Research is a life skill that you use everyday. Which smart phone should I buy? Which takeout has the best food? You apply the same modes of research in your coursework for papers, presentations, discussion posts, and more. More importantly, the act of research will foster lifelong skills of critical thinking and information literacy.

Remember that the research process takes time and effort. You should not expect to complete all of these steps in only a few hours. By thoughtfully approaching your assignment you will be able to pick a reasonable topic, research the topic, and compose an organized paper to your instructor's standards.

Research assignments can be difficult, especially if you are not sure how to get started.  This guide is intended to help you find your footing, make a research plan, and use all the resources available to help you with your assignment.  Don't forget, you can always reach out to your local librarians for assistance!

A research plan allows you to:

• Outline the process of researching and writing, step-by-step
• Give you an action plan with target due dates
• Help you finish your assignment on time!

These steps are meant to guide you to stay on schedule.  Your instructor may set their own due dates for these steps so make sure to check your syllabus!  If you have any doubts about when something is due, contact your instructor.

Step 1 - Define Your Assignment

• Note the length and genre required for your paper.
• Plan your research strategy and due dates.
• Note any specific resource types needed (primary sources, books, articles, etc.)

Step 2 - Choose a Possible Topic

• Choose a topic that you find interesting.
• Use personal and online resources to brainstorm.
• Know how to broaden or narrow your topic as necessary.
• Ask for help from your instructor, classmates or a librarian.

Step 3 - Refine your Topic

• Ensure that there are enough resources for your possible topic.
• Make sure that your possible topic is the right scope for your paper length.
• Use your narrowed topic to direct your research with a Search Question.
• Make a list of keywords to help you begin your search process.

Step 4 - Find, Review, and Evaluate Books

• Use the library's catalog to locate books and other materials on your topic.
• Set up a note taking system that works for you.
• Evaluate websites for timeliness, relevancy, authority, accuracy, and purpose.
• Understand the difference between popular magazines and scholarly journals.
• Search the library's databases for articles that fit your topic.  Make sure to limit your search to Full Text Articles. 
• Ensure that you are able to use websites (i.e. results found through Google, news sites, Blogs, Twitter, etc.) for your research.

Step 5 - Write Thesis Statement and Outline

• A thesis statement clearly states what your paper is about. 
• Use an outline format that fits your paper's genre.

Step 6 - Write First Draft

• Always write down where you found your information so you can properly cite the sources later in your paper.
• Choose a note-taking method that works for you.
• Take steps to avoid plagiarism, including always noting where you found your information.
• Understand the citation style you are using for this paper (e.g. MLA, APA, Chicago)

Step 7 - Find Additional Sources/Revise and Rewrite

• Do multiple edits to your paper. Be your own editor then have another person look it over, if possible.
• Make sure that your paper follows the topic set by your thesis.  

Step 8 - Final Paper and Citation Style Guide

• Use the citation style (e.g. MLA, APA, Chicago) required by your instructor, or choose one appropriate to the discipline.
• Submit your paper before the deadline!  Many instructors do not accept late papers.