How do I begin?

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

Read the assignment carefully as soon as it is given to you.

Ask your teacher to explain any unclear details to you.

UNDERSTAND THE ASSIGNMENT

1. How many sources will I need?

2. What kind of sources will I need?

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

Teacher

WHO CAN HELP?

Select a topic.Develop a research question.Write a working thesis.

CHOOSE A TOPIC

1. What do I already know about this topic?

2. Where can I find additional background information?

3. Is my topic too broad or narrow?

4. What point do I intend to make with my paper?

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

Teacher

Librarian

WHO CAN HELP?

Select Search Terms.

Create Search Statements.

DEVELOP A SEARCH STRATEGY

1. What are the key terms that describe my topic?

2. What are some synonyms for those terms?

3. Is my search statement too narrow or too broad?

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

Librarian

WHO CAN HELP?

Search library catalog (Destiny), library databases (on the library website) and the Internet or sources.

Determine whether the sources are appropriate for your paper.

RETRIEVE AND EVALUATE SOURCES

1. Are the books and articles I have found relevant, current, and authoritative?

2. Do their bibliographies contain information about other relevant books and articles?

3. Are the Web sites I have found reputable and well-documented?

4. Who created them and what is their agenda?

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

Librarian

WHO CAN HELP?

Read sources and take notes.

Organize information according to whether it supports or disproves your thesis or point of view

Refine your thesis or point of view as needed.

REVIEW AND ORGANIZE INFORMATION

1. What are the major arguments that support and refute my thesis or point of view?

2. Do most respected scholars support a particular view point?

3. Has the information I have found change the approach I want to take with my thesis or point of view?

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

Teacher

Librarian

WHO CAN HELP

Create an outline.

Write a first draft.

Find additional information to strengthen your argument, if needed.

Revise your draft as many times as necessary seeking input from your teacher or peers.

WRITE AND REVISE PAPER

1. Have I thoroughly introduced the issues associated with my topic?

2. Have I summarized the evidence that appears in the literature I have found?

3. Are my arguments well supported with facts and quotes?

4. Is my point clear and easy to follow?5. Does my prose flow smoothly?6. Are there any spelling and/or grammatical

errors?

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

TeacherPeers

WHO CAN HELP?

Use a style manual to assist you. They are available on the Rowland High School library webpage.

COMPILE THE BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. In which format does each source exist (e.g. book, article, Web site, government report, etc.)?

2. Have I collected all the necessary publication information for each source?

3. What guidelines does the style manual offer?

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

Librarian

WHO CAN HELP?