Step Two: How do I create a research strategy?
Develop More Questions
Refer back to your topic question, and brainstorm more questions that will help you answer your topic question. They should address the what, when, where, why and how about your topic. Think about what you already know and what you need to know.
Add to Your List of Keywords
Look at your newly created questions, and add words or short phrases to your keyword list. This will help with your search for information.
Identify Relevant Material
What kind of information do you need? (facts, opinions, research studies, statistics, interviews, history, news reports, pictures)
Brainstorm a List of Possible Sources
Consider the following:
Keep in mind that a variety of sources will produce a balanced and more interesting paper. Don't rely too much on one source.
You are now ready to begin the next step, Step Three, Begin Your Research.
Step Three, Begin Your Research
Refer back to your topic question, and brainstorm more questions that will help you answer your topic question. They should address the what, when, where, why and how about your topic. Think about what you already know and what you need to know.
Add to Your List of Keywords
Look at your newly created questions, and add words or short phrases to your keyword list. This will help with your search for information.
Identify Relevant Material
What kind of information do you need? (facts, opinions, research studies, statistics, interviews, history, news reports, pictures)
Brainstorm a List of Possible Sources
Consider the following:
- Books (print and electronic)
- Reference Books
- Magazines
- Newspapers (current and historical)
- Maps or Atlases
- People
- Government Documents
- Site visits (to museums, etc.)
- Television Programs
- Radio Programs
- Sound Recordings
- Videos
- Library Databases
- Websites
Keep in mind that a variety of sources will produce a balanced and more interesting paper. Don't rely too much on one source.
You are now ready to begin the next step, Step Three, Begin Your Research.
Step Three, Begin Your Research