The research process typically includes five broad steps. Most often you complete one step before moving onto the next. However, there may be times when you will need to return to a previous step or complete multiple steps simultaneously.

Step 1. Develop a topic
Selecting a Topic | Develop Research Questions | Identify Keywords | Find Background Information | Refine a Topic

Step 2. Locate information
Find Books |  Find Articles | Find Websites | Find Videos |Search Strategies

Step 3. Evaluate and analyze information and sources
Evaluate Sources | Primary vs. Secondary Sources | Types of Periodicals

Step 4. Use, organize and communicate information 
Paraphrasing | Notetaking | Tools

Step 5. Complies with legal, ethical and moral standards
Plagiarism | MLA Citation Style | Works Cited Examples | Copyright

How to Research

How to Research is a clear and accessible guide to the business of doing a research project. It systematically takes the reader through from the planning to the writing up and finishing off. The new edition of this book will include: -Expanded section on methodology -Expanded section on Literature Reviews -Inclusion of a glossary

McGraw-Hill's Concise Guide to Writing Research Papers

{print and ebook versions available] Subjects: Report writing -- Handbooks, manuals, etc; Research -- Handbooks, manuals, etc

Writing Research Papers: a complete guide

[print] Subjects: Report writing > Handbooks, manuals, etc. / Research > Handbooks, manuals, etc.

• ProQuest Research Companion

  Intuitive and self-guided product that supports information literacy, writing, and research skills instruction occurring in today's libraries, classrooms, and online learning environments.

• Citing and Avoiding Plagiarism

  This guide was designed to provide you with assistance in citing your sources when writing a paper. There are different styles which format the information differently, so select the tab for the style you need and take a look at some examples.
• Advanced Research (General)

  This guide is designed to help you work through all phases of your research assignment, from finding information sources to preparing your works-cited or reference list. Just choose the appropriate tab to get started.
• MLA Formatting and Style Guide on the Purdue University OWL (Online Writing Lab) site

  This is a link to Purdue University's Online Writing Lab (OWL)-MLA Style Guide based on the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers and the MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing

• Next: Step 1: Develop a Topic >>

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