Research Process

Research Process

Step 1:  Develop a research question

The first step in any research project is choosing a topic or issue that interests you. Once you've selected a general subject, narrow it to a research question that is focused enough to explore in depth—but not so narrow that you can't find enough information.

A topic is something you want to learn more about. An issue is a topic that involves different viewpoints or opinions and allows you to develop and support a position.

Before you settle on your research question, spend a few minutes doing some preliminary research. This will help you discover background information, identify key ideas, and refine your focus.

Need help choosing a topic? Points of View is an excellent place to begin. It offers hundreds of current issues, suggests related subtopics, and helps you see different perspectives on your topic, making it easier to develop a strong research question. *Points of View is a MAGNOLIA database that requires a password. It is free to use and you can get the password from your teacher or the local public library.

Step 2:  Plan search strategies

Think about what types of information you'll need and where you'll find that information. Do you need news sources? Biographies of people? You also need to brainstorm a list of keywords that you'll use to search. Decide which keywords or phrases will be most effective and determine any topics that may appear in searches but are not related to your topic.  

Step 3:  Locate & access information

Start locating the information you need. What books and databases will have the information you need? Think about how you'll find information within sources as well. Does the book have a table of contents or index you can use? Get organized so you can get use all of the sources in once place all at one time. If some of your information involves multimedia materials or personal interviews for primary sources, plan how you will arrange access to that content.

Step 4:  Explore, evaluate, & extract

As you explore each resource, evaluate the information to make sure it is credible, useful, and helps answer your research question. Extract and record summaries and key points from the research in each of your sources, remembering to track citation information.  Take careful and effective notes from all databases, print and multimedia resources, and any personal interviews, making sure to address all aspects of your research question. 

Step 5:  Organize & present information

Create a clear outline of your research paper or presentation.  Decide which research notes match best with the pieces of your paper.   Once your information is well organized, write a first draft.  Conference with your teacher for feedback on your research process. 

Step 6: Rewrite & cite

Based on your own editing and review, and feedback from your instructor, rewrite until you are prepared to submit a final draft.  From your research notes, create a bibliography following the guidelines for the specific project. 

Adapted from research modules written by Julie King, Baylor School Hedges Library