RESEARCH PROCESS

1. Step 2: Formulate thesis statement

2. Step 1: Select topic

2.1. Consult a guide on how to select a topic, if needed

2.2. Choose broad topic area

2.3. Conduct background reading on topic in order to narrow it down

2.3.1. Encyclopedias

2.3.2. Other reference books

2.3.3. Websites

2.4. Narrow topic down

3. Step 3: Formulate search strategy

3.1. Determine essential concepts

3.2. Brainstorm synonyms

3.3. Formulate search statement (ANDs, ORs)

3.4. Select which databases and other sources to consult

4. Step 4: Conduct search & evaluate results

4.1. Execute search in chosen database(s)

4.2. Look at results; email, print, download articles of interest

4.3. Revise search strategy if needed

4.4. If using websites, evaluate each