography
http://www.denverseminary.edu/dj-new-testament
Stewardship and Resource Development Bibliography
http://www.denverseminary.edu/dj-stewardship
Finally here is a tutorial to help you evaluate the quality of internet sources.
http://www.lib.purdue.edu/ugrl/staff/sharkey/interneteval/index.html
RESEARCH AND WRITING WEB SITES
Guide to Research and Writing in Religious Studies
http://divinityunited.blogspot.ca/2011/09/religious-studies-students-guide-to.html
How to Write a Thesis Statement
http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml
Guide to Grammar and Writing
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
Links to universities’ academic research/writing centres:
http://www.arc.sbc.edu/links.html
How to Write a Research Paper
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/hypertext/ResearchW/index.html
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