{"id":4265,"date":"2020-05-22T09:33:05","date_gmt":"2020-05-22T13:33:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev-cu-sites.pantheonsite.io\/library\/?page_id=4265"},"modified":"2025-05-12T09:50:38","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T13:50:38","slug":"the-research-process","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.clarkson.edu\/library\/research-tools-collections\/guides\/the-research-process\/","title":{"rendered":"The Research Process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Research is Not a Linear Process!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We tend to think of researching a project or paper as a linear process – you look up information, then write your paper. Done!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reality is that research is rarely that straight forward, and good research is a process. You may need to back track and retrace your research steps as you narrow or broaden your topic, or as you spot gaps in your research. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide will outline the steps in that research process and offer guidance on how to approach those steps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are the Steps in the Research Process?<\/h4><\/div>
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  1. Identify <\/strong>Your Topic<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Find Background <\/strong>Information<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Narrow (or Expand) <\/strong>Your Topic<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Use the Catalog <\/strong>to Find Books <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Use Article Databases <\/strong>to Find Articles<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Consider Other Reliable Resources<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Evaluate <\/strong>Your Resources <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Write Your Paper <\/strong>or Complete Your Project<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    You may have to repeat steps or backtrack, depending on how your topic develops as you research. This is normal!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    General Research Tips<\/h4><\/div>
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