How to Research

Step 1: Find a good topic that is interesting to you

Step 2:  Find good background information  (use encyclopedias & reference books to get an overview)

Step 3:  Develop your thesis statement or essential question. 

• How to write a thesis statement

Step 4:  Develop an argument/outline for your paper

• How to Outline
  

 Step 5:  Find RELEVANT evidence  (use our databases & primary sources)

• How to search for information
• Evaluate a Website
•  Great primary sources
• How to Take Notes 
• How to detect bias--don't be fooled!
• How to Cite Your Sources--Diana Hacker.com

Step 4: Write your paper  

• How to write a paragraph

Step 5: evaluate, edit and rewrite if needed.

• How to proofread your work

Step 6:  REFLECT on your learning

MORE TOOLS:

• University of Washington Research Tutorial
• Advanced Searching with Google
•     Great primary sources
• Avoiding plagiarism 
• Diana Hacker Research & Documentation
•  (MLA)
• Dictionary.com