The Research Process
Research is an exciting process of discovery and understanding. Below are the basic steps to follow for any information research project. By taking the time to think through and understand these steps, your time in the library will be spent more effectively and your research will prove more rewarding. At any point in your research process, do not hesitate to ask for assistance from your instructor or a librarian.
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1. 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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2. 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?
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3. 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
- Email citations and full-text articles to yourself so you have all the information you'll need.
- Take notes and keep them organized in a manner that works for you.
- Don't forget to allow enough time to find information, synthesize your information, and pull it together in an appropriate format.
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4. 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.
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5. Types of Information
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- What type of information do you need?
- Where is the information located?
- How do you access it?
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6. Primary & Secondary Sources
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- Understand the difference between primary and secondary sources.
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7. Evaluate the Information You Find
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- Is the information you found credible and useful? Use evaluative criteria to help you evaluate information sources.
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8. Enough is Enough!
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- How do you know when to stop gathering information? This is a common question, especially if you have become inspired by the process.
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9. 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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Information from : Sonoma State University, retrieved September, 2004.
