Research Steps
Research needs vary with each assignment, project or paper at hand, meaning there is no one-size-fits-all approach to conducting research. However, in general, the research process typically comprises the following steps:
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Identifying a Research Topic: To begin, you should identify a viable research topic. This often involves a discussion with your instructor to crystalize your ideas.
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Initial Exploration: After selecting a topic, it's helpful to read articles related to those potential topics to gain a broad overview and key concepts. It can provide insight into the subject matter and help you establish connections between your idea and broader or more specific concepts.
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Refining Your Research Topic: Based on your initial exploration, you'll refine your research topic as necessary.
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Formulating a Research Question: Once you've settled on a topic, the next step is to formulate a specific research question. Your research question serves as the foundation for your paper and often contains essential keywords that can be used as search terms.
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Search and Test: Armed with your search terms, you can start searching for relevant information. It's important to test your topic to ensure that it's not already extensively covered in existing literature. Simultaneously, assess whether there is sufficient information available to complete your project. This process can be iterative and is a natural part of research.
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Evaluate and Cite Sources: Once you find information, it's critical to evaluate its credibility and reliability, ensuring that it comes from reputable sources. After evaluation, be sure to cite your sources properly so that readers can locate the same information.
Remember, research is often an iterative process, and it's okay to adjust your topic or refine your search as you progress.