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Research Paper: Getting Started

Steps in the Research Process

  • Select a Topic
    May be assigned. If open topic, select a current or controversial issue, one that is of interest to you.
  • Brainstorm for Ideas
    Choose an area that interests you > strong opinion about it? read or hear about it?
  • Do some background reading
    Encyclopedias, websites, articles
  • Refine the topic
    Limit to geographical area, population group, discipline
  • Make a list of keywords
    Broader or narrower terms, synonyms, key concepts
  • Form a research question
    What do you attempt to answer or discuss 
  • Locate  & Analyze your information
    Library catalog, databases, Internet search engines > evaluate your sources
  • Form your Thesis Statement
    Write your topic as a thesis statement, the answer to your research question
  • Write, write, write - cite, cite, cite

The Research Process

Washington State E-Learning Council.  "Types of Information: Cash in Your Information Riches." IRIS 4-2. (http://libraryguides.library.clark.edu/c.php?g=687655). Published by Clark College Libraries. Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0.

The Information Cycle

Image from University Library - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign