Steps of the Research Process   Tags: research, research assignments, topics  

Pareto's Law - the average person draws 80% of results from 20% of the effort. Focus on the 20% that gets results; learn how to work smarter on the right things.

Clarify expectations - Be clear about expectations: length, purpose and tone, personal opinion vs. research, overview vs. focus, primary vs. secondary sources, currency of material, format, especially bibliography and footnotes.

Define the topic - Determine what to research and the breath of the research, guided by expectations. Pick something that interests you. Develop a list of questions that you need to answer or topics that you want to know more about and a list of key words for searching.

Begin with subject LibGuides - Research guides (LibGuides) help you to quickly identify the most relevant and credible sources.

Document sources - Record identifying information the first time you consult a source in MLA Format using Noodle Bib (citation management tool) and create online notecards or use numbered index cards for bibliographic information or notes. Record exact quotations.

Preliminary research - Start with general information in print and online secondary or tertiary sources - encyclopedias & dictionaries, subject databases - in order to become familiar with the topic and identify important concepts, vocabulary, dates, and names that you will need to search for specialized information in primary sources or general databases. Identify & list as many key words that define your subject as possible; different sources use different terminology.

Refine the topic - From your preliminary research determine: Is there enough information? Too much? Is the focus too broad? Too narrow? Have you discovered better questions or topics?

Find the best sources - Determine relevancy; do not waste time with material that is off topic. Relate the sources to your subtopics, key words or questions. Know how to identify credible sources. Use the information provided on LibGuides - Evaluate Web Resources.

Assess results - Before you start to write, evaluate your information. Will you meet the stated expectations of the assignment? Have you answered the required questions? Is all the information relevant to the topic? Are all your citations complete and are quotes accurate and credited?