Overview
It's a good idea to keep detailed research notes throughout the process. This can often save lots of time in the end.
Step 1: Identify your topic
With what topics are you already familiar?
In what topics do you have a genuine interest?
In what topics do you already have a strong opinion; positive or negative?
Step 2: Find background information
Identify keywords related to your topic.
Search encyclopedia and other general sources.
Collect additional keywords that you can use to search later.
Generally, it is ok to use Wikipedia in this step, but remember Wikipedia is like your really smart older sibling; they may provide you with lots of great bits of information to get started, but you would never use them as a source for your project.
Step 3: Search for your sources
Library catalogs for books.
Databases for periodical articles.
Additional Internet resources.
Step 4: Evaluate what you’ve found
CARS Checklist
Credibility: Is this source believable and trustworthy?
Accuracy: Is the information correct and current?
Reasonableness: Is the information fair and objective?
Support: Is the information verifiable?
Narrow your original topic into a research question.
Consider:
Is the research question researchable in terms of the available timeframe and required resources?
Is the research question too broad or too narrow?
Step 6: Cite your sources
Gives credit to the authors and materials you’ve used
Provides your writing with credibility
