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Beginning the Research Process

Beginning the Research Process

Instructional Guide Student Before You Start

These steps detail how to begin research for a class assignment. Remember that research is iterative, so going back and forth between steps may be necessary.

1

Read the assignment requirements.

For example, check if the assignment is restricted to scholarly/peer-reviewed materials or if popular sources are accepted.

2

Brainstorm a research topic.

Tip: Pick something that makes you angry, sad, excited, or curious.

3

Develop a research question.

Drawing a concept map may help you visualize your question.

4

Select search location.

Decide if research databases or the open web will provide the information you need. The chart below can help you decide.

Research Flow Chart

Flowchart for choosing sources: use library databases for peer-reviewed and paywalled research, open web for free facts.

Creative Commons Attribution License

Beginning the Research Process by The Teaching & Learning Team is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.