Research Process AHS LIBRARY

Research Outline Chose a Topic Identifying Sources Broadening or Narrowing a Topic Evaluating Sources Using Information Responsibly Citing Sources Beginning course details and/or books/materials needed for a class/project.

Always keep your purpose in mind

Topic Brainstorming Ideas: Choose a topic or topics which interest you Jot down key words related to that topic Think of possible sources for information on that topic If your topic covers a broad subject, consider how you will be narrowing your focus I your subject is narrow, how will you broaden your research? Introductory notes.

Identifying Sources Determine all possible sources of information on this topic Databases Encyclopedias Non-fiction titles Graphs, Charts Journal Articles Dictionaries Primary Sources RELIABLE online resources

RELIABLE Online Resources RESEARCH = To search again Information can be found in multiple places, i.e. information can be verified Information is current with live links Author has expert knowledge in the field Consider any bias the article may have Be wary of “fake news”

Evaluating Sources After identifying potential sources, evaluate which ones best fit your needs Consider your topic, i.e. a current event will not be found in a book Is there an author or publishing organization with contact information listed?

Evaluating Sources (continued) Are links provided live, and to reputable sources? Does this site provide citations for it’s sources of information? Is the author providing you with unbiased information or his viewpoint? Is the website free from grammatical errors?

Using Information Responsibly Use the note taking method that serves you best. As you are taking notes, be sure to document which information comes from which resource. You will need that information later to cite your sources

Citing Sources Gather all the sources that you have referred to throughout your paper Alphabetize the sources by the first item in the entry Use the citation method as instructed by your teacher (MLA or APA) Go to www.owl.english.perdue.edu and select the citation method for an example of a correctly formatted paper with citations

Any Questions? See www.appohigh.org