Six Step Research Process

1
Six Step Research Process

• Adapted Cornell University
• IPL (Internet Public Library) Teenspace,
  University of Michigan
• Helpful tips
• Lincoln Library Swift page- see Documents Links
• Library Search Catalog- see Cool Sites

2
Step OneIdentify Develop Topic

• Think about topics that interest you list
  (start notebook)
• Background information search newspapers,
  magazines, internet, periodicals/journals,
  interviews (take notes)
• What do you know want to know re topics? Use
  KWL chart see Documents
• Use notes KWL chart continue info search (add
  to notebook)

3
Step TwoInformation Search/Survey

• Narrow topics to two or three
• Search for print electronic resources related
  to your topics
• AskIs the topic current? (current topics offer
  more information) Ask How much work will it take
  to gather info on topic? (is it possible?)
• Choose a topic with high interest lots of
  information

4
Step ThreeForming a Focus for Research

• Locate books, articles, videos internet
  resources on your topic
• Read to learn explore your topic build
  knowledge take notes record sources for
  bibliography (use your notebook!)
• As you learn, narrow your topic choose a focus
  (example naturegt reptilesgt narrowed to
  poisonous snakes of the southwest USA )

5
Step FourGathering Information

• Develop a research question with main
  concepts/keywords
• Research find, collect and record information
  (include sources for bibliography)
• Refine the focus of your topic as you learn
• Organize your notes sources (notebook)
• Begin to your develop your thesis statement

6
Step FivePrepare to Write

• Analyze organize information (use outlines,
  mapping, webbing)
• Summarize the main point of your paper into a one
  sentence thesis statement
• Weed out information that does not relate to and
  support your thesis statement
• Review the notes you will use and fill in gaps
  with additional information, if needed

7
Step SixWriting the Paper

• Define your audience purpose of paper
  (informal? reporting? dramatized?)
• Prepare a formal outline
• Rough draft
• Cite source materials (Bibliography) using MLA
  style
• Peer review critique
• Revise proofread