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 Videos or Music | Find Articles | Find Articles using Citations | Find Websites | Search Strategies
Step 3. Evaluate sources
Evaluate Sources | Primary vs Secondary Sources | Types of Periodicals
Step 4. Use, organize and communicate information
Paraphrasing | Notetaking
Step 5. Legal/Ethical Standards
Plagiarism | Annotated Bibliographies and Citation Styles | Copyright