The Research Process:  Starts Here!

If you would like help with the research process and/or locating information, please feel free to ASK A LIBRARIAN.

Steps in the Research Process  ~ Search Strategies  ~  Plagiarism  ~  Writing Tips   ~  APA & MLA Paper Examples   ~    Useful Terms to Know

Steps in the Research Process

  1. Define your topic (many databases provide ideas)
    • Create a list of keywords or synonyms. Add to this list as you come across similiar terms.
      • Example:  I would like information about the history of animal cloning. 
        Your keywords would be:  history AND animals AND cloning
    • Create search strategies from your keywords
      • PHRASE: links all words within the phrase
        example: "affirmative action"
      • AND: narrows your search to include BOTH keywords
        example: allergies and cats
      • OR: expands your search to include ANY of the keywords
        example: "death penalty" or "capitol punishment"
      • NOT: narrows your search by excluding one meaning of the word or phrase
        example: "Houston Rockets" not NASA
      • TRUNCATION: expands your search to include all words starting with the same letters
        example: educat* will find education, educator, educational, educated...
      • Basic Boolean Searching Tips & Examples (powerpoint)
      • Advanced Boolean Searching Tips & Examples (powerpoint)
  2. Identify the best sources of information for your topic
  3. Create an outline to help arrange your ideas in a logical order
  4. Write a draft, revise & rewrite. Proofread. Check out the examples below!
  5. Cite
    • Make sure to jot down the full cite information for sources you use.
    • Do you need to create your citations using either the APA or MLA style?

More Tips on Researching for Essays & Papers

Writing Tips: Types of Papers, Essays & Grammar

Sample MLA & APA Paper:

APA Sample Papers

MLA Sample Papers:

Online Databases:
Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Journal or Magazine Title Publication Date: page numbers. Database Name. Publisher of the Database. Library Used to Find Article, City and State Where Library Located. Date You Read the Article <URL of the Database/>.

For articles on more than one webpage, only the first page number is given.

Recommended Reference Books
      in-library use only

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers
REF LB 2369 G53

10,000 Ideas for Term Papers, Projects, Reports and Speeches
REF LB 1047.3 L35

Opposing Viewpoints
Browsing Book Area of the Library

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association
REF BF 76.7 P83 1994

Useful Terms to Know

The best guide to resources is a librarian who can help you in using the catalog, databases and the Web. A librarian can also assist you in selecting materials appropriate for your needs. Please ask at any service desk for information or assistance!

The El Centro College Library does not guarantee the currency or accuracy of these websites. Links to these sites do not represent an endorsement of the site or of information contained within the site.

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Last Updated: December 10, 2007

 
December 10, 2007December 10, 2007