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Research Process

How to efficiently and effectively navigate the research process

Guide to the Research Process

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1.  Explore Your Topic

Before you settle on a topic, it's a good idea to do some background research first. The library is a great resource for background information.

2. Refine Your Topic

Now that you've done some background research, it's time to narrow your topic. Remember, the shorter your final paper, the narrower your topic needs to be.

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3. Search for Sources

After you've refined your topic, it's time to start searching for sources. Do you need books, articles or something else?

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4. Evaluate Your Sources

It's always a good idea to evaluate your sources before using them in your assignment. Do you need to have scholarly sources or the most recent research?

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5. Write

Pull everything together and to share your argument and your evidence. Tie ideas from your sources together with your own ideas and analysis to make a compelling case. 

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