The Research Process: Tools and Tips for Success

Here you will find tutorials & tips to help you use library tools strategically, effectively, and efficiently for your research projects.

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The steps below map out some basic phases of a successful research process.  Keep in mind that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach.  You may have to repeat several of these steps or modify even more to accomplish your specific goals.  Don't forget: when in doubt, ask a librarian or your instructor for help.

1. Identify your topic

2. Gather background information

3. Develop some probing questions to guide you

4. Identify keywords from the language used in your probing questions

5. Add synonyms and additional relative terms to your list of keywords

6. Consider what types of resources you think might prove most useful and identify the proper tool to find them.

    Journal Articles ( evaluate! )

    Books ( evaluate! )

    Web Sites ( evaluate! )

7. Gather a handful of sources, read them, and take good notes .  Reflect on what you have learned and carefully consider whether or not your focus has shifted, if there are any "gaps" in information you need to fill, and adjust your research strategy BEFORE you look for more information sources.

8. Ensure that your sources, bibliographic information, and notes are accounted for and organized .  Otherwise you may find yourself scrambling to "re-find" things that you already found.

9. Incorporate the knowledge that you have acquired so that it supports your thesis and your OWN words as an author.  Don't forget to give credit to your sources whether you quote them directly or simply paraphrase.