The research process is not always a linear process where you follow steps in numerical order. There are a set of general steps that you take in the research process, but you might take them multiple times, depending on many factors.
Those steps are:
- review assignment - what are the requirements?
- brainstorm & choose a research topic - the who, what, when, and where
- find information (sources) - sources can touch on background information and specific, more narrow information that helps you understand and analyze your topic
- evaluate information (sources) - determine if the sources are current (appropriate to topic), relevant, authoritative, accurate, and purposeful - how do they connect to your topic?
- write, organize, and communicate information - get your ideas on paper. How do you understand your topic? What are the important things you want others to know? How do your sources support or help provide a deeper understanding of your topic?
- cite sources - cite any outside sources you reference (direct quote or summarize) in your paper!
- revise your writing
So, after choosing your topic, you might bounce back and forth between the "find information," "evaluate information," and writing steps in the process a couple of times, as you start to develop a deeper understanding of your thoughts, the evidence (sources) that exist, and how you want to explain your thoughts in writing. the research process takes time, and it is unlikely you will find everything you need after just one search.
Tips for finding sources:
- search multiple databases - not all databases have the same content
- try different combinations of keywords - change up your search terms and try different combinations of terms that describe the information you are looking for. Pay attention for the language that authors are using to describe the topic - this can help you identify more keywords.
- find a few more sources than you are required to use - during the evaluation process you might realize that a source isn't as relevant as you thought. If you find extra sources, you will not have to start your search from scratch. Sometimes when evaluating sources, you find that the source isn't as relevant as you thought - this is normal. You may have to go back and forth between finding and evaluating sources a few times in the research process before you can start writing.
- take notes about your search terms - write down the searches you use and what keyword combinations seemed to yield more relevant results. This will help when you have to go back to the searching step and find more information.
