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The Research Process

“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.”

—Zora Neal Hurstson

NEED HELP?

Mr. Mahollitz, Mrs. Zibro and Mr. Russo—your librarians at the John Gray Park '28 Library—are available to help with research projects and other assignments requiring research. Stop by the front desk or email us to set up a time to meet.

The ARC Guide for Writing Papers

Weekday Hours

Monday-Friday 8am-4pm

Study Hall 

 

Weekend Hours

Saturday 9am-11:30am

Sunday 8pm-10pm

 

The ARC is open at two different times during the academic day. From 8am-4pm, academic coaches are available to work with students in one-on-one meetings. During study hall from 8-10pm, an English teacher is available for writing conferences.

We are located in the Schoolhouse building on the second floor of the John Gray Park '28 Library.

This guide includes content adapted with permission from the University Library System librarians at the University of Pittsburgh.

 

The Research Process

GETTING STARTED

As you begin your studies and research papers, note that research is a process. Your experience with the steps outlined below may differ in order and might even repeat as you complete research, papers, and projects. 

You will likely use library resources such as Koha, our library catalog, and library databases to conduct background research, refine your topic, and search for sources. If you have any questions, please be sure to ask any librarian!

This infographic provides a visual overview of the research process. Keep in mind that it is messy, convoluted, non-linear, and requires persistence.

infographic on the research process. Use the "text version" tab for the plain text.

The Research Paper Process

  • Choose a Topic
    • Understand your assignment parameters, requirements, and due dates
  • Conduct Background Research
    • Search for news articles, top hits on Google, and encyclopedia articles.
  • Refine your Topic
    • Narrow down what you want to investigate. Think about the who, what, when, where, and why for your topic.
  • Create a Research Question
    • Come up with a tentative question you want to answer in your project.
  • Develop a Search Strategy
    • Select your resources and develop your keywords
  • Search
    • Conduct multiple searches in relevant resources
  • Evaluate your Results and Sources
    • Use the CRAAP model: currency, relevancy, authority, accuracy, and purpose
  • Adjust and/or Repeat your Search
    • Try different keywords, resources, and strategies depending on your needs
  • Start Writing
    • Incorporate your sources into your writing from the beginning
  • Review and Re-Search
    • Fill in the holes, explore new areas of interest, dig deeper, etc.
  • Cite, Review, and Edit
    • Put the final touches on your project