Research projects can be intimidating, but it helps to have a plan of action in place. Breaking it down by steps, even if you go back and forth between the steps a few times, can make the process seem much less overwhelming.
To the right is a basic list of the steps involved in a general research project or paper. Click on the steps to get some brief information about what that step entails.
Before starting an assignment, make sure that you have read it through completely and asked your professor for clarification on any parts that may be confusing. Create a "plan of action" or "To Do" list with dates to make the assignment less overwhelming.
A good topic is….
If you are having trouble thinking of a topic for your project, the databases, Opposing Viewpoints or CQ Researcher can be a great resources, since they cover current issues. Hint: If your topic is listed in Opposing Viewpoints or CQ Researcher it can be a good resource to use, since it meets the CRAAP criteria (See "Evaluating Materials" below).
Developing a research question can make the research process more efficient, by providing a direction for your project.
A good research question...
Use materials to learn about a topic and to write or present about the topic. Use materials in your writing by citing directly using quotation marks, paraphrasing sentences or paragraphs; or by summarizing the entire item. Always make sure to use an in-text citation after each quote, paraphrase, or summary of an item, then have the full citation for the item you used in your Bibliography to avoid plagiarism.
Evaluate each resource that you come across, including websites, by asking the following questions:
Current? Is this current to my topic?
Relevant? How does this help me with my topic?
Accurate? Does the author or entity support their statements with data or citations?
Authority? Is the author or entity an expert and qualified to write on this topic?
Purpose? Is this item written for the general public or for scholarly reasons?
This is where you combine your own ideas with what you have learned from the resources/materials you found on your topic to tell the story of the issue or topic. A great way to start this step is to create an outline, using the information you gathered from the resources, of what you would like to write about or present on the topic.
A great resource for students having trouble writing, is our on-campus Tutorial Center.
You must cite the sources that you use to avoid plagiarism. All direct quotes, paraphrases, and summaries must be cited. In other words, all ideas or facts taken from some other writer, even though in your own words, must be cited. All creative works are copyrighted material, so it is PLAGIARISM if you use ideas from a resource without citing that resource
For each source collect…
*Not all sources will have all of these elements & some sources may need additional elements, but this should be enough to get you started in Noodletools or to at least be able to track down your source.
View our Citation Help Library Guide for more information on citing and the different styles