First four stages
The research process is not linear. It can get messy and convuluted. You may find yourself going backwards or advancing depending on how the process evolves.
FLEXIBILITY IS THE KEY! This guide will serve you as a compass in the process.
Stage 1: Discovering
Discovering, Narrowing, and Focusing a Researchable Topic
- Try to find a topic that truly interests you
- Brainstorm ideas to develop your topic
- Talk with your instructor, classmates, roommates about your topic
- Pose your topic as a question to be answered or a problem to be solved
- Create a tentative thesis statement
Stage 2: Finding
Finding, selecting, and reading sources
You will need to look at the following types of sources:
- Books - search the library catalog to see what Lynn Library has in its collection
- Recommendations from your instructor
- Journal articles from print and online databases.
Lynn Library subscribes to several online resources for you to use in your research. Click here to access them: Articles and Databases page
Stage 3: Grouping
Grouping, Sequencing, and Documenting Information
You will need the following to keep yourself organized:
- a system for documenting sources on note cards
- a system for organizing material by relative importance
- a system for taking notes
Stage 4: Creating an Outline
Consider the following questions:
- What is the topic?
- Why is it significant?
- What background material is relevant?
- Should I revise my thesis or purpose statement?
- What organizational plan will best support my purposes?
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