1. Getting Started

First Things First - Assignment Requirements

Before you begin work on any research paper, examine the assignment closely for any requirements.

How long is the paper?
How many sources?
What kind of sources?
How do you cite sources? (MLA format usually)
What is due?
When is it due?
What other requirements should you make note of?

Selecting a Topic

The first thing you need to do before you begin a research paper is to select a topic that you're going to write about. Consider the following:

Q. Do you have a choice / what are you interested in?

Choose someone in your life (a family member, friend, or teacher) who you believe is successful and interview them about how they got where they are today. Keeping in mind the themes of this book and what the author claims about success, be sure to ask about family background, location and time period, and any special circumstances that played a role in this person’s success. Describe this person’s story in your essay and then analyze it. How does his or her story fit Gladwell’s idea of success? Are there any points where they differ? If so, how?

Gladwell cautions in a couple of places that his theory of the strength of cultural influences runs close to what we call racial stereotypes. He doesn’t explicitly delineate the differences, and he acknowledges that even positive traits, when seen as stereotypes, can offend the groups in question. One example of this is the idea that Asian people are excellent, hardworking students, particularly strong in math and science. How do you view this issue? Are stereotypes bad only if they refer to negative traits? How should we incorporate the views of those being stereotyped (in this case, Asian people)? Is there a place for both Gladwell’s theory and not perpetuating over-generalizations about people without seeing their individuality—or are they mutually exclusive?

How much of success in a person’s life is determined by luck or “good timing”? Consider Gladwell’s discussion and examples posited such as Jewish Immigrants arriving to America when tailors were desperately needed and these immigrants happened to have that particular skill set. Take a stance on the issue and locate, research examples of these successes or failures to defend your position.

Q. Are there enough sources?

Before you totally commit to a topic, you'll want to make sure that there are enough outside sources on the topic for your assignment. Not every topic is going to have information written about it. Newer topics or topics that aren't as well known may be harder to find sources for. Do some searching in the library's databases to make sure there are sources, and Ask-A-Librarian to double-check if you're not sure there are enough sources for a topic you're really interested in.