10 Steps of the Research Process

Before you get started:
  • Choose a topic that is interesting to you and relevant to your coursework.
  • Give yourself as much time as possible to get the work done.
  • Save your work often so you don’t lose anything.
  • Use organization tools (research logs or graphic organizers) to keep track of your work.
    • Many of our databases also have the option of creating an account to save articles and searches.
Step 1 – Formulate Your Question 
  • Your research may start as a general idea or a specific question, statement or thesis.
  • Know what you want to focus on before you begin.
Step 2 – Get Background Information
  • Read about your topic using websites or encyclopedias.
  • It introduces you to the topic, helps you to focus on its key elements and can help you decide to broaden or narrow your focus.
  • These sources often include bibliographies that you can “piggyback” to find more sources on your topic.
Step 3 – Focus and Refine Your Topic
  • Think about how you want to explore the topic.
  • Ask yourself:
    • Is my research intended for a general group or class or is it more specialized? 
    • Can or should I limit my topic by time period or place?
Step 4 – Research Tools
  • You need the right tool for the job. Using our research guides can help you find these answers.
  • Ask yourself:
    • What types of materials do I need? 
    • How recent should my materials be? 
    • How long do I have to do my research? 
    • What subjects are covered by my topic?  
Step 5 – Select Your Tool and Begin
  • Use the library’s resources to find journal articles, eBooks and videos.
  • Use our library catalog to find books or DVDs.
  • If you are using websites, make sure they are quality resources – not just the first result!
Step 6 – Get Stuck, Get Help!
  • Never fear, we are here to help you with your research questions!
  • Stop by, call: 827-2434 or email: [email protected].
Step 7 – Gather Your Materials
  • Are your best resources books, journals or websites?
  • Does the Library have the book or article or will you have to borrow it from ILL or AcademicSHARE?
    • Remember that you have a deadline and that getting all of your materials may take some time.
Step 8 – Evaluate Your Resources
  • You may be overwhelmed by the amount of information you find.
  • To find “good” resources for your paper, you must analyze and carefully select them.
    • Journal articles have gone through peer-review before being published.
    • Books are also edited before publication.
    • Use the CRAAP test for website evaluation.
Step 9 – Stay organized 
  • Give yourself enough time to conduct your research, so you can understand your topic enough to write effectively on it.
  • Keep track of your research so you don’t have to scramble to find it later.
Step 10 – Write and Review Your Paper
  • Make sure your paper is formatted correctly – APA, MLA or another style an instructor requires.
  • Check to make sure all of your sources have been cited and your research is properly listed at the end of your paper.

December Library Hours

Monday Dec. 2 – Thursday Dec. 5: 8am – 8pm
Friday Dec. 6: 8am – 5pm

FINALS WEEK
Monday Dec. 9 – Thursday Dec. 12: 8am – 8pm
Friday Dec. 13: 8am – 5pm

Monday Dec. 16 – Friday Dec. 20: 9am – 5pm
Monday Dec. 23: 9am – 5pm
Tuesday Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve): CLOSED
Wednesday Dec. 25 (Christmas Day): CLOSED
Thursday Dec. 26 – Tuesday Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve): CLOSED