The format of this guide and some of the content was used with permission from Johnson & Wales University Library. Many thanks for their willingness to share their excellent work with others.
The research process typically includes five broad steps. Normally, you would complete one step before moving onto the next. However, there may be times when you will need to return to a previous step or complete multiple steps simultaneously.
Step 1. Develop a topic
Select a Topic | Formulate Research Questions | Identify Keywords | Find Background Information | Refine a Topic
Step 2. Locate information
Find Books | Find Articles | Find Websites | Find "Grey Literature" | Find Videos | Search Strategies
Step 3. Evaluate and analyse information and sources
Evaluate Sources | Primary v Secondary Sources | Popular vs Scholarly Periodicals
Step 4. Use, organize, and communicate information
Paraphrasing | Notetaking
Step 5. Comply with legal, ethical, and moral standards
Plagiarism | APA Citation Style | Copyright | Alternatives to Copyright
IUPUI University Library
Lynda Quamina - Aiyejina, Former Senior Librarian Indexer/Documentalist at CERIS, School of Education, the Univesity of the West Indies, is responsible for the development of this guide.