The Research Process
The research process is the series of steps you perform to
gather, analyze, use and record information on your topic. To be efficient and
effective, research should not be haphazard, but rather should follow a well
thought out and orderly plan. In addition, there are two things to keep in mind
when performing research:
1. Do not assume that you will be
able to locate "good" information sources in one visit to the
Library, or a quick search on the Internet.
2. You should start as early as
possible and methodically work through the process until your research is
completed.
2. Research requires
flexibility.
1. Even the best planned research
strategy can reach a few dead ends along the way.
2. If you do reach a dead end, such
as not finding enough information, you may need to alter your search strategy
or reassess your topic.
Sample Search
Strategy:
There is not one and only one method of obtaining the
information that you need. Depending on your research needs, you may modify the
process by deleting steps, performing some steps more than once, or making
modifications to fit your specific topic. It is important, that you recognize
that there are basic steps involved in performing "good" research, and
that research is not simply locating a few citations to articles or books in
indexes, databases, or the Internet.
The following strategy represents a sample search strategy
that you might follow when doing research:
1. Identify and develop your topic -- Ask yourself if your
topic is too narrow or too broad.
2. Locate background information on your topic.
3. Develop a thesis statement.
4. Formulate your search query.
5. Analyze your topic -- Ask yourself what subject area your
topic is about.
6. Determine what type of information is needed.
7. Consider the time period of your topic.
8. Locate books using the library catalog and other
appropriate databases.
9. Locate periodical articles using indexes and databases.
10. Use the Web to find Internet resources.
11. Evaluate the materials that you find.
12. Determine if the information answers the research
question. Do additional research if necessary.
13. Record and cite what you found.
14. Write the results of your research.
For more help with the research process go to the Online Library Learning Center on the Library Home page and look at the Unit 2: Starting Your Search.