Research Process

What is "research"?

• Research is the disciplined process of investigating and seeking facts that will lead one to discover the truth about something. 
• A research paper is simply the formal presentation of the discovered facts along with the evidence needed to defend the idea.

Step 1. 

• Topic/Stand
• Make sure you choose something you like
• Choose a topic you feel strongly about (passion works well in persuasion)
• The topic does NOT have to be a controversy; it just needs to be persuasive.

Step 2.

• Information
• Where do I get the information
• Primary Information 
• from the people (surveys, questionnaires, interviews)
• Secondary Information
• from the library (databases, books, magazines, newspapers)
• What do I do with the information?
• is it worth my time? (layout & design)
• is it useful? (critical reading)
• Take notes
• Practice triangulation (reliability)∆

Step 3. 

• Application
• Analyze the information;
• Break it down; look at it closely; continue to ask questions, redirect research, collect new information.
• Evaluate the information;
• Mix and match pieces of the info form a variety of sources; start to formulate your argument/stand

Step 4. 

• New Understanding
• Create new understanding
• Building new ideas; combine pieces of information into well-thought-out argument
• You are now the expert!