Research Process


1. How have your research skills changed to assist you prepare better assignments?

2. What step(s) do you need to take to reach a high level of success in when doing research?


What other classes do you do research in?

Learning how to do research properly will assist you in many subjects besides this course.

Research Process

The Research Process is a step by step process used to help write a research paper effectively.

Sources

Secondary sources - information that has been prepared based on another persons research.

Examples: books, journal and magazine articles, encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, periodical indexes, etc.

Primary sources are original works that are presented as new information.

Examples: surveys, speeches, biographies/autobiographies, diaries, interviews, original documents( birth certificates, trial transcripts...) etc.

Plan

1. Define your topic

    1. For topic ideas try the following:
      • Browse current/hot topics sites and magazines
      • Browse Encyclopedias or other reference books
      • Listen to radio or television programs
      • Talk to people, such as teachers, friends

One way to define your topic is to select a broad topic, then identify one or more sub topics you might like to explore.

      • Broad topic: ______________________________
        • Sub topic: ___________________________
        • Sub topic: ___________________________
        • Sub topic: ___________________________

Another approach is to select a topic, then list possible questions, such as...

      • Who?
      • What?
      • Where?
      • When?
      • Why?
      • How?

2. Write a thesis or problem statement: Begin with a question, research the topic further, then develop an opinion.

3. Make an outline. Even a quick one will help organize your thoughts and keep your research and your topic focused.

4. Develop a Search Strategy. How are you going to find your research? What keywords do you need to search

Always gather more information/citations than you think you might need. Some items might be missing, checked out, not owned, etc. Using EasyBib is one way to gather this information and automatically add it to your paper.

5. Evaluate your sources. Evaluation begins as early and is continued throughout the process.

6. Take careful notes. Get everything the first time

7. Writing and revising the paper. Allow plenty of time for the writing process. Your thesis and/or outline may need to be revised to reflect what was discovered during your research.

8. Document your sources. Make sure you have included a `works sited`or bibliography with your paper.