Research Process in 5 Steps
Research Process in 5 Steps
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1. Begin research by (click here) DEVELOPING A TOPIC.
Develop questions to clarify and focus the topic using keywords, subject terms and synonyms.
Choosing a Research Topic (1 min)
Developing a Research Question (1 min)
2. Next, (click here) IDENTIFY POTENTIAL SOURCES of information.
What are all the sources that might be useful?
Consider online Library Subscription Databases, to access credible and reliable sources like magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias, ebooks, etc. and have source citations provided!
WRHS, TSCPL and State Library of Kansas provide online subscription database resources to WRHS students and staff.
Which sources will be the most authoritative, accurate, and trusted for your research topic?
3. EVALUATE SOURCES & INFORMATION to select the BEST for the research topic!
For free online web sources, practice Click Restraint and Lateral Reading to verify validity, credibility, authority, reliability, trustworthiness.
Try the Decision Tree from Wichita State University to help determine if a source is credible and reliable.
4. Then, (click here) Organize Information and Source Citations.
Questions to ask yourself:
What main ideas have emerged from research?
Did I find enough evidence to form an opinion or support my thesis?
What kind of organizational tools or graphic organizers will help me make sense of my information?
Notes: Once you have found the information you need, take notes by paraphrasing in your own words or directly quoting with use of parenthetical citations (also known as: in-text citation).
Outline: Organize the gathered notes of information. Try using online tools like: CoWriter.
5. USE INFORMATION legally, ethically & responsibly!
Understand the concepts of intellectual property (especially copyright, fair use, and plagiarism) and of intellectual freedom.
Understand how to cite and list sources using an appropriate style manual.
Recognize how to take notes and paraphrase correctly.
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