Problems faced by graduate students in research and writing and ways to improve competence in these areas are addressed. Student problems were identified through formal/informal interviews and work with graduate students over a 12-year period. In the first step of choosing a topic, students may be worried that the topic is too broad, narrow, or unimportant. The literature review is sometimes the largest difficulty to be encountered. Some students are unaware of all of the possibilities offered in the library in addition to the card catalog: indexes, microfilm, microfiche, government document sources, and computerized databases. The fewest problems are encountered in synthesis of previous research or collection and analysis of data, because these areas are likely to be included in a graduate research course. The last step, overall synthesis and the process of summarizing, drawing conclusions, and offering recommendations, is often a difficult one. Problems with writing style and form are common. Approaches to address these problems may include (1) teaching research and research writing skills by incorporating assignments in introductory graduate courses or (2) a mentoring program to bridge the gap between thesis research and research and writing for publication. (SW)