Create a research question

• You may begin searching for information by topic but many topics are too broad. A good way to narrow your topic is to create a research question. This will help you limit results when researching and write a clear, focused research paper centered on answering the research question.   
• You may already have a research question in mind but most of us will need to do a little pre-search before defining our research question. You may also change or narrow your question as you begin your research.  
• Click here - PDF for more information on developing research questions.

• Books, encyclopedias, periodicals, journals, & web pages are all great resources.
  • Read your assignment requirements and see what sources your teacher has required you to use for research. There may also be a requirement on how many sources need to be used.
  • Your research question along with the assignment requirements will determine what sources to use. 
• You will want to use varied sources. 
• You will want to use the most reliable sources that are available. 
  • Online sources can be as reliable as books but you will need to think critically about what online sources you decide to use. Online resources are not all equal! (See Beyond Surfing, Intelligent Research) to learn about evaluating online sources.
• You will want to evaluate all of your sources. (See Evaluating Information)

Create a list of key words or descriptors

• Key words or descriptors are words that will help you find information about or are related to your topic. Some databases give you key words and descriptors to help you find more relevant information in a timely manner.  

Take Notes & Record Works Cited Information

• When you decide to use a source for information, take notes. (See Gathering, Organizing & Synthesizing) to learn more about note-taking strategies.
• Paraphrase main ideas and record quotes that answer or are related to your research question.
• Include page numbers if provided to use for parenthetical citation.
• All facts, ideas, paraphrasing & quotes must be properly cited using the MLA format (See Citing Sources).
• Record MLA citation information wherever you are taking notes.
• Create a Works Cited page as soon as you begin taking notes.

• Organize your notes.
• Synthesize the information you have collected  with your own ideas and opinions.
• Change your research question if appropriate.
• Make connections & conclusions.
• Return to researching if you have not adequately answered your research question or questions.

(See Gathering, Organizing & Synthesizing to learn more)