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

Search the Klingemann Library catalogue (OPAC) Databases for periodical articles

 
Additional Internet resources.

Step 4: Evaluate what you’ve found

• CARS 
• 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?

Step 5: Make notes

Step 6: Write your paper

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 7: Cite your sources

Gives credit to the authors and materials you’ve used Provides your writing with credibility

Step 8: Proofread