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Steps in the Research Process
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Select a Topic
May be assigned. If open topic, select a current or controversial issue, one that is of interest to you.
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Do some background reading
Encyclopedias, websites, articles, textbooks, books.
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Refine the topic
Limit to geographical area, population group.
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Form a research question
What do you attempt to answer or discuss.
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Locate & Analyze your information
Use the Library catalog, databases, Internet search engines AND evaluate your sources. Ask yourself the - who, what, where, when, why, how - to determine if the source is good.
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Form your Thesis Statement
Write your topic as a thesis statement, the answer to your research question.
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Organize, Write, & Cite
Be sure you are following the MLA Style Guide.