The Research Process

1.       Find a topic

When you are looking for a topic, pick a few that you find interesting, but not something you already know a lot about. After you narrow it down to one topic, make sure your topic is not too broad, especially if you are only writing a few pages on this topic.

2.       Preliminary Research

Throughout school we are told not to use certain online encyclopedias (i.e. Wikipedia). However, these can be very useful in conducting a preliminary research to help your later research. In your preliminary research look for:

-          Names related to topic

-          Places and settings your topic takes place in/at

-          Other names your topic can be under

-          Key terms used frequently to describe topic

-          Words/phrases you know are affiliated with your topic

This will give you basic information to have a successful research paper.

3.       Read About It

Now that you have some basic information, read about your topic. Academic databases and unbiased information with credible authors are good sources of information. This could also be a part of your preliminary research but make sure to read credible sources with details.

4.       Writing Your Paper

a.       Finding credible sources

To make sure your sources are academic and credible you can check a few things:

-          Currency

-          Authority- author credentials

-          Purpose

-          Objective- ask yourself, “Is this biased?”

-          Writing Style

               This is known as CAPOW- an easier way to remember how to check for credibility.

 

CAPOW is an easy way to remember credibility.

b.      Summary vs. Paraphrase

In your paper you should have citations from credible sources. Some of them should be word for word but most should be summarized or paraphrase. Paraphrasing means to put the quote in your own words with the main idea AND many of the details. Summarizing is a short review of the entire quote with just the main idea. After you paraphrase or summarize, give credit to the source. Also, make sure to explain the citation which should be at least the same length as your citation.



Differences between summarizing and paraphrasing.



5.       Primary vs Secondary Sources

a.       Primary Source is an eyewitness account of someone who was actually there at the time of the event. This can include a diary, original photographs, recordings, etc.

-          An example of a primary source is Anne Frank’s diary

b.      Secondary Source is a report about a primary source. This includes books, articles, etc.

-          An example of a secondary source would be a book about Anne Frank