How to Write an Outline for a Research Paper

Research in any subject is an interesting and exciting endeavor. It is all about questioning established truths and exploring uncharted waters in any field of study. Working on a research project and then writing your own research paper based on findings, is an exercise in original thinking, which each one of you should engage in. The aim of this Buzzle article is to explain how to write an outline for a research paper in any field of study ranging from physical and life sciences like physics, chemistry, biology, to social sciences like psychology and political science.

If you are looking for tips on writing an outline for a research paper in APA format or any other institute's format, you better visit the institute websites themselves, which have guidelines. Here I present the most generic tips on writing an outline for a research paper. They will guide you in writing a research paper in any field.

What is a Research Paper Outline?

An outline is a rough sectioned skeleton of your research paper. It identifies the parts and sequence in which you present the research paper. It identifies the points related to the subject matter that need to be developed in a specific order, so that your entire subject matter is coherent. When you have created a research paper outline, writing the paper becomes easier as now you have a guideline for developing the subject matter.

Just like an artist makes a rough sketch, before beginning his work of art, an outline provides a rough idea of what your research paper will look like. When you are done with your research, writing an outline is easy to create, as you have already gone through the process of deeply exploring the subject. An outline ensure that you write exactly what you need to write; nothing less and nothing more. It sort of keeps you on track when writing the paper, so that you are not led astray. Let us now see how to create an outline for a research paper.

Tips on Writing an Outline for Research Paper

An outline of a research paper is the first step you take before actually beginning with the writing process. Begin with introduction as the main point of the outline and then move progressively deeper into the subject matter, creating sections and subsection, up till the conclusion. Here are some tips on writing a research outline, which creates a precise series of signposts to keep your research paper writing on track.

Create a Mind Map
Take a chart paper and a pen. Think of the writing of your research paper as a journey and visualize all the aspects of your subject matter and draw them as connected circles on the paper. The visual mind mapping of aspects related to your subject will help create a precise outline.

Think like a Reader
When creating an outline for the research paper, think from the point of view of a person who knows nothing about your subject matter and is going to be a reader. Let the outline be such that it provides him with a grounding in the subject matter and then slowly leads him deeper into your actual work. For an example of an outline for a research paper, refer to papers of masters in your field. If you are writing a physics research paper, refer to the papers of Richard Feynman or Dirac for structure and outline.

Build up from Basics to Conclusion
Writing a research paper is just like building a house. Each stage from introduction, research matter, observations and conclusion needs to be detailed. Make as many sections and subsections as you need, in the outline, to ensure that every stage has sufficient depth. Every level has to be sound, if you want the edifice of your research paper to stand tall and erect. Consult your guide with the outline, before you start writing and inculcate his or her suggestions.

The research paper outline will provide you with a road map for development of your research thesis from beginning to conclusion. Let the outline be a coherent link of thoughts that bind your research details together into a whole!