The Research Process

The Research Process

1. 6 organize your research

   • Do some preliminary reading. Get a sense of your overall topic before really getting into the “heavy” research.

2. 7 cite information sources

   • Once your research paper is complete it will be necessary to create a Bibliography or List of Works Cited

3. 5 evaluate information sources

   • authority, accuracy, objectivty, currency, etc.

4. 8 repeat as necessary

5. 1 choose a topic

   • Combine ideas to create one in-depth concept that looks at an old issue in a new way. Look for holes of opportunity in the published work of professionals and other students. Embrace your creative side

6. 2 get background information

   • dictionaries, handbooks and encyclopedias. Look for facts in: statistical guides, almanacs, biographical sources, or handbooks. Collect keywords or important terms, concepts and author names to use when searching databases

7. 3 write a thesis or research question

   • Specify your specific concern or issue. Decide what you want to know about the specific concern or issue.

8. 4 search for information

   • undertake to locate or retrieve specific information to meet an information need, typically