{"id":8010,"date":"2025-08-21T17:52:29","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T15:52:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/?post_type=artikel&#038;p=8010"},"modified":"2025-08-22T14:51:00","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T12:51:00","slug":"writing-my-first-term-paper-in-social-sciences","status":"publish","type":"artikel","link":"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/en\/artikel\/writing-my-first-term-paper-in-social-sciences\/","title":{"rendered":"Writing my First Term Paper in Social Sciences"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"bevor-es-losgeht\" class=\"headline has-icon\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-small size-small\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/bildschirmmitplaygelb.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/bildschirmmitplaygelb.png 1500w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/bildschirmmitplaygelb-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/bildschirmmitplaygelb-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/bildschirmmitplaygelb-768x675.png 768w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1319\" \/><\/div>\n<h2>Before you start<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>To write a good term paper, it helps to bring curiosity and interest in the topic. It is useful to be able to answer the following questions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Can you choose the topic and research question yourself?<\/li>\n<li>When is your submission deadline?<\/li>\n<li>Do you know what your lecturers expect from you?<\/li>\n<li>What framework conditions exist (length, formalities, submission format)?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is best to start by noting what you already know and gathering additional information. At the same time, you can begin taking the first steps for your term paper.<\/p>\n<div class=\"zitat merksatz\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenblau-1456x1280.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1456px) 100vw, 1456px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenblau-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenblau-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenblau-768x675.png 768w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenblau.png 1500w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1456\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"zitat_inner\"><cite class=\"text\">Just start. No matter where \u2013 ultimately, you always begin in the middle.<\/cite><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Some lecturers publish <a href=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/artikel\/eine-gute-sozialwissenschaftliche-arbeit-schreiben-sw\/\"><b>assessment grids<\/b><\/a> that clearly show what is expected.<\/p>\n<div id=\"tipp-focus-writing\" class=\"headline has-icon\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-small size-small\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitgluehbirnerot.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitgluehbirnerot.png 1500w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitgluehbirnerot-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitgluehbirnerot-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitgluehbirnerot-768x675.png 768w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1319\" \/><\/div>\n<h2>Tip: Focus Writing<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"beispiel border\"><a href=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/artikel\/freewriting-fuer-dich-nutzen\/\">Focus Writing<\/a> simply means writing continuously for five or ten minutes \u2013 on a topic or a question, without thinking too much about what and how you write. Write forward, without correcting or worrying about spelling and grammar.<\/p>\n<p>What you write is only for yourself. This allows you to warm up, generate surprising <b>ideas<\/b>, or simply write off your frustration before the actual writing begins. And then you are already in the writing flow \u2013 writing and writing and writing.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What do I already know about the topic?<\/li>\n<li>What do I want to know?<\/li>\n<li>What is my position on it?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"zeitplan-erstellen-15-minuten\" class=\"headline has-icon\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-small size-small\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/kalendergruen.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/kalendergruen.png 1500w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/kalendergruen-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/kalendergruen-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/kalendergruen-768x675.png 768w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1319\" \/><\/div>\n<h2>Create a schedule<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>Do you have 15 minutes? Then it\u2019s best to make a rough <a href=\"\/owl\/artikel\/schreibzeit-planen\">schedule<\/a> for your term paper now. Rough, because it will probably change anyway. Still, it is good to have a plan.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>When is your submission deadline? Enter it and plan backward from there.<\/li>\n<li>Which steps are necessary? Make a list. Typical steps are: find a topic \u2013 read in \u2013 formulate research question \u2013 research systematically \u2013 create preliminary outline \u2013 draft text \u2013 revise \u2013 finalize<\/li>\n<li>Estimate how long each phase will take. Don\u2019t be surprised if it takes longer \u2013 this is completely normal.<\/li>\n<li>Arrange feedback appointments with your lecturer, tutors, friends, or fellow students.<\/li>\n<li>Plan buffers. Life will also get in the way.<\/li>\n<li>Reserve fixed times in your calendar to focus only on your term paper.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"zitat merksatz\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot-1456x1280.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1456px) 100vw, 1456px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot-768x675.png 768w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot.png 1500w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1456\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"zitat_inner\"><cite class=\"text\">Done! Now hang your schedule on the wall and adjust it regularly to reality.<\/cite><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>In reality, the writing process is often chaotic and full of processes running in parallel and repeating constantly. As mentioned, this is completely normal.<\/p>\n<div id=\"dein-thema-finden\" class=\"headline has-icon\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-small size-small\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/personvorbildschirmblau.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/personvorbildschirmblau.png 1500w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/personvorbildschirmblau-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/personvorbildschirmblau-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/personvorbildschirmblau-768x675.png 768w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1319\" \/><\/div>\n<h2>Finding your topic<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"zitat merksatz\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenlila-1456x1280.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1456px) 100vw, 1456px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenlila-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenlila-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenlila-768x675.png 768w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenlila.png 1500w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1456\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"zitat_inner\"><cite class=\"text\">First of all, you need to be clear about what you want to write about.<\/cite><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Often your topic is not completely free, but is connected to the course topic. If it is freely selectable and you have no idea yet, consider the following questions (writing down your thoughts):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What is currently being discussed in the academic field or current politics?<\/li>\n<li>What annoys you?<\/li>\n<li>Which problem are you confronted with?<\/li>\n<li>Where do you say a statement cannot possibly be true?<\/li>\n<li>Which question preoccupies you?<\/li>\n<li>What causes do you support (<abbr title=\"for example\">e.g.<\/abbr> voluntarily)?<\/li>\n<li>What do you want\/need to do in your studies anyway?<\/li>\n<li>What have you already discussed extensively?<\/li>\n<li>What surprised you?<\/li>\n<li>What do you want to do professionally?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"\/owl\/artikel\/thema-titel-fragestellung-macht-das-einen-unterschied-sw\">What is the topic?<\/a> Which aspects interest you the most? To find out, a technique such as <a href=\"\/owl\/artikel\/ein-cluster-erstellen\">clustering<\/a> can be helpful. Give it a try!<\/p>\n<div id=\"deine-fragestellung-erarbeiten\" class=\"headline has-icon\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-small size-small\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/zweifragezeichengelb.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/zweifragezeichengelb.png 1500w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/zweifragezeichengelb-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/zweifragezeichengelb-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/zweifragezeichengelb-768x675.png 768w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1319\" \/><\/div>\n<h2>Develop your research question<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>The research question will be the guiding star for your term paper. It is the touchstone that decides which aspects and arguments belong in your paper \u2013 and which do not. Usually, it takes some time to find an individually suitable research question, as it is connected with a systematic literature review. Design your research question so that there is enough literature available in this area.  <\/p>\n<div class=\"zitat merksatz\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot-1456x1280.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1456px) 100vw, 1456px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot-768x675.png 768w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot.png 1500w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1456\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"zitat_inner\"><cite class=\"text\">Make sure to narrow down and carefully formulate your research question. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/artikel\/die-eingrenzungstabelle\/\">narrowing table<\/a> may also help you.<\/cite><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Example of narrowing down a topic:<\/p>\n<div class=\"figure\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/eingrenzung_thema_sw.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/eingrenzung_thema_sw.jpg 800w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/eingrenzung_thema_sw-768x416.jpg 768w\" alt=\"Figure: Example of narrowing a topic for the Faculty of Social Work.\" width=\"800\" height=\"433\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Important: In addition to your main research question, there are also sub-questions that structure your term paper. Read more about the difference between topic, title, and research question in our <abbr title=\"Online Writing Lab\">OWL<\/abbr> article <a href=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/artikel\/thema-titel-fragestellung-macht-das-einen-unterschied-sw\/\">Topic \u2013 Title \u2013 Research Question: Does it make a difference?<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"zitat merksatz\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenblau-1456x1280.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1456px) 100vw, 1456px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenblau-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenblau-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenblau-768x675.png 768w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenblau.png 1500w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1456\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"zitat_inner\"><cite class=\"text\">Tip: Talk about your topic and research question.<\/cite><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Tell someone about your topic and engage in discussion. Observe yourself: What exactly interests me? Be as concrete as possible, have clear examples, and then try to align your research question with them.<\/p>\n<p><b>With whom?<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Friend<\/li>\n<li>Fellow students<\/li>\n<li>Family<\/li>\n<li>Tutors for academic writing or politics<\/li>\n<li>Tutors from the Writing Center<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"deine-recherche-beginnen\" class=\"headline has-icon\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-small size-small\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitlupebeige.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitlupebeige.png 1500w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitlupebeige-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitlupebeige-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitlupebeige-768x675.png 768w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1319\" \/><\/div>\n<h2>Start your research<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>Collect literature related to your research question \u2013 this can include books, scholarly articles, studies, statistical data, or project reports from practical institutions. Use databases and the <abbr title=\"Online Public Access Catalogue\">OPAC<\/abbr> \u2013 Google and a <abbr title=\"Artificial Intelligence\">AI<\/abbr> tool alone are unfortunately not enough.<\/p>\n<div class=\"zitat merksatz\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengruen-1456x1280.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1456px) 100vw, 1456px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengruen-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengruen-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengruen-768x675.png 768w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengruen.png 1500w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1456\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"zitat_inner\"><cite class=\"text\">Check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.th-nuernberg.de\/einrichtungen-gesamt\/administration-und-service\/bibliothek\/beratung-schulungen\/schulungsunterlagen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">library training materials<\/a> and the possibilities of systematic research by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.th-nuernberg.de\/einrichtungen-gesamt\/administration-und-service\/bibliothek\/literaturrecherche\/literatursuche-nach-fakultaeten\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">faculty-specific literature search<\/a>.<\/cite><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><b>Tips:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Use the snowball method: Identify a central source that exactly fits your research question and then check its bibliography for further relevant sources.<\/li>\n<li>For library literature: Obtain your materials early and keep an eye on the end of the loan period!<\/li>\n<li>While reading, take notes that you can later use in your paper: quotes, arguments, thoughts, questions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Further information on research can be found in our <abbr title=\"Online Writing Lab\">OWL<\/abbr> article <a href=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/artikel\/mit-der-recherche-beginnen-sw\/\">Starting your research<\/a>. Library staff are also available to help you.<\/p>\n<div class=\"zitat merksatz\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengelb-1456x1280.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1456px) 100vw, 1456px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengelb-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengelb-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengelb-768x675.png 768w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengelb.png 1500w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1456\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"zitat_inner\"><cite class=\"text\">Watch a video that explains what <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=mxA8W68ReTs&amp;t=1s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a good academic source<\/a> is \u2014 and what is not.<\/cite><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Are you at home and can\u2019t access the <abbr title=\"Online Public Access Catalogue\">OPAC<\/abbr>? Here you can find a guide for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.th-nuernberg.de\/einrichtungen-gesamt\/administration-und-service\/bibliothek\/elektronische-angebote\/online-zugriff-ausserhalb-des-campus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">online access outside the campus<\/a> (<abbr title=\"Virtual Private Network\">VPN<\/abbr>; EZProxy).<\/p>\n<div class=\"beispiel\">\n<div class=\"headline\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><\/div>\n<h3>Work through the Table of Contents<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p>For each selected book, read the table of contents: Use Post-Its to mark which chapters are relevant to your research question. Spend 5 minutes per book.<\/p>\n<p>Create a <b>document<\/b> in which you use one page per book:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Note the bibliographic information at the top of the page (at least author, year, title)<\/li>\n<li>Which chapters interest me, and why?<\/li>\n<li>Later, supplement the document while reading the book by assigning arguments and quotes (always with page numbers!)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Alternatively, you can use an index card system or <a href=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/artikel\/literatur-verwalten-mit-zotero\/\">Zotero<\/a> for this purpose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"die-struktur-festlegen\" class=\"headline has-icon\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-small size-small\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/personvorbildschirmblau.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/personvorbildschirmblau.png 1500w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/personvorbildschirmblau-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/personvorbildschirmblau-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/personvorbildschirmblau-768x675.png 768w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1319\" \/><\/div>\n<h2>Define the structure<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>Even though different instructors have different requirements, all academic papers are similar in their structure: There is an <b>introduction<\/b>, a <b>main part<\/b> consisting of several chapters, and a <b>conclusion<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p>A detailed explanation of the typical elements of a term paper can be found in our <abbr title=\"Online Writing Lab\">OWL<\/abbr> article <a href=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/artikel\/die-struktur-einer-arbeit-in-den-sozialwissenschaften-sw\/\">The Structure of a Paper in the Social Sciences<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"zitat merksatz\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot-1456x1280.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1456px) 100vw, 1456px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot-768x675.png 768w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot.png 1500w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1456\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"zitat_inner\"><cite class=\"text\">A structure often changes during the process \u2013 both the content, the order, and the wording. So just get started.<\/cite><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Here is an <b>example<\/b> of a finished table of contents of a term paper. Chapter 1 corresponds to the introduction, 2 to 4 to the main part, and 5 to the conclusion. If you want, consider what the <b>research question<\/b> of this paper might be.<\/p>\n<div class=\"figure\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/inhaltsverzeichnis_hausarbeit_sw.jpg\" alt=\"Figure: Example of a table of contents.\" width=\"551\" height=\"370\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Here is another <b>table of contents<\/b> from a student term paper. What do you find good about this structure, and what would you maybe do differently?<\/p>\n<div class=\"figure\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-6931 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/inhaltsverzeichnis_meine_erste_hausarbeit_beispiel-1024x625.jpg\" alt=\"Example of a table of contents \u2013 Faculty of Social Sciences.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"625\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/inhaltsverzeichnis_meine_erste_hausarbeit_beispiel-1024x625.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/inhaltsverzeichnis_meine_erste_hausarbeit_beispiel-768x469.jpg 768w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/inhaltsverzeichnis_meine_erste_hausarbeit_beispiel.jpg 1163w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"beispiel\">\n<div class=\"headline\">\n<h3>Create a Preliminary Structure with Post-its (15 Minutes)<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Write each aspect that you think belongs to the term paper on a Post-it.<\/li>\n<li>Then sort the Post-its thematically and try to arrange them in an argumentative order.<\/li>\n<li>Be critical: Does this belong to the research question? Increase the spacing between the Post-its: What is missing?<\/li>\n<li>Document the order with photos.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>When you are finished<\/b>, you may already have your structure in front of you. If it is difficult to decide what belongs and what does not, you can ask yourself the following <b>questions:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Is your research question still too vague?<\/li>\n<li>Can you refine the research question using the insights from sorting your Post-its?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is also useful to discuss the structure. Explain to another person why you placed each point where you did.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"zitieren\" class=\"headline has-icon\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-small size-small\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/zweipersonenmitsprechblasegruen.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/zweipersonenmitsprechblasegruen.png 1500w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/zweipersonenmitsprechblasegruen-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/zweipersonenmitsprechblasegruen-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/zweipersonenmitsprechblasegruen-768x675.png 768w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1319\" \/><\/div>\n<h2>Citing sources<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"zitat merksatz\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengelb-1456x1280.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1456px) 100vw, 1456px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengelb-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengelb-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengelb-768x675.png 768w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengelb.png 1500w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1456\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"zitat_inner\"><cite class=\"text\">In academic work, you may and should use texts of others as sources. The selection of the right sources for your paper depends on the topic and the goal of the work.<\/cite><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>In general, always look for the best source! Trace the <b>origin<\/b> of knowledge and cite from <b>original texts<\/b> whenever possible. Brockhaus, lecture scripts, or Wikipedia, for example, are <b>not<\/b> citable.<\/p>\n<p class=\"beispiel border\">Citable, on the other hand, is the <a href=\"https:\/\/fhntp20.bib-bvb.de\/TouchPoint\/start.do?Query=+1035%3D%22BV043882975%22+IN+[2]&amp;View=fhn&amp;Language=de&amp;Branch=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dictionary of Social Work<\/a> (full text via <abbr title=\"Virtual Private Network\">VPN<\/abbr> connection).<\/p>\n<p>The <b>difference<\/b> between citable and worth-citing sources is explained in our <abbr title=\"Online Writing Lab\">OWL<\/abbr> article <a href=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/artikel\/die-richtigen-quellen-nutzen\/\">Using the Right Sources<\/a>. This video also explains <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Uwo4pGNXu2A&amp;t=13s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">why we cite at all<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"beispiel\">\n<div class=\"headline\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><\/div>\n<h3>Browse: Literature Search by Faculties and Databases<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Browse the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.th-nuernberg.de\/einrichtungen-gesamt\/administration-und-service\/bibliothek\/literaturrecherche\/literatursuche-nach-fakultaeten\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">literature search by faculties<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Note interesting keywords as a list or cluster.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Important databases<\/b> for the social sciences:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Social science topics: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wissenschaftsmanagement.de\/schwerpunkt\/sowiportde-das-sozialwissenschaftliche-fachportal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sowiport<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/dbis.ur.de\/FHN\/resources\/1232?lang=de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wiso-Net<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Educational topics: <a href=\"https:\/\/dbis.ur.de\/FHN\/resources\/277?lang=de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">German Education Index<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Psychological topics: <a href=\"https:\/\/dbis.ur.de\/FHN\/resources\/100551?lang=de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PsyJournals<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Legal issues: <a href=\"https:\/\/dbis.ur.de\/FHN\/resources\/1168?lang=de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Beck-online<\/a><\/li>\n<li>English or internationally oriented searches: <a href=\"https:\/\/dbis.ur.de\/FHN\/resources\/5020?lang=de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EBSCO (Academic Search Elite)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/dbis.ur.de\/FHN\/resources\/363?lang=de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ERIC<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Statistics: <a href=\"https:\/\/dbis.ur.de\/FHN\/resources\/9808?lang=de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Statista<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"das-literaturverzeichnis-erstellen\" class=\"headline has-icon\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-small size-small\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattvonblocklila.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattvonblocklila.png 1500w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattvonblocklila-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattvonblocklila-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattvonblocklila-768x675.png 768w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1319\" \/><\/div>\n<h2>Creating the bibliography<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"zitat merksatz\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot-1456x1280.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1456px) 100vw, 1456px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot-768x675.png 768w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichenrot.png 1500w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1456\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"zitat_inner\"><cite class=\"text\">The bibliography is a list of all (and <b>only<\/b>) sources cited in the paper, either <a href=\"\/owl\/artikel\/zitieren-in-den-sozialwissenschaften-sw\">directly or indirectly<\/a>.<\/cite><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>It contains the full bibliographic details of the sources cited in the text, <b>alphabetically<\/b> sorted. Two examples:<\/p>\n<p class=\"beispiel border\"><b>Monograph:<\/b> Butterwegge, Carolin (2010): Poverty among children with a migration background. Extent, manifestations, and causes. Wiesbaden: VS Verlag f\u00fcr Sozialwissenschaften.<\/p>\n<p class=\"beispiel border\"><b>Edited book entry:<\/b> Flemming, Helga von (2017): Altruism. In: Dieter Kreft &amp; Ingrid Mielenz (<abbr title=\"Editors\">Eds.<\/abbr>-Connection): Dictionary of Social Work. Tasks, practice fields, concepts, and methods of social work and social pedagogy (8th <abbr title=\"fully revised and updated edition, page\">rev. and updated ed., p.<\/abbr> 89). Weinheim: Beltz Juventa.<\/p>\n<p>How to list other types of sources in the bibliography can be found in our <abbr title=\"Online Writing Lab\">OWL<\/abbr> article <a href=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/artikel\/das-literaturverzeichnis-in-den-sozialwissenschaften\/\">The Bibliography in Social Sciences<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"den-prozess-starten\" class=\"headline has-icon\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-small size-small\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/handmitstiftlila.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/handmitstiftlila.png 1500w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/handmitstiftlila-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/handmitstiftlila-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/handmitstiftlila-768x675.png 768w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1319\" \/><\/div>\n<h2>Getting started with writing<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>Procrastinating, getting distracted, or getting lost \u2013 there are some pitfalls on the way to writing your paper, but also helpful strategies and concepts to move you forward. If you already have a plan: let&#8217;s go!<\/p>\n<div class=\"zitat merksatz\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengelb-1456x1280.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1456px) 100vw, 1456px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengelb-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengelb-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengelb-768x675.png 768w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengelb.png 1500w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1456\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"zitat_inner\"><cite class=\"text\">And if you get stuck, check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=nO_8YsJmZfk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">video on writing strategies<\/a>.<\/cite><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"gut-formulieren\" class=\"headline has-icon\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-small size-small\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitherzgrossgelb.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitherzgrossgelb.png 1500w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitherzgrossgelb-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitherzgrossgelb-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitherzgrossgelb-768x675.png 768w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1319\" \/><\/div>\n<h2>Good formulation<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>Language in academic texts should be:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>factual \u2013 not personal<\/li>\n<li>supported \u2013 with references to sources or data, or well justified<\/li>\n<li>neutral \u2013 not judgmental<\/li>\n<li>precise and unambiguous<\/li>\n<li>concise \u2013 remove unnecessary content<\/li>\n<li>formal \u2013 not too casual<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Examples can be found in our <abbr title=\"Online Writing Lab\">OWL<\/abbr> article <a href=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/artikel\/die-sprache-der-wissenschaft-bw-sw\/\">Language in Social Science Texts<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"zitat merksatz\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengruen-1456x1280.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1456px) 100vw, 1456px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengruen-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengruen-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengruen-768x675.png 768w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/einausrufezeichengruen.png 1500w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1456\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"zitat_inner\"><cite class=\"text\">Don&#8217;t worry if it feels difficult at first. Revise your paper multiple times, get feedback from others, and have it proofread at the end.<\/cite><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><b>Tip:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/smart.vhb.org\/edu-sharing\/components\/render\/557284d9-2904-41dd-9a58-0378c67e049b?repository=reposmart.vhb.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Online Course: Academic Language in Social Work Texts (45 minutes)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"du-bist-nicht-allein\" class=\"headline has-icon\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-small size-small\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitzeilenundhakenblau.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitzeilenundhakenblau.png 1500w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitzeilenundhakenblau-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitzeilenundhakenblau-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitzeilenundhakenblau-768x675.png 768w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1319\" \/><\/div>\n<h2>You are not alone<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Talk to others about writing and get <a href=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/artikel\/textfeedback-auf-wissenschaftliche-arbeiten-geben\/\">text feedback<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Take advantage of the support offered by your instructors.<\/li>\n<li>Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.th-nuernberg.de\/einrichtungen-gesamt\/administration-und-service\/bibliothek\/literaturrecherche\/literatursuche-nach-fakultaeten\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">library&#8217;s services<\/a> (e.g., reference help and training materials).<\/li>\n<li>Attend the writing consultation of the <a href=\"https:\/\/elearning.ohmportal.de\/course\/view.php?id=68\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Writing Center<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Check the <a href=\"https:\/\/elearning.ohmportal.de\/pluginfile.php\/346903\/mod_resource\/content\/1\/SW_0600_HR_Leitfaden_WA_public.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Social Sciences Academic Writing Guide<\/a>. This guide is also the basis for many OWL articles!<\/li>\n<li>Form a writing group: In some modules (<i>1.9 Political Science Basics<\/i> and <i>1.1 Academic Writing<\/i>) instructors initiate writing groups. Or simply join with fellow students on your own.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"schreiben-mit-ki\" class=\"headline has-icon\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-small size-small\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitherzgrossgruen.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitherzgrossgruen.png 1500w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitherzgrossgruen-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitherzgrossgruen-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/blattmitherzgrossgruen-768x675.png 768w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1319\" \/><\/div>\n<h2>Writing with AI<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p><abbr title=\"Artificial Intelligence\">AI<\/abbr> tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and others can write, summarize, or rephrase texts. When writing a paper, <abbr title=\"Artificial Intelligence\">AI<\/abbr> tools can help you:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>ask questions about the structure of your paper,<\/li>\n<li>formulate or revise a draft,<\/li>\n<li>find examples of academic phrasing,<\/li>\n<li>check spelling, grammar, and citation style,<\/li>\n<li>get feedback on style or readability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>But:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Always check the content. <abbr title=\"Artificial Intelligence\">AI<\/abbr> can provide inaccurate, false, outdated, or made-up information.<\/li>\n<li>Follow your instructors&#8216; rules: clarify if and how <abbr title=\"Artificial Intelligence\">AI<\/abbr> use should be documented.<\/li>\n<li>Writing is thinking. If AI does everything, you miss a learning opportunity. For your first paper, it might be a good idea to practice academic techniques manually first.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>More information in our <abbr title=\"Online Writing Lab\">OWL<\/abbr> article <a href=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/artikel\/die-ki-als-schreibbuddy-nutzen\/\">Using AI as a Writing Buddy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"hufig-gestellte-fragen\" class=\"headline has-icon\">\n<div class=\"icon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"attachment-small size-small\" src=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/zweifragezeichenrot.png\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/zweifragezeichenrot.png 1500w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/zweifragezeichenrot-1024x900.png 1024w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/zweifragezeichenrot-1456x1280.png 1456w, https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/wp-content\/uploads\/zweifragezeichenrot-768x675.png 768w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1319\" \/><\/div>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq_wrapper\">\n<h3 class=\"faq question\">What can help me with my research?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"faq answer\">Use the snowball method: Find a central source and then look in its bibliography for additional useful sources.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"faq question\">Is the structure of a paper always the same?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"faq answer\">All academic papers are similar in structure: An introduction, a main part consisting of multiple chapters, and a conclusion. Ask your instructors if they have specific requirements for the structure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hidden\">Writing a Paper in Social Sciences<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Before you start To write a good term paper, it helps to bring curiosity and interest in the topic. It is useful to be able to answer the following questions: Can you choose the topic and research question yourself? When is your submission deadline? Do you know what your lecturers expect from you? What framework \u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":6497,"menu_order":45,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"artikel_category":[1415],"artikel_post_tag":[1877,1409,1820],"fakultaet":[1275],"arbeitsart":[1310,1251],"class_list":["post-8010","artikel","type-artikel","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","artikel_category-genres-structures","artikel_post_tag-term-paper","artikel_post_tag-topic","artikel_post_tag-writing-en","fakultaet-sw","arbeitsart-hausarbeit-en","arbeitsart-masterarbeit-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Writing my First Term Paper in Social Sciences - Online Writing Lab<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/leko.service.th-nuernberg.de\/owl\/en\/artikel\/writing-my-first-term-paper-in-social-sciences\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"de_DE\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Writing my First Term Paper in Social Sciences - Online Writing Lab\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Before you start To write a good term paper, it helps to bring curiosity and interest in the topic. 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