WebReady Resource

 Sherlock
The Research Process Framed | Unframed

 

Introduction to the Research Process

These modules are for staff, faculty and their students and are not part of the 1-unit WebReady course work.

The next four learning modules will take you through the research process of selecting and focusing a research topic, identifiying needed information, locating resources on your college library website and the Internet, citing your sources and finally, creating a bibliographic list of citations.

Included in the following pages, you will find a wealth of resources, references and links to the very excellent online tutorials offered on your college library web pages: Cañada | College of San Mateo | Skyline

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"Information," not to mention misinformation, seems to be just about everywhere these days. New books fill up bookstores, new magazines crowd the racks of old familiar titles...and then there's the Web. With such a vast amount of material available on every conceivable topic, what process does one use to find the most accurate sources of information on a particular topic?

 

Sherlock with maginifying glass

"Research," defined in simplest terms, involves searching for and gathering information, usually to answer a particular question or problem. Research projects of various types and complexity are an integral part of the college experience and offer the opportunity to learn a valuable set of skills. In fact, the ability to locate and evaluate information -- which is the essence of research and a valuable skill in many areas of life -- is a large part of what it means to be an educated person. 

 

The Research Process at-a-Glance

The prospect of writing a research paper can seem overwhelming, but it may help to remember that in many ways producing a reserarch paper is easier than writing an essay because you're not expected to come up with all the ideas yourself. Your job is largely to find and present the best of what other people have said about your topic. Remember, that complex jobs broken down into manageable parts become easier.

Below are a few of the steps associated with any research assignment::

  1. Prepare
    1. Set up a schedule of due dates for research tasks in order to stay on deadline
    2. Determine type of research paper you will be writing--report or thesis
    3. Decide on a subject for your research project, something that interests you, and narrow your subject down to an appropriate topic
       
  2. Recognize
    1. Identify the types of information you'll need for your research
    2. Determine the sources of information you'll use for your research
       
  3. Locate
    1. Locate your print sources
    2. Locate periodical sources
    3. Locate person (interview) sources
    4. Locate Internet sources
       
  4. Evaluate
    1. Read and understand materials
      1. take notes
      2. keep a bibliography
    2. Determine relevancy
      1. evaluate the source
      2. evaluate relevancy
      3. consider redefining or adjusting your topic
    3. Organize material
      1. organize notes
      2. create a preliminary outline
  5. Use
    1. Write a first draft
    2. Edit the draft
    3. Determine where citations are needed
    4. Add footnotes and bibliography (using MLA format)
    5. Write final draft and proofread
    6. Submit paper

 

 

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Centers for Teaching and Learning, San Mateo Community College District, CA USA    Updated  9/3/2008  by Sevastopoulos