Step One: Where Do I Begin?
If you focus too quickly on the end product, you may miss some of the important research steps and find yourself writing a paper without enough understanding of the topic to do an A+ job. Start a journal or notebook and begin jotting notes about not only "what" you plan to do but also "how" you plan to do it.(IPL)
Make sure you understand your research assignment.
Read over your assignment to make sure you fully understand what is required and how you will be assessed.
Consider the following as you carefully read the assignment:
Tools to Help You Plan Your Project
Research Project Calculator The calculator customizes the steps for your project according to your research task.
Brainstorm Possible Topics
Start with a broad topic of interest to you. What do you already know about your topic?
What else about your topic would you like to know?
Sources To Use for an Overview
Encyclopedias Text Books Subscription Databases
Reference Books Class Notes
After getting an overview of your topic, you may want to narrow or broaden your topic depending on the information you have found.
Test your topic
Using your keywords, test your topic by searching the BHS library and/or Brookline Pulic Library catalogs as well as sources available on the internet.
Start a List of Key Words
Before you start your research, you are going to need keywords to help you search for information . Identify the main concepts and keywords. Make a list of words or short phrases that describe your topic and closely related topics.
Develop A Research Question
Effective research means answering specific questions, not just collecting facts.
A topic question will help you develop a thesis statement and focus your research. A good research question is debatable. (Do not develop a thesis until later in the research process.)
Good Research Question: How effective was the Settlement House Movement in responding to issues of poverty and immigration of the late 1800s?
Bad Research Question: What reforms did the Settlement House Movement implement during the Progressive Era?
Submit a Research Proposal
Now submit a research proposal to your teacher. If your teacher approves your proposal, you are ready for Step Two, Creating a Research Strategy.
Step Two
Make sure you understand your research assignment.
Read over your assignment to make sure you fully understand what is required and how you will be assessed.
Consider the following as you carefully read the assignment:
- How does it relate to the rest of my course work?
- Can I choose my topic or has it been assigned to me?
- What is the final product - a paper, a presentation, a speech?
- Is there a minimum or maximum length?
- What quantity and variety of sources should I aim for?
- Does my teacher want me to use NoodleBib?
- Is an annotated bibliography required?
- When is the assignment due?
- Is a research log required?
Tools to Help You Plan Your Project
Research Project Calculator The calculator customizes the steps for your project according to your research task.
Brainstorm Possible Topics
Start with a broad topic of interest to you. What do you already know about your topic?
What else about your topic would you like to know?
- Find an overview of your topic. If you cannot find an overview, your topic might be too narrow.
- Read the overview and take notes about what interests you. Pay attention to the table of contents, headings and subheadings, index, and bibliography. They will help you develop a list of keywords.
Sources To Use for an Overview
Encyclopedias Text Books Subscription Databases
Reference Books Class Notes
After getting an overview of your topic, you may want to narrow or broaden your topic depending on the information you have found.
Test your topic
Using your keywords, test your topic by searching the BHS library and/or Brookline Pulic Library catalogs as well as sources available on the internet.
- If you are overwhelmed with sources, try narrowing your topic.
- For best results, put quotations around phrases when searching. For example: "sleep deprivation" and "high school students".
- If you are underwhelmed with sources (can't find enough), try broadening your topic. This can be done by using "or". For example: students or teenagers and "sleep deprivation".
- If you are not finding information, try a different angle on your topic or start over with a different topic.
- Still having trouble finding information? Ask your teacher or librarian for advice.
Start a List of Key Words
Before you start your research, you are going to need keywords to help you search for information . Identify the main concepts and keywords. Make a list of words or short phrases that describe your topic and closely related topics.
Develop A Research Question
Effective research means answering specific questions, not just collecting facts.
A topic question will help you develop a thesis statement and focus your research. A good research question is debatable. (Do not develop a thesis until later in the research process.)
Good Research Question: How effective was the Settlement House Movement in responding to issues of poverty and immigration of the late 1800s?
Bad Research Question: What reforms did the Settlement House Movement implement during the Progressive Era?
Submit a Research Proposal
Now submit a research proposal to your teacher. If your teacher approves your proposal, you are ready for Step Two, Creating a Research Strategy.
Step Two