DISCOVER - is an acronym to help you remember important steps when researching:

Define --what exactly are you looking for? Different search terms may turn up different results. Be specific and you will likely find useable information. Make sure you understand the task.

Inquire --it is best to use a variety of online resources. What questions do you need to ask? Where will you find your information?

Search --use different search engines. Do not just use Google; try a few different search engines. What web and print resources will you use to find information?

Collect --websites and books you have found for further consideration. Don't forget to cite your sources. Most websites have copyright information, and even if they don't, it is still illegal to pass off other people's work as your own. You must get permission or put the information into your own words. You must include a bibliography (also knows as “Works Cited” page) in your research. You must list all the resources you used for your research.

Organize --your information based on what will help you the most.Take notes. How will you take notes? Index cards? Outline? Concept map? Make categories. Look at relationships.

Verify --the authors of the website and that the information is unbiased, reliable, and truthful. Remember: anybody can publish to a website! Check your work. Make sure you have answered the research questions.

Express --publish your information into a presentation or report. Think about the best tool for communicating and sharing your findings. Browse through our Virtual Toolbox for ideas.

Reflect --on how successful your searching was. Is the information you found accurate and up-to-date? Do you need to narrow your search topic? Did your searching turn up information that you needed?*This method was devleoped by students in the University of Mary Washingtons Instructional Technology graduate program.