The Research Process in 8 steps
Johns Hopkins University
Step 1: Review & understand the assignment
- what is the question asking?
- review your class notes
- clarify any specific requirements (i.e. page length, number of sources, due date)
Confused? Talk to your professor!
Check back on this step throughout the research process to make sure that you’re still answering the question
Step 2: Define a research topic
- what do you want to learn more about?
- look over the information you found
- does this topic address the assignment?
Good job! This can be the hardest part of the research!
Step 3: Gather background information
READ!
- review class notes
- search onesearch
- find guides by topic
Stwp 4: Gather sources
All right, let’s get back to work
Where do you find sources?
- OneSearch
Start here & search keywords
- WorldCat
Narrow your search & find primary sources
- Library Databases
Search by name or topic to access specific topics
- Ask your librarian!
Find the librarian for your discipline & ask for help
Step 5: Cite your sources
- APA? MLA? Chicago? Ask your professor!
- Cite while gathering your sources
- Create a bibliography
Plagiarism is not cool!
Step 6: Write a thesis
is it clear? focused? arguable?
Your thesis will change throughout the course of writing your paper, so come back to this step as many times as you need to!
STOP. REVIEW.
Now's a good time to check back on step 1
Step 7: Write
Organization is key — outline your paper first!
- stay on topic, but if you go in a different direction, see where it takes you & then revise your thesis
- utilize & cite your source
- get your ideas onto paper & worry about grammar later!
Stuck with your writing? Visit the writing center — they'll help you out!
Step 8: Edit Edit Edit
- organization
- clarity
- grammar
Review & repeat all 8 steps.
BY LIBRARY AMBASSADOR J. BRADSHAW '14 VIA PIKTOCHART
