| Phases of Research |
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What Must Be Completed |
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Questions to Ask Yourself |
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1.
Choose topic
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Think of a few possible topics.
List keywords and subjects.
Do some preliminary research in subject encyclopedias and
easily-accessible databases.
Re-evaluate and clarify the topic as necessary. |
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Should I narrow this topic?
Should I broaden this topic?
Do I have enough information now?
Will I be able to find enough information easily?
Am I willing to spend more time searching?
Should I use a different or new topic? |
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2.
Make a plan |
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Decide how much information is needed.
Decide what types of information will
be needed.
Decide on which indexes or databases you will search.
Make a timeline. |
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Do I need articles or books or both?
Will I need scholarly or popular resources?
Which specific databases will be best to use?
Will I need to look up background information in encyclopedias?
How much time can I spend researching? |
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3.
Begin researching |
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Systematically begin to follow the plan you have made.
Find citations or sources.
Evaluate each citation carefully using critical
thinking skills. Decide if it's worth actually finding the
item. |
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Is this information appropriate?
Who wrote it? Where did it come from?
Can it be trusted? Is it biased? Accurate? Timely?
Is it easily available? Or will I have to go to other libraries?
Am I still happy with this topic?
Should I start over and get a new topic? |
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4.
Find the material |
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Evaluate each item carefully. |
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Is there a bibliography or are there footnotes
that lead me to other important works on the topic?
Does the index or table of contents (of a book) lead me easily
to the appropriate section?
Is this information at a level that I can read and comprehend?
Does this information seem on target and important to my research?
Is this information going to help me understand my topic and
write my paper?
Do I need to read this? |
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5.
Read the material |
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Make notes.
Remember: this is a process that requires continuing evaluation
and revision. |
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Am I learning what I need to learn about my topic?
Am I still happy with the topic?
Have I found the information that best serves my purposes? |
Information Literacy : Research Strategy 