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James B. Duke Memorial Library: Steps in the Research Process

Databases accessible to JCSU faculty and students.

Steps in the Research Process

Steps in the Research Process   

  1. Topic Exploration and Development: Begin by identifying a topic of interest and refining it to ensure it's research-worthy and manageable.
  2. Preliminary Information Gathering: Conduct an initial search to familiarize yourself with the existing literature and gather basic information on your chosen topic.
  3. Resource Location: Utilize various sources such as libraries, databases, and online repositories to gather relevant materials for your research.
  4. Sources Evaluation: Critically assess the credibility, reliability, and relevance of the sources you've collected to ensure they contribute effectively to your research.
  5. Note-taking and Synthesis: Organize and synthesize the information gathered through effective note-taking techniques, ensuring clarity and coherence in your understanding.
  6. Paper Composition: Structure your research findings into a coherent narrative or argument, adhering to academic conventions and standards.
  7. Proper Citation: Accurately cite all sources used in your research according to the appropriate citation style guidelines to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism.
  8. Revision and Editing: Carefully review and revise your paper for clarity, coherence, and accuracy, paying attention to grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors.

Strategy for writing a research paper

  • Topic Selection: Choose a topic within the parameters of the assignment requirements. Ensure it is specific and manageable for the scope of your paper.
  • Preliminary Research: Conduct an initial search to assess the availability of information and to gain context. Utilize the JCSU library databases and relevant resources listed.
  • Narrow or Broaden your Topic: Based on your preliminary research, adjust your topic as necessary to ensure you have sufficient information without overwhelming yourself.
  • Locate Materials: Use the citation information to locate books and materials both physically and digitally. Utilize databases and library resources efficiently.
  • Evaluate Sources: Assess the credibility, accuracy, and relevance of your sources. Consider factors like fairness, objectivity, and consistency. Verify the reliability of the information.
  • Note-Taking: Record pertinent information from your sources, making sure to document all necessary details for proper citation.
  • Organize Your Paper: Structure your paper logically, organizing your researched information in a cohesive manner. Create a rough draft and revise it as needed.
  • Citation: Ensure you properly cite all sources used in your research. Adhere to the citation style specified by your instructor.
  • Proofreading: Carefully review your paper for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and citation errors. Clarify your message to ensure it is effectively communicated to your readers


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C.A.R.S

 

C.A.R.S stands for Credibility, Accuracy, Reasonableness, and Support.

It's a tool designed to aid scholars in evaluating information sources.

  • Credibility involves assessing the authenticity and reliability of the information source. Ask yourself why you should believe this source over another and what makes it believable.
  • Accuracy ensures that the information is correct, up to date, detailed, exact, and comprehensive.
  • Reasonableness pertains to the tone and presentation of the material. Look for a factual and thoughtful approach, avoiding emotional manipulation or bias.
  • Support involves examining the sources used by the creator, checking for documentation and agreement from other sources. Claims should be supported by clear facts and figures.