Module 1: The Research Process
Library research is most often completed in preparation for writing a research paper. The research process involves finding information in support of a specific idea identified in the thesis statement. While gathering information, the researcher may refer to the thesis statement as a guide and may also revise the thesis based on the information found. Library research is a dynamic process of discovery about a specific topic.
Electronic
Research: Make It Easy
What Is Electronic Research?
Electronic research is the process of recording citations, notes, and quotes for later use in writing the final research paper. It replaces the old note card system with the ease of electronic copying and pasting into a file maintained on a computer disk. In essence, it is a working bibliography of all the information resources used in writing a research paper, including notes and quotes found while gathering information.
Use Electronic Research From the Start
Creating an electronic file at the beginning of a research project saves time. Start the file with the thesis statement developed for the research project. While looking for information resources in the library catalog or in academic databases, implement the following process:
Benefit From Electronic Research When It's Time to Write
When it's time to write the final paper, this file of resources, notes, and quotes will provide a working bibliography of information that can be harvested for inclusion in the paper. The sources of ideas and quotes will be readily identifiable for citing. The literature cited section of the paper will already be complete.
Better research, better papers, better results. . . .
Six
Major Steps to Successful Research
Step 1: Topic Selection
A. Choose and Define a Topic
Most academic research papers are written for a specific class assignment and topics relate to the subject area of the class. Within this framework, it is wise to select a topic of personal interest to help sustain enthusiasm for the project.
To generate topic ideas, try some or all of the following: browse class textbooks and handouts; review lecture notes; discuss options with the professor; discuss ideas with a reference librarian; identify and browse recent journals in the subject area.
B. Gather Background Information
Once a general topic has been identified, begin gathering background information and compile an overview of the topic. The purpose of this stage of research is to identify a focus for the research paper and to determine where to locate more in-depth information.
Subject encyclopedias and dictionaries, yearbooks, and other reference resources frequently provide background, history, and current developments in broad subject areas. Reference librarians can identify key titles within the reference collection for appropriate background searches. During this process, record keywords and basic concepts identified in this information overview.
C. Focus the Topic
A well-focused topic will help develop a well-organized research paper. If the topic is too broad, it is difficult to write a strong thesis statement and difficult to defend it in an organized way. So much information may also be found on a broad topic that it is difficult to synthesize it in the scope of a single research paper. In contrast, if a topic is too narrow or too recent, a lack of information may well limit the ability to develop a strong paper.
To focus a topic, consider the variables. Describe the topic source and impacts. Consider different points of view from which to approach the topic. Identify the different disciplines that are affected by the topic. Identify a specific time period to be addressed.
D. Write a Thesis Statement
In addition to collecting and summarizing already published information about a topic, a good research paper also defends the ideas stated in the thesis statement. Using the information gathered while focusing the topic, develop a thesis statement that clearly expresses the identified variables, generates potential solutions or evaluative criteria, and renders an acceptable framework for investigating the topic.
Parts of the thesis statement might be proved or disproved based on statistics and information found. Other parts of the thesis statement might require the development of a rational argument built on the presentation of information that supports the point of view presented.
E. Example:
NOTE: Library research is a dynamic process of discovery about a specific topic. The thesis statement provides a guide to the research process and may also need to be revised based on findings during information gathering.
F. Assignment #1
Using the guidelines provided in this section on problem definition, write a thesis statement for a research paper. The topic of this thesis statement will be the focus of your research and bibliography development for this online class. Choose wisely! E-mail the thesis statement to your instructor for final approval.
Step 2: Project Strategy
A. Determine the type of information resources to use
To determine the kind of information needed for a specific topic, consider the topic's variables.
Identify the type of information appropriate for the topic. Popular magazine articles, news stories, scholarly research reports, books, videos, statistics, editorials, and personal communication are examples of the kinds of information that can be used to support a thesis.
Determine the comprehensiveness of the information needed. Books can provide complete histories or summaries. Periodical and newspaper articles can focus on particular aspects. It is useful to have a variety of coverage and the information from a variety of authors to advance an argument.
The need for specialized information is also a consideration. Statistics can provide a basis for the defense of a particular point of view. Personal opinions and interviews can be gleaned from editorials, videos, and audiotapes.
B. Develop a research strategy
A research strategy is a plan for information gathering and analysis. Since research papers usually have deadlines, a timeline can be integrated into the plan as well. Gathering information takes time. Sometimes it is necessary to get books sent from other libraries through interlibrary loan or to order periodical articles not available in the library through document delivery.
Establish the deadline for completion of the project and work backwards in your calendar. Allow time for information gathering, synthesizing, outlining the project and writing the final product.
C. Assignment #2
Determine the type of information needed for the chosen topic and create a research strategy and a timeline. E-mail the strategy and timeline to your instructor.
Step 3: Information Gathering
A. Locate Information Resources
Access to information resources begins at the Mansfield Library homepage.
--Locate Information Resources: Books and Media
Access the library catalog to identify
books and media materials located in The University of Montana library system.
Another resource for locating books and media is WorldCat,
a database that combines library catalogs from libraries around the world.
--Locate Information Resources: Periodical Articles
To locate periodical articles by topic, use the indexes to periodical literature
that are available as electronic databases. Begin with Expanded Academic ASAP,
an interdisciplinary database designed for academic research that indexes over
1,500 periodicals and includes the full text of more than 500 of these titles.
These databases can be accessed from the Mansfield
Library homepage.
Module 3: Finding Periodical Articles: Access to Academic Databases provides detailed information for searching.
Subject-specific databases can be identified by selecting the general subject headings at the top of the database web page.
--Locate Information Resources: Web Resources
Another resource that can be used to locate information is the World Wide Web.
To locate quality Web resources appropriate for academic research, use the guidelines
in Module 4: Guide To Web Searching.
B. Read and Evaluate the Resources
Read, take notes, and evaluate the collected material. Allow plenty of time for this important part of the research process. Module 5: Evaluating and Documenting Sources provides specific guidelines for assuring that the information resources are appropriate for academic research.
C. Assignment #3
Identify and record two books or media from the library catalog and three periodical articles from Expanded Academic ASAP or a subject-specific database. These documents should relate to your thesis topic. The information about these 5 documents should be in the form of a complete citation--author, date of publication, title, and publication information. Add this information to your working electronic bibliography and e-mail this information to your instructor.
Step 4: Refine and Synthesize
NOTE: Library research is a dynamic process of discovery about a specific topic. The thesis statement provides a guide to the research process and may also need to be revised based on findings during information gathering.
Throughout the research process, take time to revise and refine the thesis statement and redirect the research strategy based on the information located.
Synthesizing the information to support the thesis statement provides the opportunity to determine new directions and ideas. Consider all of the ideas and information gathered, combine these ideas in new and different ways, and determine what information supports the thesis directly and what information can be used to build an argument in support of the thesis.
Step 5: Project Outline
A. Every writing project contains three basic components:
B. Informal Outlines
The most common outline is simply a list of all the ideas to be included in the writing project. Items in the list can be rearranged, added to, and deleted until the logical order is developed. Writing can proceed directly from this rough outline with ideas developed in the order they appear.
The thesis statement can also be used to develop a rough outline. Turn the thesis statement into a question, then write 3-5 different answers to the question. Consider the following example.
Statement: The ability of users of the World Wide Web to download music is very similar to the ability of television, radio, and CD listeners to tape and record music and requires no new legislation for legal compliance.
The thesis restated as a question.
Question: How can current legislation that protects musicians in terms of radio, television, and CDs be used to protect musicians from Web piracy?
The next step is to write answers to the question.
Each statement should then be explored in the same way.
A formal outline indicates major sections and supporting details using a distinct pattern of Roman numerals, capital letters and Arabic numbers. It builds on the concepts stated in the thesis statement.
Create an outline for your research paper, using one of the forms described in this section. Send this outline by e-mail to your instructor.
Step 6: Final Product
A. Start Writing!
Presentation of results is a research paper, a manuscript for publication, or a public presentation. The easiest way to start is to create a document based on the outline of the paper. Write a paragraph or more for each heading in the outline.
Write as much as possible with the first draft. Your ideas are fresh. Ignore errors and punctuation and concentrate on synthesizing all of the ideas that have evolved from the research.
B. Revise and Refine Revision provides the opportunity to fully develop the paper. Your working bibliography and notes will be especially useful at this point in the process. Take the opportunity to:
Better research, better papers, better results. . . .
C. Prepare Graphics
Graphics can be used to strengthen the information presented in a research paper and are essential to an effective presentation. Graphics may include:
Last Updated: 10.08.01
Comments: Instructors