Seven Steps to Performing Research for Any Type of Paper

1. Use Your Outline.
   
   Now is the time to get out your well written outline. Using your outline points, come up with a list of keywords and key phrases.


2. Find background information.
   
   Using your keywords, look in the indexes of general encyclopedias in the library or online. Read the articles in the encyclopedias to set the context for your research. Note any relevant items in the bibliographies at the end of the encyclopedia articles. You can find further background information in previously written newspaper, magazine, and periodical articles. Other good sources for background information are textbooks, Web articles, lecture notes (if you have them), and reserve readings.


3. Use Catalogs to Find Books.
   
   A great research source is the Internet Public Library and your public, school, college, or university library. Use your keywords and key phrases to find books, articles, and entries that support or oppose your argument. Be sure to print or write down the citation (a citation is the date, author, title, and any other information given), and the call numbers, besides the specific location in the library. When you open the digital version of a book or magazine, check the bibliography for additional sources. You will often find a list of citations to many other books and articles in one subject area in this way. When pulling hard copy books from library shelves, this same advice applies, check the bibliography for a lead on more resources in your subject area.


4. Use Indexes to Find Periodical Articles.
   
   You can use periodical indexes and abstracts to find citations to articles that relate to your subject topic. The indexes and abstracts may be in print or in electronic format, or both. You can find periodical articles by the article author, title, or subject. When you have recorded or printed out the citation from the index, look up the title of the periodical in your library's catalog (usually electronic these days).


5. Find Internet Resources.
   
   Use your keywords to search for articles, books, and other materials that support your essay. The Internet is a fantastic source of information. Sometimes you can end up with too much information, so you may need to keep your focus narrow and know how to filter out irrelevant or redundant information. One important thing to remember is that you still have to cite your sources, even if you find your data online. You must list the date, author, title, and the URL where you found the information (unless the information comes directly from a print book, newspaper, or magazine, in this case you will cite the source as the book or periodical where it came from).


6. Evaluate and Sort Through Your Research.
   
   At some point you will have to sort through all the sources you have found and select only those items that most suit your needs. Remember, for an average 5-10 page paper 3-4 supporting and 1-2 opposing sources are enough. Do not waste time reading every single article, book, or entry or you will waste precious time. Do a first scan through of all your sources and select a small handful of those you want to investigate further. From these, select your few important supporting and opposing pieces and read them thoroughly. If you have found too many or too few sources, you may need to narrow or broaden your topic. Check with a reference librarian or your instructor if you need further guidance.


7. Cite Your References Using One Standard Format.
   
   Format all of your citations to all of the references you will be using with one standard format from a style guide such as MLA, AMA, APA or Chicago Style Guide. Be sure to ask your teacher, professor, or supervisor to find out which style they prefer you use. As a rule of thumb, MLA style is used for research papers, AMA is associated with medical and scientific papers, the APA is used for psychology subjects, and the Chicago style is used for media such as articles.