Knowing how to do research is an indispensable skill and not difficult at all. It can seem a little overwhelming at first with numerous guides, sources, and quotes. But do not worry! You'll soon be a search professional too.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Part 1: Getting started
Step 1. Identify the topic to search for
Sometimes subjects are assigned to your choice or the teacher gives a specific one. However, there is usually a choice. Take an idea that seems interesting to you as a cue and start from there.
- In the beginning, you don't need to focus on a topic in great detail. A basic general idea is fine. Then, based on the information you find, you will delve into the search field.
- For example: if the research is on Shakespeare's Hamlet you can start by looking for information only on Hamlet before focusing and aiming your research on the importance of Hamlet's madness.
Step 2. Understand the task
Before starting your research, there are various elements that you need to understand about the work that has been assigned to you. How much information do you need? If you have to write a 10 page report you will surely need more information than a 5 paragraph essay. What information do you need?
- If the assignment is an article, you need more facts than opinions on the subject especially if it is scientific, for example depression.
- If you need to write a persuasive theme, or create a persuasive presentation, you will need your personal opinions and facts to support them. Including conflicting opinions can be very helpful so that you can address and / or dispel them.
- If, on the other hand, you are writing an analysis, for example the importance of Hamlet's madness, you will use your own opinions as much as those of scholars who have already worked on the text and on information on insanity in Shakespeare's time and Elizabethan literary conventions.
Step 3. Determine the type of information you need
This includes elements such as the structure of the material, how important the historical period is in your research, places, languages etc… You need facts, opinions, analysis, research studies or a mix of everything.
- Think about the structure of the material: will you find the best information in a book, magazine or newspaper? If you are doing medical research you will probably have to read medical journals, while for Hamlet you will need books and periodicals of literature.
- Consider whether the information you need needs to be up-to-date (such as medical or scientific discoveries) or you can also use texts written in 1900. If you are doing historical research, the information must be about that particular historical period.
Step 4. Do some preliminary research
At first, it is best to do some basic research, to get an overview on the subject and give you an idea of where you would like to learn more. Use sources that give you a complete view of the research topic.
- If you have a textbook, check the bio on the back pages of the book for ideas on what to research.
- Search the dictionary for the main word of your research topic and read encyclopedias about it.
- Remember to take notes on things that interest you and seem relevant to you. From your notes you can then choose which sources to use and which issues you would like to deepen.
Method 2 of 2: Part 2 of 2: Research thoroughly
Step 1. Refine your search field
After you have completed the preliminary searches you will need to select the relevant ones. If you have a lot of information about Hamlet for example, instead of trying to study a 10-page essay, focus only on your favorite points (the importance of insanity for example).
- If the focus of the search is very specific, it will be much easier to find material. This means that you will need to identify a specific statement that says exactly what you want to argue or research.
- It is not a problem if there will be a need to change the focus of the research if you find something that changes or refutes your thesis.
Step 2. Access academic material
You will need to use valid material and you will be the one to identify it and evaluate whether it might be okay or not. The internet is very useful but sometimes it is very difficult to find valid and truthful information. Always remember to take note of the sources you use and where you found them.
Step 3. Judge your sources
When you do research it can be difficult (especially on the internet) to find reliable material. Pay attention to who supports certain things, where the information was taken and the point of view of scholars in that specific field.
- Make sure the sources clearly indicate the author (s) and who they are associated with.
- Is the author offering facts and opinions? And do these facts and opinions have any credible sources? Double check if the sources you use match on different books / researches.
- If the author uses vague and broad generalizations without specific references or if the arguments analyze only one point of view without considering different opinions, it is probably not a reliable source.
Step 4. Organize the collected information
When you feel the research is complete, organize the information you have gathered. This will help you shape and structure your final work and understand where and when to use facts and opinions. It is also a great method that will direct you to identify possible gaps to fill in the topic of your research.
Make sure you have arrived at a definitive result or opinion on your search field. If you don't have a relevant conclusion, you'll need to keep researching
Step 5. Cite your sources
When you are done with your research (be it a scientific topic, project or article). Remember that different subjects use different methods of citing references.
- The APA style is used in Social Sciences, Psychology or Education.
- The MLA format is often indicated for Arts, Literature and Humanitarian disciplines.
- The Vancouver Method is used in scientific disciplines such as medicine or biology.
- The Turabian was designated for college students to use for all disciplines, but is the least used.
- The Chicago method is used with all "real world" subjects such as books, magazines and newspapers.
Advice
- Websites with accurate and detailed information end with edu or gov. Those to be evaluated more carefully end with net, org or com.
- Your school or municipal library has certain material useful for your research.
- Remember these five elements to recognize valid web pages: Diffusion, Authority, Reason, Objectivity, Writing Style.
Warnings
- If your project is in another language, don't use Google Translate as it makes mistakes and many people fail because of these mistakes.
- Before you start writing, ask yourself if what you are writing is really relevant.
- Plagiarism is when sources and citations are not included in references. It is illegal and it is as if you are giving credit to yourself for ideas and work done by other people.
