PolicyLMS: Learning Modules
Module 1: Introduction
In order to start writing a paper, there are generally 3 preliminary steps you should complete:
- Choose a Topic – make sure it’s something you’re passionate about
- Choose a Team – the writing process is much easier with like-minded friends
- Make Infrastructure – set up a communication channel and a doc to work on the paper
All three steps should take anywhere between a day to a week to complete. Once you finish, you can move on to the next module to finish the groundwork before you start researching.
Q: What if I don’t have a team?
A: That’s 100% fine. While a team can make working easier, you don’t need one if you consistently work on the paper.
Q: What communication channel should I use?
A: Use a channel that you and your group members check often. Some examples are Slack, Discord, Instagram, etc.
Q: Where should I work?
A: Use whatever is most convenient for you. We recommend Google Docs, but apps like Word work just as well.
Module 2: Groundwork
Before you start the research process, you need to finish up setting the groundwork by writing an outline. An outline tells you what sections there are in the brief and how the work is going to get split up.
As a general rule of thumb, there are three sections to every research brief. The first is the introduction, including things like definitions and background information. The second is your research, including how your research was conducted and what you found out. The third is the conclusion, which includes an analysis of your research, a holistic look of your findings, and the implications of your work.
Below is a rough example of what an research outline would look like:
1.0 Executive Summary
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Definitions
2.2 Background
3.0 Research Findings
4.0 Conclusion
Once the sections are divided, it’s much easier to split up work and understand how the brief is going to look.
Module 3: Research
There are two parts to the research process.
The first part is conducting background research. For example, if you’re analyzing a policy, then this is where you’d read that policy, collect information from sources online, and write basic notes of what you want to write about.
The second part of the process is conducting the research. This is where you would leverage tools like historical analysis to pick out trends, identify important correlations, or pick out information that supports an argument.
Q: Do I need to use different methods of research?
A: While it’s recommended, it’s not required. For example, a paper on climate change would be stronger if it leveraged both historical analysis and compiling information from Google, but it could still be effective by only utilizing online resources.
Q: How long does the research process take?
A: The number changes depending on how many parts you have. That said, a single section in an outline normally takes anywhere between 1 to 2 hours to complete.
Module 4: Writing
The writing process is fairly simple. Based on the research that you conducted in the last module, you convert the notes that you wrote down into paragraph format. That said, there are some things to look out for:
- Don’t write in passive voice
- Don’t use contractions
- Don’t use 1st or 2nd person when writing
This step normally takes an hour to complete for each section on an outline.
Q: What should I do with sources?
A: Include sources in parentheses or add them as a comment if you’re using Google Docs. This makes the editing process much easier because all of the sources are easy to find and cite.
Q: Does TINF handle editing?
A: Yes! The next module includes instructions for getting your paper edited and formatted by us if that’s something that you’re interested in doing.
Module 5: Editing
There are three parts to editing papers. First, you should go back to conventions mentioned in Module 4 and ensure they’re followed. Second, you need to cite every source used in your paper. Finally, you need to format the paper by adjusting typography, adding a cover, as well as sections like an author’s page, executive summary, or conclusion if those weren’t already included.
To make the publishing process easier, TINF offers editing services. Submit your document to [email protected]. Title the email “[LMS] [EDIT] Title of Research Brief” and include the full names of all authors involved in the project, as well as who the team leader was. Once we finish editing your paper, we’ll let you know through email for permission to publish it on our website.
Q: How can I get my paper published if I did the editing myself?
A: Email us at [email protected]. Title the email “[LMS] [PUBLISH] Title of Research Brief.” If our staff thinks your paper meets our standard of quality, we’ll promptly notify you that your paper was accepted for publishing and publish the brief on our website within 1 to 3 business days.
Q: Are there any other steps to follow once this module is completed?
A: While we highly recommend joining our team as a research fellow if you haven’t already by clicking the “apply” button at the top of our website, there are no other steps to complete once you submit your paper for publishing!