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Steps Along the Research Path

1. Get Started

• Read your assignment thoroughly. Ask your instructor for clarification if necessary.
• Review the limits of your assignment for scope of the project, length, and important components.
• Plan a timeline for your project, counting back from the due date. Be sure to allow time for research, reading, reflection, and editing your final document.

2. Choose a Topic

• Choose a topic you're interested in that relates to the assignment.
• Brainstorm possible topics with friends or classmates.
• Browse a general encyclopedia for ideas. Ludcke Library has several excellent print encyclopedias:
  • Encyclopedia Americana
  • Academic American
  • World Book Encyclopedia.
  • For online encyclopedias, go to E-Reference Tools.
• Scan the bibliographies of interesting articles for related topics and authors' names.

3. Prepare And Plan

• Write your topic in the form of a question. Ask yourself what kinds of information might answer the question.
• Brainstorm concepts and terms that expand the meaning of your question.
• Brainstorm synonyms for the key concepts. For example, synonyms for "adolescents" might include teenagers, juveniles, young adults, or minors.
• Review your assignment and outline your research plan.
  • How many sources do you need to include in your bibliography?
  • What types of information are required? statistics, research studies, personal accounts, etc.
  • Where might you find them? books, journals, newspapers, subject encyclopedias
  • How will you get them? at the library, via the Internet, through interviews
• Review the required Citation Format for your assignment. Organize your note-taking so you record all the information you will need to write the Bibliography at the end of your paper.
• If you need help planning your research, the Center for Academic Achievement at Lesley University offers additional advice.

4. Explore Background Materials

• Familiarize yourself with issues, terminology and diverse perspectives.
• Browse recent journals and subject encyclopedias on your topic.
• Browse the library shelves for books and ideas. Remember that books are shelved near other books on similar subjects.
• Talk to knowledgeable people.
• Write down authors, organizations, articles, and books that you might want to investigate.

5. Refine Your Questions

• Does the information you've found address your questions?
• Do people seem to be writing on your topic?
• Do you have new questions?
• Refine your research questions and plans accordingly.

6. Search for Specific Information

• Consult Ludcke Librarians for reference books and bibliographies on your topic.
• Search library catalogs to identify and locate books, videos, journals, etc. Do keyword searches such as eating disorders and treatment.
• Search Library Databases to identify articles and other sources. Start with Multi-Disciplinary Databases for introductory articles and full-text resources. Search Specialized Databases for more in-depth information in your field.
• Search the Internet to find web sites pertinent to your subject. Yahoo and Google are two of the many search tools available.
• Evaluate your sources based on timeliness, accuracy, bias, and author's credibility.
• Consult with a Reference Librarian for further assistance.

7. Synthesize Your Information

• Read the materials you've gathered.
• Take notes, including the citation information, on the main points and important quotes from the materials.
• Organize and outline your presentation. What is the message you want to convey?
• Compare your reading notes to your message. Does the information you've gathered support your argument? Are there gaps? Do you need to search for more? See Step 6.

8. Create Your Final Product

• Write your paper, create your presentation, or shoot your video.
• Review your first version. Make sure it is clear, balanced, and complete.
• Edit, revise and proofread.
• Complete your reference list, doublecheck your citation formats.

Congratulations! You've Done it!

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