The Research Process Pathfinder

Learning how to do research should be thought of as a "work in progress." Even though you have been doing research since first or second grade, each year you learn more about the research process. In second grade, you picked a rain forest animal to study, found a book in the library, copied some facts, created some artwork and had it hung up in the class or on a bulletin board. That is a perfect project for second grade. By middle school, you have learned to outline and the projects are becoming more demanding. You need to consult more than one source. You need to create an outline. Your report needs to be typewritten. You need to cite your sources.

Just as you need to practice to perfect something in sports or music, the research process needs to be practiced. The process is the same whether you are researching a paper for Science, Social Studies or Language Arts. Each time you follow the process, you become a better researcher.

Many books and guidelines have been published over the years discussing the research process. You may find a book that lays the process out in ten steps, others in more or less than ten. You need to read a sampling and choose the method that is good for you. They all have the same advice in common. They are listed below as links to pages which explains the step in more detail.

Please note: You are not alone. At any time during your research, your subject teacher, school librarian or public librarians are available to help. Please ask.

	1. Choose a topic.
	2. Read a general article about the topic.
	3. Write a thesis statement and outline.
	4. Create a working resource list.
	5. Take notes on notecards.
	6. Write the first draft.
	7. Revise, write an introduction and conclusion.
	8. Cite your sources and write the works cited page.
	9. Proofread

There are quite a few web sites which give advice about the research process. Sample a few of the links below to find the style which suits you.