The research process is not a linear one. Every new item you research will have its own path based on what knowledge you enter with, what information you require to complete your task, and the limitations of what is available to you. The process is also iterative, requiring you to go back and find new materials, try a different search, or redefine what you are researching. There is no right or wrong way to research, but there are ways to approach it more effectively.
This guide serves as that, something to guide and inform your choices through a muddled and uncertain process. With time and practice the process or researching becomes easier, faster, and more efficient. If you have any questions along the way, always feel free to reach out to a librarian for assistance. We are happy to help you navigate the path.
This guide is broken up into four large sections: Scope, Track, Search, and Evaluate. Each is an important part of the research process, and will assist in making you a more efficient researcher.
Scope - Helps determine the focus of your research based on the parameters outlined in an assignment, by your professor, and by yourself.
Track - Helps create an outline of when you need to complete tasks, records where you have looked, and extracts citation information.
Search - Determines what 'it' is, where to look for 'it', and how to find 'it'.
Evaluate - Assesses if the information you have found is substantial to use.