The Research Process is a series of steps that guides you through any research you may need to do, whether you are researching the impact of the Harlem Renaissance on American culture or identifying the best new car you could buy. Follow the steps outlined below and ask for support if you need it!
1.Define Your Task and Prepare
What do you need to learn or find out? Read your assignment!
Recall and write down any prior knowledge you have on your topic.
This info will also help you identify Keywords (the words you type into the search box)
Brainstorm topics and ideas. Brainstorm possible sources of information. Brainstorm keywords.
2. Basic Information: Locate basic facts about your topic
Read overviews, factual summaries of your topic
Search Encyclopedia Britannica and Gale Ebooks (on Research Databases page)
Search print encyclopedias and reference books in the library
Write down basic facts and background info. Highlight or circle keywords that will help you search for more information.
3. Questions
Write down as many questions as you can about your topic.
All questions are good at this point. Do not judge them or try to answer them.
Then identify which questions are "Closed" (yes/no or one-word answer) and which are "Open-Ended" (requires a longer, well-thought out answer). Mark them with a C or an O.
Choose 1-2 open-ended questions that most interest you.
4. Find and Use Information
Find info:
Go beyond the basic facts - look for detailed information from at least 3 sources. Types of sources:
Books - print and/or ebooks
Articles in library databases
Trustworthy websites: use the Online Information Worksheet to evaluate websites
Primary Sources (original sources: documents, speeches, letters, laws, photos, eyewitness accounts, etc.)
Use info:
Locate relevant information within each source
Write notes in a Research Notes Graphic Organizer - use a new graphic organizer for each source. (Print or make a copy in Google Drive.)
Make sure you keep track of where you got the information so you don't plagiarize!
5. Synthesize: Connect ideas and combine information from many sources into a whole product.
What is your final thesis and argument, how will you prove it, how will you organize it?
Organize your argument, develop your reasoning - your own thinking from the graphic organizer will help you do this.
Identify evidence from your notes that supports your argument.
Organize your final product - introduction, order of your argument and evidence, conclusion.
6. Create
Create your product: paper, presentation, poster, video, etc.
Cite all the information that you did not already know
Create a Works Cited page. MyBib.com is very helpful for this. (How to Register for an Account.)
7. Reflect
Evaluate your final product.
Evaluate your process - what went well, how can you improve?