Basic Steps in the Research Process
1. Select a general topic that interests you in some way.
2. List key words to help you look up information about the topic.
3. Go to an encyclopedia, or other reference source, to get an overview of the topic.
4. Make source cards for whatever sources you will use for information.
5. Using the general overview, begin to focus the topic into something you can cover well.
6. Write a statement of purpose about the focused topic.
7. Brainstorm questions about the focused topic.
8. Group questions under similar headings.
9. Add any new questions you can think of under those headings.
10. Repeat step 2, listing more key words from your newly focused topic and questions.
11. Make a list of possible sources that can answer your questions. Identify the best sources to use.
12. Find the sources in the library, on the computer, etc. Make a source card for each one you use.
13. Begin making notecards. Use your brain stormed questions to guide your note taking.
14. Change your statement of purpose into a draft thesis statement.
15. Make an outline of your headings. If you are ready to print your outline click here.
16. Refocus your thesis statement if necessary.
17. Write the body of your paper from your notes.
18. Cite any necessary information with parenthetical citations.
19. Write your introduction and conclusion.
20. Write your Works Cited (it is similar to a bibliography).
21. Create a title page.
22. Evaluate your work.
23. Turn in your paper on time.
2. List key words to help you look up information about the topic.
3. Go to an encyclopedia, or other reference source, to get an overview of the topic.
4. Make source cards for whatever sources you will use for information.
5. Using the general overview, begin to focus the topic into something you can cover well.
6. Write a statement of purpose about the focused topic.
7. Brainstorm questions about the focused topic.
8. Group questions under similar headings.
9. Add any new questions you can think of under those headings.
10. Repeat step 2, listing more key words from your newly focused topic and questions.
11. Make a list of possible sources that can answer your questions. Identify the best sources to use.
12. Find the sources in the library, on the computer, etc. Make a source card for each one you use.
13. Begin making notecards. Use your brain stormed questions to guide your note taking.
14. Change your statement of purpose into a draft thesis statement.
15. Make an outline of your headings. If you are ready to print your outline click here.
16. Refocus your thesis statement if necessary.
17. Write the body of your paper from your notes.
18. Cite any necessary information with parenthetical citations.
19. Write your introduction and conclusion.
20. Write your Works Cited (it is similar to a bibliography).
21. Create a title page.
22. Evaluate your work.
23. Turn in your paper on time.
Resource Websites
American History Online
Facts and reference material for American History.
Britannica ImageQuest
Millions of rights-cleared images.
Britannica Original Sources
Primary source documents in history, literature, science, law, politics, religion, and more.
Britannica School
Age appropriate encyclopedias, reference books, magazine and journal articles, and websites.
CultureGrams
Comprehensive information on countries and states.
eLibrary
Newspapers, magazines, books, maps, pictures, audio/visual, transcripts.
History Study Center
Delivers primary and secondary sources covering 14 centuries of world history.
Modern World History
Facts and reference material for Modern World History.
Proquest
Articles from magazines, newspapers and journals (abstracts and full-text).
ProQuest Learning: Literature
More than 180,000 searchable works of literature from medieval times to the present. It includes biographies, contemporary criticisms and reviews.
SIRS Discoverer
A general reference resource for all grades. Includes web sites, images and full-text articles organized by grade level.
SIRS Researcher
Social and health issues in a pro/con format.
Facts and reference material for American History.
Britannica ImageQuest
Millions of rights-cleared images.
Britannica Original Sources
Primary source documents in history, literature, science, law, politics, religion, and more.
Britannica School
Age appropriate encyclopedias, reference books, magazine and journal articles, and websites.
CultureGrams
Comprehensive information on countries and states.
eLibrary
Newspapers, magazines, books, maps, pictures, audio/visual, transcripts.
History Study Center
Delivers primary and secondary sources covering 14 centuries of world history.
Modern World History
Facts and reference material for Modern World History.
Proquest
Articles from magazines, newspapers and journals (abstracts and full-text).
ProQuest Learning: Literature
More than 180,000 searchable works of literature from medieval times to the present. It includes biographies, contemporary criticisms and reviews.
SIRS Discoverer
A general reference resource for all grades. Includes web sites, images and full-text articles organized by grade level.
SIRS Researcher
Social and health issues in a pro/con format.
