Research paper, if perceived in an optimistic point of view, can be compared to a geeky sort of treasure hunt. Indeed, as a treasure hunter searches for genuine clues to point towards the proper direction of the treasure chest, the research paper writer also hunts for relevant pieces of information that would wrap up the paper's main idea all too clearly.

The key then is to unearth the most relevant data and ignore the irrelevant, because as it turns out, there litters numerous unreliable sources that could trick the gullible.

Here are the top sources of information to guide every writer:

Research Paper Source #1: Books, preferably from the time period of the chosen topic
Who can ever forget the role of books in research papers? Clearly, it should be the first and foremost source type to look into. It may appear too old-fashioned but reference books in the form of encyclopedias are one of the best starting points for the research. Why so? If it is to be observed, encyclopedias not only supply a great deal of overview on a chosen topic, it also normally provides a helpful list of books and publications for further reading and researching.

In any case, books are very reliable, if not the most reliable, sources of information. If one just looks hard enough, there's bound to be a book that supplies in-depth information about any topic under the sun.

Research Paper Source #2: Newspapers
Newspaper articles boost the validity of research papers. It may not be as academically written as other sources, but it nevertheless provides the most updated information on a particular topic. All the same, it should be noted that published news in newspapers can only go so far as to narrate a factual event, without much focus on the historical basis of the story.

Research Paper Source #3 & #4: Journals and Magazines
Journals and Magazines are also great forms of sources to use for the research paper. Between the two, journals are the more scholarly and the more focused, as these materials are studies and findings of researchers and experts relative to their specific fields. Thus, prepare to be mesmerized by the technical vocabulary.

Magazines, on the other hand, may not be as thoroughly researched as journals, but it normally offers a fresh perspective on various issues. It tends to be much shorter, more general, and more conversational in tone.

Research Paper Source #5: Internet Articles
This is where it gets tricky. Whereas vital details and information can be surfed in the internet, biased and unreliable documents also scatter the same venue. Take the time to properly ensure the accuracy and authority of every seemingly convincing bit of information in the web.

One way to practice this is to check if the author of a particular article has provided a bibliography or a list of related sources within the site. This is due to the logic that a well-studied material should have the necessary resources and references to back up its claims. If there is none, move on and automatically assume that whoever wrote the article is just inventing reasons and concepts.

It is better to exert more effort in finding trustworthy resources, than to risk putting a second-rate one in the research paper, and in the long run, make the overall credibility of the paper suffer.

Final Guide
Only the five general sources have been discussed here, where in fact, there are other more sources to examine. There are the speeches, government records, interviews, memoirs, and a long list of others. Keep in mind: to achieve the most comprehensive research papers, it is best not to restrict oneself to only one form of resource. Go creative. Unearth the best possible means of data with the use of an efficient blend of various sources.