While this list may suggest that writing research papers is straightforward, it is not the case. The actual process of writing research papers is messy and recursive. This list shows you a broad overview of how to start writing a research article.

Finding, narrowing, and focusing on a researchable topic

Find a topic that really interests you
You can write your way to a topic
Discuss your topic with your instructor and fellow classmates

Locating, Selecting, Reading, and Recommendations

The following sources are recommended:
Library catalog. Periodical indexes. Bibliographies. Suggestions from your instructor
Primary vs. Secondary Sources
books, journals, and other documents
A Prospectus and Outline for You
Answer the following questions:
What's the topic?
Why is this important?
What background material should I use?
What's my purpose or thesis statement?
Which organizational plan is most effective to support my purpose?
Writing the introduction
You will need to complete the following steps in the introduction:
provide relevant background or context
When needed, define terms and concepts
Explain the purpose of your paper and the main focus
Writing the body
Use your prospectus and outline as flexible guides
Analyze, explain, summarize, and evaluate published work, rather than reporting it
Go up and down the "ladder to abstraction" from generalization to different levels of detail back towards generalization
Writing the Conclusion
Use the end of your paper, to sum up, your points and explain their significance.
The idea of moving from a more detailed level to one that is more general. This returns the topic back to the context given by the introduction.
Maybe you can suggest some additional research on this topic.
Final Draft Revision
Paragraph Level concerns: Topic sentences, sequence of ideas within paragraphs, and use of details to support generalizations. Summary sentences are used where appropriate.
Sentence Level: sentence structure, word choices, and punctuation.
Documentation: Consistent use of one system and citation of all materials not considered.
Link: https://typeset.io/papers/basics-of-research-paper-writing-and-publishing-2b78si690l?source=steemit-What-to-look-for-when-writing-a-research-paper