Research is a process.

Step 1: Understand your assignment

• Read your assignment
• Ask questions
• List starting requirements (number of sources, essay type, etc.)

Step 2: Start with a general topic idea 

• Read background information in Reference works and learn
• Ask questions
• Identify key concepts and key words
• Identify key issues and different points of view
• Refine and focus your topic 

Step 3: Find information

• Use keywords to search for information in books, articles, and other sources
• Add to your keywords list: broader terms, narrower terms, related terms
• Use smart search strategies 

Step 4: Evaluate

• Assess your information sources for authority and bias
• Are they good choices for your academic project?

Step 5: Cite Your Sources

• Cite your sources 
• Summarize and evaluate your sources in an annotated bibliography