CRLS Research Guide Cambridge Rindge And Latin Research Guide
Basic Steps in the Research Process
This list of steps is a guideline for you to use. Not everyone will do these steps in the same order and you may go back and forth between them.
Click on the colored words to learn how to do that step.
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.
When you're finished, celebrate!
Nearly 16 MILLION page views since November 2003 ....and still counting!
(actually 15,835,035 as of April 16, 2018)
Thanks to everyone who has made this site available and possible... and as always, we welcome your feedback and comments...
Or if you have a minute take this feedback survey
Created by Holly Samuels, Librarian: Cambridge Rindge and Latin School Cambridge, MA USA
Valley Girl voice by Rhetorical.com text to speech (TTS) system.
The "Big6 ™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. www.big6.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Content: Holly Samuels
Design: Jim Constantine