1. Task Definition
1.1 Define the information problem
1.2 Identify information needed
2. Information Seeking Strategies
2.1 Determine all possible sources
2.2 Select the best sources
3. Location and Access
3.1 Locate sources (intellectually and physically)
3.2 Find information within sources
4. Use of Information
4.1 Engage (e.g., read, hear, view, touch)
4.2 Extract relevant information
5. Synthesis
5.1 Organize from multiple sources
5.2 Present the information
6. Evaluation
6.1 Judge the product (effectiveness)
6.2 Judge the process (efficiency)
Task Definition
Get beyond the obvious, develop your Research Question (RQ). Ask "fat" questions, and avoid the "skinny" questions. For example, your questions should:
Design your research backwards.
Information Seeking Strategies
What are the potential sources of information?
What are the strengths of those different sources?
For your research, have you considered:
Of the resources you have considered, which offer the strongest potential to serve your needs?
Location and Access
Where are the resources you seek?
Ask yourself these questions:
Use of Information
Now that you have what you think you need, you need to engage with it. This is where you:
Synthesis
This is where you put your research together and begin writing your essay.
Evaluation
Ask yourself these questions (among many others) prior to submission:
According to the Princeton University Library, a primary source is a "document or physical object which was written or created during the time under study." They go on to provide clarity to the primary source question:
Examples of primary sources include:
Find out how a primary source differs from a secondary source by visiting their web page.
Should you cite Wikipedia as an academic resource?
Williams College Libraries provides an excellent explanation about how to approach Wiikipedia.
Jump into searching with Google Scholar. You will quickly narrow your search results to relevant and helpful material.