Despite how it looks, researching is NOT a linear process, The following are important steps in the process, they are not stages. They will often be conducted in a different order. Start by understanding what has been assigned to you and continue from there. Sometimes, you'll need to go back and repeat a step. You may need to redefine or clarify your topic or, you may need to look for additional resources. Allow yourself plenty of time and keep being curious about your work.
If you still have questions, contact your instructor or library for help along the way. We're here to help!
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Recognize and Remove Biases
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- Plan to include a variety of demographics when possible.
- Don't rush the process; take the time to be thorough.
- Identify personal biases and beliefs particularly about gender, race, ethnicity, and religion that you're bring to the project.
- Research from various perspectives.
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Define Your Topic
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- Thoroughly understand what you are being asked to do and define your topic to meet the requirements of your assignment:
- Understand the assignment
- Find a topic and brainstorm ideas
- Narrow and/or broaden the topic as necessary
- Get an overview to help determine key names, dates, and concepts
- Draft a thesis statement
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Develop A Plan for Research
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- Develop a strategy or plan to guide you:
- What kind of information do you need?
- How much information is required?
- Where is the information likely to be published or located?
- How much time will it take to do the research and get the information?
- Be sure to allow yourself enough time to complete the work required.
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Stay Organized
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- Keep a research log to track your search process:
- what terms you've searched
- which databases you tried
- what new keywords to try
- what new directions you want to explore
- Take notes and keep them organized in a manner that works for you.
- Decide what tools will be the best for you to organize your work
- Locate the space that allows you to concentrate, organize your materials and work without distractions
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Search for Information
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Locating and retrieving information involves finding the books, articles, statistics, websites, and other resources to answer your research question.
This step may need to be repeated during your research process.
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Types of Information
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- What type of information do you need? Primary? Secondary?
- Where is the information located?
- How do you access it?
- What assistance will you need locating it?
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Evaluate the Information You Find
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Is the information you found credible and useful? Can it be trusted? Use evaluative criteria to help you evaluate information sources.
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Citing Sources, Plagiarism and Copyright
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- Cite your sources using the proper format.
- Avoid plagiarism.
- Honor copyright restrictions.
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Share your findings
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- What is the best format to share your work? Organize your findings into the paper, video, infographic or poster in an attractive, easy to read manner.
- Follow all guidelines provided.
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