How Do I Do Research?

Step 1: Think!

You have a paper assignment? No problem. The first thing you need to do is to figure out what you will be investigating and figure out how you will go about this project. You can use this form to help you think—remember to PRINT this form after you have filled it in on your screen.

Big6 Research Form

Step 2: Analyze your sourcess.

You have to make sure the sources you’re using are going to do the trick. Think online sources are going to solve all your problems? It is possible, yes. But it is not certain. This site will help you start learning how to choose sources that are helpful and authoritative.

http://web.library.emory.edu/services/ressvcs/howguides/internet.html

Step 3: Avoid Plagiarism.

Proper use and crediting of sources is essential to true learning success. To learn about plagiarism—what it is, how we know you’ve done it, and how to avoid it—take this online tutorial designed by the San Jose State University Library:

http://tutorials.sjlibrary.org/plagiarism/

Step 4: Check your work.

Check the format of your citations using this handy online tool:

http://www.landmark-project.com/citation_machine/index.php